Investments And Debt Finance Specialist, Africa (open To Internal & External Applicants)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead UN agency for international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. The Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) accelerates the UNDP Strategic Plan by mobilizing, aligning, and deploying finance for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role, within the SFH Private Finance Portfolio, supports the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub, focusing on developing sustainable finance taxonomies and frameworks.

Job Purpose

The Investment and Debt Finance Specialist will advance UNDP's Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) agenda in Africa, contributing to global workstreams. The role focuses on delivering activities under the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub, providing technical and analytical support to governments and financial institutions on sustainable finance instruments, particularly green and sustainability bonds. This includes pre- and post-issuance support, knowledge generation on debt markets, identifying green investment opportunities, and designing monitoring frameworks for environmental impacts. The specialist will also build in-house capacity and institutional knowledge on debt and investment finance, translating skills into innovative financing instruments at the country level, aligned with the Global Green Bond Initiative and EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub.

Responsibilities

The Investments and Debt Finance Specialist will advance UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) agenda in Africa. Key responsibilities include providing technical advice and support for the development and implementation of thematic debt instruments and innovative development bond frameworks in selected African countries. The role involves advising governments and partners on country-specific financing needs, with a focus on green bonds under the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub. Strategic alignment with European Commission initiatives, including the Global Green Bond Initiative, is crucial, requiring contributions to joint workplans and reporting. The specialist will foster partnerships and scale sustainable finance solutions, including blended finance structures, and contribute to developing methodological tools for thematic bonds. Additionally, the role entails facilitating knowledge sharing, capacity building, and advocacy related to sustainable finance, including organizing training and workshops, developing knowledge resources, and promoting UNDP's work.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience (with a Master's degree) or 9 years (with a Bachelor's degree) in sustainable finance, thematic bond issuance, or related areas is required. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing thematic bond frameworks, including impact measurement, evaluation, and reporting, is essential. Experience in structuring thematic debt, particularly green and blue bonds, with issuers in Africa or other developing countries is highly desirable, as is experience in conducting market analyses for green bond opportunities and advising on sovereign, sub-sovereign, and corporate bond development.

Skills

System Thinking, Negotiation and Influence, Knowledge Generation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Relationship Management, SDG-aligned Fiscal and Debt Instruments, Achieving Results, Innovative Thinking, Continuous Learning, Adaptability, Determination, Engagement and Partnership, Diversity and Inclusion.

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