Investments And Debt Finance Senior Specialist, Asia And The Pacific (open To Internal And External Applicants)

Organizational Context

UNDP, as the lead UN agency for international development, works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality, guided by its Strategic Plan 2026-2029. The Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) supports SDG financing, strengthening countries' ability to mobilize and deploy finance. This role, within SFH's Private Finance Portfolio, specifically the Investments and Debt unit, is an implementing partner of the EC Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub, focusing on Asia and the Pacific.

Job Purpose

The Investment and Debt Finance Senior Specialist will advance UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) agenda in Asia and the Pacific, contributing to global workstreams. The primary purpose is to deliver activities under the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub, providing technical and analytical support to governments, financial institutions, and issuers on sustainable finance instruments, particularly green and sustainability bond issuance. This includes pre- and post-issuance support, knowledge generation on fixed-income markets, identifying green investment opportunities, and designing monitoring frameworks for environmental and climate impacts. The role also builds in-house capacity and institutional knowledge on debt and investment finance, ensuring effective translation of these skills into innovative financing instruments at the country level, aligning with the Global Green Bond Initiative and EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub objectives.

Responsibilities

The Senior Specialist will lead the development and implementation of UNDP’s thematic debt offering, designing and piloting innovative development bond frameworks in selected Asia-Pacific countries. This includes providing tailored technical advice to governments and partners on green bonds, in close collaboration with the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub. A key responsibility is ensuring strategic alignment and coherence with the European Commission’s Global Green Bond Initiative, contributing to joint EC-UNDP workplans, reporting, and providing technical inputs as an implementing partner of the EC Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub. This involves preparing donor reports and contributing to monitoring frameworks consistent with regional priorities and global strategies. The role also entails contributing to UNDP’s broader financing and investment agenda by leveraging networks, fostering partnerships, and identifying opportunities to scale sustainable finance solutions at global and country levels, with a focus on blended finance structures. Furthermore, the Specialist will contribute to developing methodological tools and guidance related to thematic bonds and debt instruments, providing support to SFH Portfolios to enhance their application and impact in Asia-Pacific countries. Finally, the incumbent will identify capacity building needs and opportunities, ensuring appropriate training and related activities are organized and implemented consultatively. They will also proactively document and communicate best practices, program results, and lessons learned under the project.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years (with Master’s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of experience in sustainable finance or thematic bond issuance is required. This includes a proven track record in structuring thematic debt, such as blue and green bonds, in Asia and the Pacific. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing thematic bond frameworks, measuring impact, and conducting market analyses for green bond opportunities is also required. Experience in blended finance or other green/sustainable investment instruments, and familiarity with EU and international best practices for green bond issuance, are assets.

Skills

Required skills include excellent oral and written English communication and presentation skills. Core competencies cover achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, engaging and partnering, and enabling diversity and inclusion. Technical competencies include systems thinking, negotiation and influence, knowledge generation, monitoring, relationship management, and SDG finance (SDG-aligned fiscal and debt instruments). Knowledge of another UN language and supplementary financial certifications (CFA, CAIA, CPA) are assets.

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