Project Lead and Sustainable Finance Specialist (Open to All applicants)

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

UNDP's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.

In recent decades, biodiversity finance tools and solutions have demonstrated their importance for achieving biodiversity goals and broader sustainable development objectives. Improved choice, design and implementation of effective, well-tailored finance solutions will strengthen countries’ chances of achieving national and global biodiversity targets. Biodiversity Finance Plans have become increasingly recognized as a relevant tool to help countries to identify and fill the biodiversity finance gap, including through the work of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative www.biofin.org. In December 2022, parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework. This included numerous targets with relevance for financing. Target 19 on resource mobilization includes reference for countries to design and implement national biodiversity finance plans.

The GEF created a global programme to support countries to design a national Biodiversity Finance Plan. A Biodiversity Finance Plan includes a systems analysis of a country's economy including to map existing financing mechanisms, subsidies with potential harmful impacts on nature, drivers of biodiversity loss and gain, public and private expenditures committed towards biodiversity objectives and a country's national financial needs for biodiversity. The biodiversity finance plan itself consists of a series of actions with the aim to significantly scale up available funding, green or phase out harmful finance flows and improve the effectiveness of available expenditures. The programme allows for active sharing of experiences across countries and includes a knowledge sharing platform and the provision of continuous technical support to country teams.

The implementation of the project in Sierra Leone falls under the GEF8 Umbrella programme for the development of the first National Biodiversity Finance Plan. The overall implementation of the project will be led by the Project Lead/Sustainable Finance Specialist, with the support of a technical team and in coordination to a government project director and the National Steering Committee.

For the implementation of the GEF8-BFP Umbrella program at the national level, UNDP is recruiting a national team composed of a Sustainable Finance Specialist (Project Lead), a Project Support Associate, a Policy Specialist and a Biodiversity Finance Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Lead/ Sustainable Finance Specialist “Project Lead” will be responsible for the overall supervision and management of in-country activities, ensuring a proper workplan and budget is in place and implemented within set timelines, with an effective national team and strong partnerships. The Project Lead will work closely work with the technical team of an Environmental Policy Expert, a Biodiversity Finance Specialist and a Project Support Associate, to ensure implementation mechanisms and technical working groups are established and meet regularly, that all planned workshops, technical studies and other activities are organized in a timely manner, and that they meet expected quality standards.

S/he is expected to have senior experience and to provide substantial technical expertise in assuring horizontal integration and consistency of workstreams/studies, as well as advisory services and quality assurance of national products and processes throughout the duration of the national project. S/he will be responsible for relevant sections the production of the Policy and Institutional Review, the Biodiversity Expenditure Review and the Financial Needs Assessment. S/he will also lead the preparation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan and will oversee the identification and implementation of finance solutions as requested. S/he will also specifically be responsible for outreach activities to national (Government, donors' delegation, academia, etc.) and relevant international stakeholders, and the preparation of synthesis reports, policy briefs, press releases and briefing notes for Government, UNDP etc.

A) BIOFIN Project Management Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for the project, including formulation and periodic revision of the Annual Work Plan (AWP), budget planning, HR, and procurement. Develop detailed implementation plans in close coordination with UNDP Sierra Leone’s Programme, HR, and Procurement teams;
• Manage and coordinate overall project implementation to ensure relevance, high performance, and delivery of quality outputs within specified time and budget constraints, in line with UNDP procedures and Government standards;
• Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to project personnel. Review and ensure technical quality of outputs produced by the team, consultants and relevant partners;
• Organize project workshops in a consultative manner, engaging a diverse range of biodiversity finance stakeholders, including government, private sector, NGOs, academia, local communities, and youth group;
• Ensure timely and thorough consultation and reporting of project updates including status of implementation of finance solution and financial utilization with the National Steering Committee with accompanying agenda and documentation;
• Proactively identify and communicate risks in implementation to the global BIOFIN and the UNDP Country Office;
• Facilitate monthly meetings among the national team and regular calls with the Senior Advisor from the global BIOFIN Team, ensuring participation of BIOFIN Core Team in regional technical calls;
• Collaborate closely with relevant UNDP and UN initiatives to ensure effective integration, alignment, and synergy across programs;
• Actively contribute to resource mobilization efforts by identifying opportunities, supporting proposal development, and engaging with potential partners which could include, but not limited to, government, private sector, philanthropies, and others.

B) Capacity building and institutional strengthening

• Engage with key policy processes to integrate and mainstream BIOFIN policy recommendations;
• Lead the development of the structure, functions, organizational linkages, and constitution of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Biodiversity Finance Plan for Sierra Leone;
• Assist in preparing templates for work plans, monitoring and evaluation systems, and partnership arrangements with national agencies and private sector;
• Supervise the implementation of sub-projects outlined in the Biodiversity Finance Plan endorsed by the Sierra Leone Government;
• Co-organize meetings with the Global BIOFIN team to identify programs and activities within the NBSAP and BFP suitable for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding.

