Technical Specialist Biodiversity Financing (team Leader) - (open To All Applicants)2 Applicants)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia is implementing Phase II of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), focusing on implementing innovative financing solutions for biodiversity conservation. This global program aims to address biodiversity finance gaps by strengthening the economic case for conservation and mobilizing public and private finance. The role sits within the Nature, Climate, and Energy department.

Job Purpose

This role provides technical advisory support to the BIOFIN Project Team in Zambia for the implementation of Phase II. The primary purpose is to design and operationalize innovative biodiversity and green finance solutions, aligning with national development and environmental priorities. The incumbent will collaborate closely with government institutions, regulators, private sector actors, and development partners to mobilize finance for nature-positive outcomes. Key contributions include translating analytical work into implementable instruments, fostering strategic partnerships, particularly with the private and financial sectors, and contributing to policy development to close the biodiversity and nature finance gap in Zambia.

Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist will lead and support the design, operationalization, and implementation of innovative biodiversity and green finance solutions, ensuring they are practical and scalable. This includes translating analytical and policy work into actionable financing instruments. A key responsibility is leading stakeholder engagement and coordination with government, regulators, private sector, and financial institutions to foster partnerships and mobilize private capital. The role involves providing technical inputs into national policy processes related to nature and biodiversity, and participating in relevant multi-stakeholder platforms. Additionally, the incumbent will prepare and review technical and policy papers, oversee consultants, contribute to BIOFIN's strategic positioning, support integration within UNDP Country Office programming, and prepare project reports.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (with a Master's degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required. Experience should be in areas such as sustainable finance, capital markets, banking, corporate finance, public finance, or natural resource/environmental management. Experience engaging with international and national experts and institutions is also necessary.

Skills

Strategic Thinking, Effective Decision Making, Business Acumen, Entrepreneurial Thinking, Partnerships Management, Change Management, Communication (written and verbal), Analytical Skills, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills, Ability to work with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, Ability to work independently, Stakeholder Engagement, Knowledge of standard software packages (MS Office).

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