National Programme Specialist- Nature Finance (open To Internal And External Applicants)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Malaysia operates under a Country Programme aligned with national development priorities. The Nature, Climate and Energy (NCE) portfolio is the largest, focusing on biodiversity, climate change, and environmental management. With a shift towards innovative financing and partnerships for 2026-2030, UNDP is scaling up biodiversity financing initiatives like BIOFIN and TLIF to catalyze private investment and build capacity for nature conservation.

Job Purpose

The National Programme Specialist will lead and implement nature financing initiatives in Malaysia, bridging project-level activities with high-level policy. This role is crucial for scaling up biodiversity finance by developing new financial instruments, overseeing biodiversity projects, and fostering synergies within the NCE portfolio and the wider UNDP Country Office. The Specialist will engage strategic partners, including Financial Service Providers, to mobilize finance for nature-positive projects, drive impact monitoring, and enhance the scale and sustainability of UNDP's nature conservation efforts. The position reports to the Head of Nature, Climate & Energy and supports the Deputy Resident Representative, ensuring effective programme delivery and financial resource management to advance biodiversity financing goals in Malaysia.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction for UNDP Malaysia's biodiversity finance portfolio, ensuring synergy between initiatives like TLIF, BIOFIN, and GEF programmes. Oversee Technical Assistance facilities to support business incubators and conservation enterprises, and build capacity for local partners and communities in nature-positive business sustainability. Spearhead pipeline development by connecting conservation NGOs, incubators, and Financial Service Providers (FSPs) to structure bankable nature-positive projects. Equip FSPs with Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) capacity and provide financial literacy support to financed entities. Synthesize lessons learned to influence national policies on nature-based finance and establish KPIs for new financial instruments. Manage multi-stakeholder committees and conduct field missions for impact verification and advisory support. Oversee daily operational execution of biodiversity finance workstreams, develop work plans and budgets, monitor progress, and manage risks. Lead donor reporting, knowledge sharing, and impact tracking. Ensure compliance with project frameworks, donor agreements, and UNDP policies, integrating gender equality perspectives. Engage regularly with government counterparts, conservation partners, financial institutions, private sector, and local communities. Participate in forums to promote Malaysia's biodiversity finance innovations and assist in resource mobilization. Coordinate knowledge management within the NCE portfolio, contributing to knowledge products and communications efforts.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience (with a Master's degree) or seven years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required in areas such as resource mobilization, pipeline development for nature-positive initiatives, impact investing, sustainable financing, or sustainable business incubation for climate and nature. Experience in project/programme management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting is also necessary.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-Functional/Technical Competencies: System Thinking, Knowledge Generation, Results-based Management, Communication, Project Management, Strategic Engagement, UN Policy Knowledge (Ethics).

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