Blue Economy Investment Specialist, IPSA11, Fiji - Suva (UNCDF)- [Open to internal and external applicants]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is an autonomous UN organization that assists developing countries, particularly LDCs, by supplementing capital assistance through grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDF aims to mobilize and catalyze capital flows for SDG-impactful investments, focusing on areas like SME finance, sub-national finance, and digital finance. This role is based in Suva, Fiji, within the Pacific region.
Job Purpose
The Blue Economy Investment Specialist will lead the origination, structuring, and deployment of ocean-positive and nature-based blended finance investments in the Pacific. This role is crucial for mobilizing concessional and catalytic capital towards enterprises and financial intermediaries that foster sustainable livelihoods while protecting marine ecosystems. The specialist will manage the blue economy portfolio, including the EU-funded Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund (SPBCF) project, and oversee other reef-positive interventions. The objective is to scale development impact through innovative financing solutions, contributing to sustainable economic growth and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Responsibilities
The Blue Economy Investment Specialist will manage all aspects of blue economy initiatives in the Pacific, including developing and implementing Annual Work Plans, budgets, and activity schedules. This involves leading day-to-day implementation, stakeholder engagement, technical assistance delivery, and pipeline development. The role requires managing project documentation, financial delivery, and ensuring adherence to UNCDF's Social and Environmental Standards. Additionally, the specialist will lead the sourcing, screening, and development of a pipeline of blue and green economy MSMEs, oversee their investment readiness, and guide due diligence processes. They will coordinate the structuring and deployment of investment grants, loans, and guarantees, and engage with financial institutions to mobilize private capital. The position also involves serving as a key focal point for blue economy engagement with governments, regulators, donors, and private investors, building strategic partnerships, and supporting policy dialogue to strengthen enabling environments for sustainable finance. Finally, the role includes overseeing monitoring and evaluation systems, ensuring high-quality data collection and reporting, and leading knowledge capture and dissemination efforts.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in finance or the private sector, with at least 5 years specifically in blue economy investment and financial instruments, is required. Experience in venture capital, banking within an international financial environment, private credit/equity for social impact investments in emerging markets, and project development for blue economy initiatives is also necessary. Proficiency in financial modeling with Excel and computer literacy are essential.
Skills
Strategic Thinking, Knowledge Generation, Communication, Working with Evidence and Data, Development Finance Expertise, Systems Thinking, Private Sector Engagement, Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion.