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Background/ Project Description The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global programme launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2012 to support countries in addressing biodiversity finance gaps through systematic analysis and the identification of innovative, scalable financing solutions. In, BIOFIN has been implemented in two distinct phases. Explicit requirements include Fluency in English, with excellent writing, verbal communication, and and first-level university degree. Appears limited to nationally recruited or locally authorized candidates.
Last checked: 2 hours ago
Closing date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Country: Zambia
Duty station: Lusaka, Zambia
Contract type: National PSA- Regular
Grade: Not specified
Applicant eligibility: Local / national only
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Background/ Project Description
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global programme launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2012 to support countries in addressing biodiversity finance gaps through systematic analysis and the identification of innovative, scalable financing solutions. BIOFIN supports Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) by strengthening the economic case for biodiversity conservation and enabling countries to mobilize public and private finance for nature-positive outcomes at the national level.
In Zambia, BIOFIN has been implemented in two distinct phases. Phase I (2015–2021) focused on rolling out the BIOFIN methodology to establish a robust analytical foundation for biodiversity finance. This phase successfully delivered the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), Policy and Institutional Review (PIR), Finance Needs Assessment, and culminated in the development of Zambia’s Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). These outputs provided the first comprehensive assessment of biodiversity financing needs, institutional constraints, and potential finance solutions to address the national biodiversity finance gap.
Phase II (2022–present) has focused on the implementation of priority finance solutions identified in the BFP, with an emphasis on systems-level reform and private-sector mobilization. During this phase, BIOFIN has played a central role in supporting the development of Zambia’s Green Finance Taxonomy, including a corresponding tagging and reporting framework for the financial sector, in close collaboration with the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. BIOFIN has also supported the development of Zambia’s green bond market, working closely with the Securities and Exchange Commission to strengthen the policy and regulatory environment for green bond issuance, including the development of national green bond guidelines.
In addition, BIOFIN is an active member of the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group, contributing to broader efforts to advance Zambia’s green finance agenda. The initiative is currently supporting the development of a Green Finance Strategy and advancing additional financing solutions aimed at closing the biodiversity and nature finance gap, including work on nature-related financial risks, protected area financing, blended finance mechanisms, and other innovative instruments to crowd in public and private investment for nature in Zambia.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will provide technical advisory support to the BIOFIN Project Team during the ongoing implementation of BIOFIN Phase II, including the design and operationalization of innovative biodiversity and green finance solutions. The role involves close collaboration and coordination with key government institutions, regulators, private-sector actors, and development partners, as well as the preparation and submission of policy and technical papers to relevant ministries to support approval, adoption, and implementation by the Government of Zambia.
The scope of work covers the following specific areas:
A. Design and Implementation of Biodiversity and Green Finance Solutions
B. Stakeholder Engagement, Coordination, and Partnerships
C. Technical Advisory and Knowledge Development
D. UNDP Country Office Coordination and Programme Support
E. Reporting and Ad Hoc Assignments
F. Cross Cutting Requirement:
Institutional Arrangement
The Technical Specialist will be under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the:
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable LEVEL objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop innovative 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
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Direction & Strategy :- Strategic Thinking
Business Direction & Strategy :- Effective decision making
Business Direction & Strategy :- Business acumen
Business Direction & Strategy:- Entrepreneurial Thinking
Business Management :- Partnerships Management
Business Management :- Change Management
Business Management:- Communication
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Minimum Education requirements
Experience:
Minimum years of relevant work experience
Required skills
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Required Language(s)
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.
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