Sustainable Finance Specialist (BIOFIN Project Lead)

Organization: United Nations Development Programme
Location: Accra
Job Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 10 May 2026

Company Profile

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient nations through sustainable development. In Ghana, UNDP supports inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and innovative financing solutions that advance national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Position Overview

UNDP seeks a highly experienced Sustainable Finance Specialist (BIOFIN Project Lead) to lead the implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in Ghana. The role provides strategic leadership, technical oversight, and coordination of national biodiversity finance efforts, ensuring alignment with national policies, global biodiversity frameworks, and UNDP standards.

The incumbent will manage project delivery, strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources, and provide technical advisory support across the Environment and Climate Cluster and the broader Innovative Finance and Inclusive Growth agenda.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management (BIOFIN Implementation)

• Oversee and manage all in-country BIOFIN project activities, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of outputs
• Supervise national consultants, experts, and technical teams, ensuring strong performance and accountability
• Develop and update project workplans, budgets, and Terms of Reference in collaboration with UNDP Country Office and the Global Project Management and Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU)
• Ensure effective administrative, operational, and financial management in line with UNDP and donor regulations
• Coordinate national Steering Committee processes, including establishment, convening, and reporting
• Organize multi-stakeholder workshops involving government, private sector, civil society, and development partners
• Lead monitoring, risk management, and adaptive project implementation strategies
• Maintain continuous communication with GPMTSU and ensure participation in regional and global technical engagements
• Align project activities with national biodiversity frameworks, including NBSAPs and the Global Biodiversity Framework

Partnership Development & Resource Mobilization

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, including Ministries of Finance, Environment, Trade & Industry, and other relevant agencies
• Engage development partners such as the African Development Bank, World Bank, bilateral donors, and philanthropic foundations
• Strengthen collaboration with regional and global platforms including AfCFTA, SDG Financing initiatives, and impact investment networks
• Mobilize private sector participation, including financial institutions, corporates, fintechs, and development banks, to support SDG-aligned investments
• Facilitate innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, sovereign wealth strategies, diaspora financing, and green/blue bonds
• Support quality assurance of technical outputs, ensuring alignment with biodiversity finance standards and stakeholder expectations

Technical Advisory & Knowledge Management

• Provide expert guidance on biodiversity finance, environmental finance, and sustainable investment mechanisms
• Review technical reports, policy documents, and analytical studies to ensure quality and relevance
• Lead technical discussions with government counterparts and development stakeholders
• Support the design of innovative financial instruments and biodiversity finance solutions
• Contribute to knowledge sharing across UNDP and national partners

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Finance, Development Finance, Environmental Economics, or related field
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years (Master’s degree) or 9 years (Bachelor’s degree) of experience in finance, investment-related projects, or development finance
• Proven experience in implementing financial products, investment instruments, or blended finance mechanisms
• Strong experience engaging with financial sector stakeholders and ecosystem actors
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and supervising technical assessments and reports
• Experience in biodiversity or environmental finance is highly desirable
• Exposure to International Financial Institutions (IFIs) or UN projects is an advantage
• Experience in designing fund structures, financial facilities, or investment platforms is highly desirable

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of another UN language or a national language is an advantage

Core Competencies

• Results-oriented leadership
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership building
• Strategic thinking and innovation in finance
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Team management and capacity building
• Analytical and problem-solving skills

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the application button below.