Project Specialist Investable Nature Project Pipeline; Home Based) internal and external

Organizational context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization focused on sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within its Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), the Planet Hub promotes nature-based solutions and integrated environmental approaches. The UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) supports countries in developing optimal financing solutions for biodiversity, increasingly engaging the private sector to redirect finance towards nature-positive outcomes.

This role is crucial for advancing the UNDP's efforts in biodiversity finance by developing a pipeline of investable nature-positive projects. The Project Specialist will provide global technical leadership, methodology development, and direct support to country teams. The primary objective is to facilitate private sector investment in nature by identifying, screening, and preparing projects, designing enabling environments, and building capacity. This position aims to increase global partnerships with the private sector, train national teams, and ensure the quality of national project pipelines, ultimately contributing to the redirection of finance towards nature-positive development and the achievement of SDGs.

The Project Specialist will lead the development of a private sector-related pipeline for investable nature projects, collaborating with the Global BIOFIN and Nature Investment teams. Key responsibilities include providing global technical assistance, fostering private sector partnerships, and training national teams. This involves designing standardized investment frameworks and templates for identifying and preparing projects in pilot countries. The role requires serving as a lead technical advisor to country teams on project sourcing, financial structuring (including blended finance), and revenue stream design.

Additionally, the Specialist will develop guidance on creating enabling environments for private investment, establishing national working groups, and analyzing investment gaps and risks. The position also entails drafting the design for an investment matchmaking platform, developing its roadmap, and coordinating global synergies with partner organizations. Capacity building through workshops and knowledge management by disseminating lessons learned are also integral parts of the role.

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Management, Finance, Economics, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be considered. Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience (7 years with a Bachelor's degree) is required in finance, development banks, private equity, or impact investment, with a focus on environment, nature, or climate finance. Experience with in the private sector (corporate, financial institution, or development finance institution) is essential. Proven experience in managing relationships with diverse private sector entities and investors, including impact investors, is also required.

Experience in developing bankable project pipelines in developing countries is necessary.

• Project pipeline development and management
• Financial structuring and blended finance
• Private sector engagement and partnership building
• Technical advisory and quality assurance
• Methodology development and framework design
• Capacity building and knowledge management
• Understanding of nature-based solutions and biodiversity finance
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

English

French, Spanish