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, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the 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 the Strategic Plan.
The UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition (the “UNDP Rome Centre”) is the key platform for the strategic engagement between UNDP and the Italian Government. It focuses on the critical policy areas of climate finance, youth engagement in climate action, and energy for development. These objectives are pursued through the effective implementation of its three main programmes:
- PISTA (Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance) is a climate finance mobilization facility based at the UNDP Rome Centre. Its overarching objective is to narrow the gap between the climate finance available and what is needed in developing economies, thus supporting their decarbonization efforts and transition to climate-resilient economies. PISTA provides technical assistance grants to prepare large, impactful climate change mitigation and adaptation Projects in developing economies and make them bankable and ready for investment. PISTA further connects such projects with interested financiers and aims to unlock blended finance from national and international financing instruments.
- Youth4Climate promotes youth engagement in climate action, contributing to SDG13. Youth4Climate supports the implementation of youth-led and youth-inclusive solutions to environmental and climate challenges, both financially and through capacity development. It also gives young people around the world who are committed to fighting climate change a platform to engage with policymakers and global leaders.
- Energy For Growth (“E4G”) aims to promote access to sustainable energy in developing countries, contributing to SDG7. The goal of the initiative is to assist partner countries in unlocking finance to scale up the diffusion of clean energy solutions, increase access to energy and boost the energy transition. E4G aims to foster the mobilization of public and private capital toward projects aligned with the international policy agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It does so by connecting UNDP's capacity and connections in emerging economies and developing countries with the public-private ecosystem of Italy and other G7 countries, in the crucial sector of energy.
Scope of Work:
The UNDP Rome Centre requires an additional team member to work on the PISTA projects as a Programme and Strategy Specialist. The Specialist will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the post-origination phase of projects in the field of climate change and development finance to deliver on the activities described below. The scope of work over the course of the period may vary depending on the specific assignment and region.
Duties and Responsibilities
The key duties and accountabilities to be undertaken by the Specialist are:
Ensure the formulation and implementation of programme strategies and policies:
- Ensure effective execution of operational and programmatic functions in support of PISTA’s strategic priorities;
- Ensure support for the implementation of the projects selected as part of the first Call for Applications;
- Support in the strategic development of future project origination modalities including the second round of Call For Applications;
- Contribute to refining PISTA’s functionalities and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness;
- Report on project effectiveness and impact, contribute to the development of the PISTA’s annual report by providing data and insights on performance of assigned projects;
- Support the Climate Finance and Private Sector Specialist and work with the PISTA team in the continuous operationalization and scale up of PISTA;
- Support the Sustainable Finance and Investment Specialist in expanding PISTA’s network of international and national financiers;
- Proactively contribute to donor engagement, relationship management, and PISTA’s overall visibility and outreach as required, and ensure timely publication and dissemination of reports in accordance with PITSA milestones and KPIs.
Project Scoping and Selection:
- Collaborate with project origination teams to assess financial, climate and sustainability aspects of identified projects;
- Evaluate project eligibility based on defined criteria, ensuring alignment with sustainable finance principles and climate objectives;
- Monitor activities to track progress, results, and identify areas for improvement for assigned projects.
Advisory Services to Projects and Country Teams:
- Serve as the primary contact for applications of the PISTA calls for applications;
- Advise UNDP Country Offices on the PISTA application procedures and respond to any questions regarding the application process and the programme as a whole;
- Provide advisory support on financial structuring and the bankability aspects of projects to UNDP Country Offices as needed;
- Facilitate communication between UNDP Country Offices and various UNDP teams (Operations, Social and Environmental Standards, Gender, Due Diligence, etc.) as required;
- Prepare necessary project materials and coordinate with other PISTA team members to engage with potential financiers as part of PISTA’s downstream
intervention support; - Contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives within the PISTA team and with UNDP Country Offices.
Intervention Design and Implementation:
- For projects selected by PISTA, create work plans and support UNDP country offices in the implementation of approved interventions, ensuring alignment with project objectives and guidelines;
- Based on intervention needs, manage the procurement of necessary expertise and services, adhering to UNDP policies and procedures;
- Provide technical guidance and support to project implementation teams;
- Oversee the quality of deliverables produced during project implementation, including reports and studies;
- Maintain clear communication with stakeholders, including government counterparts, relevant experts, UNDP Country Offices, and the JWG, providing regular updates and progress reports.
- Monitor progress against timelines and budgets, identifying and mitigating potential risks and issues for assigned projects;
- Assist with donor engagement and relationship management activities as required.
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 incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
The Programme and Strategy Specialist is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of UNDP resources, including equipment, and supplies. The incumbent may also be asked to supervise the work of external consultants and more junior staff.
The incumbent will report to the Climate Finance and Private Sector Specialist. The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of tasks under this assignment.
The incumbent will be office based with the Rome Centre in Rome, Italy. International mission travel may be required.
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
People Management: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical:
Business Management - Project Management:
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management - Portfolio Management:
- Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
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 - System 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
Partnership Management - Private Sector Engagement:
- Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector
Finance Development - Finance Expertise:
- Ability to develop and work with innovative financing mechanisms and instruments, e.g. social/development impact bonds, guarantees, climate finance, etc.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Min. requirements Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Investment, Economics, Finance, Environment, International Development, or related disciplines is required, or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional work experience in development finance, investment management or investment mobilization.
Required skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in development finance with a proven track record in delivering investment projects and/or advisory operations.
Sound financial, credit, and analytical skills, including the ability to review and advise on the development of financial models, assess project bankability, and exercise sound business judgment. - Experience working with emerging economies and developing countries in Africa.
Desired skills:
- At least 3 years of professional experience with multilateral and international organizations, and international financial institutions particularly with a role focused on investment management and/or advisory services (i.e., UN agencies, World Bank Group, African Union, African Development Bank, European Commission, European Investment Bank, etc.).
- Experience with entire investment management cycle, including structuring blended finance support and/or advisory services to enhance project bankability.
- Experience in structuring and deploying innovative financial instruments such as guarantees/risk sharing facilities, local currency facilities, structured equity, and other instruments.
- Experience in engaging with private sector stakeholders (e.g., large corporates, emerging companies) in the context of mobilization of finance in Africa will be an asset.
Required Language(s):
- Fluency in English is mandatory
- Working knowledge of French is desirable.
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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