C. Technical support in the design and implementation of finance solutions

• Conduct technical research and / or policy research related to the design and implementation of finance solutions including review of existing literature and policy frameworks to support the design of finance solutions;
• Convene technical meetings with partners including government agencies, private sector and academe to assess feasibility of finance solutions;
• Liaise with global team and other UNDP initiatives on improving implementation of finance.

D. Reporting, Communication, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Monitor project performance against targets, identify course corrections, and address deviations proactively;
• Lead in project reporting, drafting monthly and quarterly reports for submission to the Global BIOFIN team and donors.;
• Develop comprehensive reports for all technical workshops;
• Create briefing notes, case studies, press releases, web articles, and other media products as required;
• Assist with research and contribute to writing and editing sections of technical reports;
• Review all national-level deliverables to ensure quality and alignment with the BIOFIN methodology;
• Participate in cross-country knowledge exchange and global forums highlighting the learnings in designing and implementing finance solutions;
• Advocate for BIOFIN recommendations at all levels.

E) Facilitate Knowledge Management and Communication

• Document programme/project stories, lessons learned, and best practices in programme/project development, implementation, and oversight;
• Access BIOFIN and other global and regional knowledge, distill best practices and facilitate their dissemination and incorporation within BIOFIN Programme and projects, UNDP CO, and to counterparts and partners;
• Support capacity building and networking with other BIOFIN countries at the regional and global level, and to facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote uptake through Knowledge platforms such as webinars, thematic workshops, Knowledge fairs etc.;
• Support the technical advisor, together with other national program managers in the region, in mentoring new BIOFIN countries through peer-to-peer learning exchanges including periodic calls and in-country missions;
• Actively support the dissemination of the project’s results and achievements to wider audience in close partnership with UNDP Communications Team.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Lead and Sustainable Finance Specialist will be under the direct supervision of the SLED Team Lead. At the global level, this global umbrella programme will be supported by a Global Project Management and Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU).

At the national level, each country will have, as a requirement and as part of the National Project Management Unit (NPMU), a full-time dedicated Project Lead/Sustainable Finance Specialist, a Finance Specialist supported by a part time Project Support Associate, and consultants, such an Environmental Policy consultant, and others, as needed. The NPMU should be co-located with appropriate government agency(ies) in principle working side by side with government staff. A dedicated technical advisor by GPMTSU will be available to support each country’s work. Similar to the global level, the Project Lead is the senior most representative of the NPMU and is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the project on behalf of the Implementing Partner, including the mobilization of all project inputs, supervision over project staff, responsible parties, consultants, and sub-contractors. The Project Lead typically presents key deliverables and documents to the appropriate national governance mechanism and to the GPMTSU for their review and approval, including progress reports, annual work plans, adjustments to tolerance levels and risk registers.

Competencies

CORE

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross Functional & Technical Competencies

Business Management: Communication

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Business Direction & Strategy: Systems Thinking

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management: Project Management

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Partnership Management: Strategic engagement

• Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives

Partnership Management: Emerging partnerships

• Ability to engage with emerging partners, develop and manage a strategy and develop approaches to developing and managing these new strategic partnerships

2030 Agenda: Planet

• Nature Ecosystems and biodiversity: Biodiversity Finance, Environmental Governance: Multilateral Environmental Agreements (e.g. CBD and UNCCD), Environment: Environmental economics, including macro and micro tools and policies.

2030 Agenda- Planet

• Nature Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme: Nature-positive economy and Biodiversity Finance

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental or Natural Resource Management, Economics, Business Administration, Political Science or a related field on Environment and Finance is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with masters’ degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in managing environment / natural resource management projects / initiatives and implementing sustainable finance project in Sierra Leone.

Required Skills

• Prior experience in designing or implementing sustainable finance mechanisms or projects;
• Experience in working with governments and/or private sector on sustainable finance;
• Experience in working collaboratively with other members in the organization.

Desired Skills

• Experience in sustainable finance and development or other closely related fields;
• Experience with UNDP policies, procedures, and practices particularly to project development and implementation and/or working experience in an international organization/UN Agencies;
• Previous experience in the private sector and local government;
• Prior experience in building strategic partnerships with multiple stakeholders is an asset;
• Prior experience and knowledge in environmental or biodiversity related policies is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with the functioning of the government of Sierra Leon would be an asset.

Required Skills

• Fluency in English and Krio is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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