Project Lead and Sustainable Finance Specialist – Ethiopia, National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)
UNDP Ethiopia is seeking a Project Lead and Sustainable Finance Specialist
UNDP Ethiopia is seeking a Project Lead and Sustainable Finance Specialist to manage the development of Ethiopia’s first National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) under the GEF8 Umbrella Programme. This role involves overseeing all in-country activities, managing a national team, and ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of the BFP.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
Lead and supervise the national BIOFIN team and consultants, manage workplans and budgets, ensure communication with key stakeholders (Ministries of Finance and Environment, National Bank of Ethiopia, etc.), monitor project risks, and ensure alignment with national biodiversity processes.
Technical Advisory
Provide senior technical expertise on finance-related issues, ensure consistency across project workstreams (Policy and Institutional Review, Biodiversity Expenditure Review, Financial Needs Assessment, and BFP), and provide quality assurance for these deliverables. Specifically contribute to sections on subsidies and financing incentives, support data analysis, and lead the development of the BFP.
Sustainable Finance Focus
Provide leadership on capital market linkages (including green bonds), engagement with banking and pension sectors for biodiversity integration, and the development of innovative finance solutions.
Reporting and Communication
Lead national project monitoring and reporting, prepare reports for the global BIOFIN team, coordinate workshop reports, review technical reports, and contribute to publications and media products.
Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
Build and maintain relationships with government institutions, donors, UN agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Participate in donor meetings and support resource mobilization efforts.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s) in Environment/Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Political Studies, Economics/Finance, or a related field; OR a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with an additional 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience
Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in implementing environment/biodiversity/finance projects.
Technical Skills
Experience in data gathering and analysis, managing work teams, and supervising technical assessments. Proficiency in MS Office.
Desired Skills
Experience in capital markets, pension systems, or private sector finance; experience with tripartite engagements; knowledge of environmental/biodiversity policies; prior experience with UNDP projects.
Language
Fluency in English and Amharic is required.
Competencies
Strong leadership, project management, technical expertise in sustainable finance, communication, and partnership-building skills are essential.
Reporting
The Project Lead will report to the CRES Unit Team Leader (UNDP) and the EBI Deputy Director General.
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More Information
- Address Ethiopia
