Adaptation Finance Specialist - [Open to internal and external applicants]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global leader in sustainable development, working to eradicate poverty and protect the planet. The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) within UNDP mobilizes expertise to advance strategic objectives. The Adaptation Finance Specialist role is based at the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition, which focuses on implementing partnerships and advancing collaboration with G7 and G20 countries.
Job Purpose
The Adaptation Finance Specialist will provide crucial technical expertise on climate finance to support investment planning and financial instrument design. This role is instrumental in strengthening international cooperation on climate adaptation through the G7 Adaptation Accelerator Hub (AAH). The specialist will also support financing synergies with UNDP and Italian government initiatives like the Mattei Plan for Africa and PISTA. The position contributes to mobilizing finance for climate action, supporting decarbonization, and building climate-resilient transitions in developing economies, aligning with UNDP's strategic goals for a sustainable future and effective climate governance.
Responsibilities
The Adaptation Finance Specialist will coordinate international outreach and engagement with G7, non-G7 countries, MDBs, private sector, and philanthropies, including organizing advocacy events and developing engagement plans. They will provide technical assistance to countries for developing investment strategies, identifying projects, and unlocking resources from various financing mechanisms. This includes supporting the design of the PISTA window for climate adaptation. The role involves capacity building for national actors on project design and adaptation finance access, particularly in Ethiopia. Additionally, the specialist will contribute to institutional coordination for AAH, provide technical advice on adaptation strategies, support stakeholder engagement, and manage donor relationships. The role also includes project management oversight for specific initiatives, such as the drinking water capacity project in Brazzaville.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years (with Master's) or 7 years (with Bachelor's) of relevant professional experience in development finance, climate adaptation planning, or program support is required. Demonstrated experience in designing or supporting climate adaptation/resilience projects, development finance, and working with emerging economies is essential. Experience with multilateral organizations or IFIs is desirable.
Skills
Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion, Portfolio Management, Communication, Partnership Management, Strategic Thinking, System Thinking, Development Finance Expertise, Climate Adaptation Finance.