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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization for sustainable development within the UN system and acts as the key integrator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP operates across headquarters, regional, and country levels, leveraging local expertise alongside global insights to deliver effective advocacy and solutions. For six decades, UNDP has worked with partners to lift millions out of poverty and expand opportunities for all.

UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty—the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue supporting countries in advancing high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives—prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—guide its direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. All efforts are underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind.

Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) brings together world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks. BPPS ensures that UNDP is not only ready for the future but actively helps shape it with governments and partners. Working closely with the Crisis Bureau (CB), BPPS supports countries in navigating complex development and crisis contexts, integrating risk considerations into programming, and strengthening results-based management, innovation, and data-driven approaches.

The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to advance UNDP’s strategic objectives and signature solutions. Within the GPN, BPPS is responsible for developing policy and guidance, providing technical advice to Country Offices, representing UNDP in multi-stakeholder fora, and supporting UN inter-agency coordination across thematic areas.

The position of Adaptation Finance Specialist is located within the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition (the “UNDP Rome Centre”). The central purpose of the Rome Centre is to ensure the effective implementation and further development of the strategic partnership between UNDP and the Government of Italy, while advancing broader collaboration with G7 and G20 countries in support of sustainable development.

The Rome Centre focuses on three priority areas: the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA), Youth Engagement in Climate Action, and Energy for Development.

PISTA aims to mobilize finance for climate, energy, and environment by originating projects that support decarbonization and climate-resilient transitions in developing economies, while catalyzing international financial resources. Matching impactful projects with investors goes hand in hand with engagement with financial institutions—both institutional and private—at Italian and global levels.

Energy for Growth promotes access to sustainable energy in developing countries, contributing to SDG7. It supports partner countries in unlocking finance to scale up clean energy solutions, expand energy access, and accelerate the energy transition. By connecting UNDP’s country presence and technical capacity with the public-private ecosystem of Italy and other G7 countries, the initiative helps mobilize capital aligned with the international energy and SDG agenda.

Youth4Climate advances youth engagement in climate action, contributing to SDG13. It supports youth-led and youth-inclusive solutions through financing and capacity development, while providing young climate leaders worldwide with a platform to engage with policymakers and global decision-makers.

The Rome Centre also holds a broader mandate to engage the Italian ecosystem, working closely with key public and private sector actors to mobilize financial resources for development objectives. To ensure effective implementation of the Centre’s workplan and its long-term strategic impact, the Rome Centre will continue to expand strategic partnerships and reinforce collaboration with Italy and other key partners.

In addition to the above three programmes, the UNDP Rome Centre, in collaboration with the UNDP Climate Hub is implementing the G7 Adaptation Accelerator Hub (AAH). AAH is a global initiative launched under Italy’s G7 Presidency and supported by the Italian Ministry of Energy Security and Environment to strengthen international cooperation on climate adaptation by bridging the gap between planning and investment in vulnerable developing countries. Implemented by UNDP, the AAH delivers technical assistance over a two-year period (2025–2026) through five strategic outcomes: fostering global partnerships among G7, non-G7, and financial actors; supporting investment planning and project development in selected countries; advancing a flagship bilateral partnership with Ethiopia; enhancing access to adaptation finance knowledge and peer learning; and amplifying adaptation visibility through a strategic communication effort. Activities include delivering tailored TA to selected countries, supporting the development of national investment strategies and project pipelines, organizing knowledge sharing sessions and matchmaking events, and integrating tools and lessons into global knowledge platforms.

The initiative aligns with UNDP’s goals on inclusive climate governance, energy transition, and intergenerational equity, linking global policy to local implementation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES

Under the supervision of the Rome Centre Senior Adviser and in collaboration with the AAH Project Manager, the UNDP Rome Centre is seeking an Adaptation Finance Specialist to provide technical expertise on climate finance, particularly to support investment planning and financial instrument design to strengthen international cooperation on climate adaptation through AAH. The incumbent will support in strengthening financing synergies with UNDP and the strategic adaptation initiatives by the Italian government such as the Mattei Plan for Africa and the Italian government-funded initiatives such as PISTA. The scope of work over the course of the period may vary depending on the specific assignment and region.

The key duties and accountabilities to be undertaken by the Adaptation Finance Specialist are:

Adaptation Accelerator Hub Coordination

1- Support in international outreach and engagement with G7 countries, non-G7 countries, MDBs, private sector representatives and philanthropies:

Guide in design and implementation of international outreach activities with key partners and countries (donors and developing countries) in strategic fora such as G7, G20, UNGA as well as regional thematic events;
Coordinate and organize significant advocacy events on increased investment in adaptation held at international events such as the Conference of Parties (COPs) in coalition with key political and financial actors;
Provide support to develop and launch a structured engagement plan to onboard and maintain partnerships with key philanthropic and private sector actors, showcasing opportunities for collaboration through targeted events and outreach;
Coordinate in conducting Italian private sector stakeholder engagement events in collaboration with AAH partners and Italian financial and corporate actors.

2- Provide technical assistance (TA):

Support to Tier-1 countries – in the development of a detailed workplan and technical assistance in the form of investment strategy documents, building on national adaptation policies, identifying projects that need TA and other forms as needed with the aim that these projects can help unlock resources (grant and non-grant) from multiple financing mechanisms including multilateral climate funds (like GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund), MDBs, IFIs, NDBs, and climate finance mobilization initiatives such as PISTA.
Support to Tier-2 countries – Scope and provide targeted, limited catalytic “plug in” support to up-to 5 countries or projects that focus on investment planning and aim to unlock resources (grant and non-grant) from multiple financing mechanisms, including multilateral climate funds (like GCF, GEF, Adaptation Fund), MDBs, IFIs, NDBs, private sector;
Activate the abovementioned technical assistance by supporting the design of the upcoming ad-hoc PISTA window for climate change adaptation through technical support in the selection, assessment and TA for the projects selected under this window

3- Capacity building for Ethiopian officials and institutions:

Coordinate in conducting workshops and events to train relevant national actors on project design and access to adaptation finance, and peer-to-peer learning on best practices in adaptation finance;
Facilitate in developing a bankable project pipeline and mobilizing investment in Ethiopia through identification of high-impact projects, providing TA interventions, leveraging initiatives such as PISTA, unlocking resources (grant and non-grant) while also organizing events to leverage private sector and philanthropic financing sources.

4 - Institutional coordination and implementation:

Participate in the Executive Board and ad-hoc meetings for AAH and G7 engagement as needed;
Provide technical insights and advice to the Rome Centre Senior Adviser on adaptation strategies, priorities and develop plans to create synergies between the Rome Centre’s adaptation portfolio and strategic development initiatives by the Italian government such as the Mattei Plan for Africa;
Support the Rome Centre Senior Adviser in engaging with the relevant stakeholders by way of preparing or coordinating the development of briefing notes, bilateral meetings, internal communications and others as needed;
Coordinate and organize relevant events and communication efforts to streamline the functioning of AAH, especially with PISTA as a potential delivery mechanism;
Assist with donor engagement and relationship management activities as required.

Adaptation Collaboration

1 - Acting as a UNDP Rome Centre focal point for the strategic initiative for Improving and Enhancing Drinking Water Capacity in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Provide overall project management oversight for project implementation, ensuring alignment with UNDP policies, project objectives, and approved workplans;
Serve as the primary focal point for coordination and communication between UNDP, consultants, technical experts, and relevant stakeholders involved in project implementation;
Review, validate and approve key project deliverables – including work plans, methodologies and technical reports – in coordination with the relevant teams to ensure quality assurance and achievement of project objectives;
Provide strategic guidance and supervision to consultants and technical teams, while coordinating with designated technical leads to ensure effective monitoring of project activities and compliance with UNDP technical and operational requirements.

2 - Strategic collaboration across Rome Centre programmes

Identify and support opportunities for strategic collaboration across other UNDP Rome Centre programmes, including Youth4Climate, Energy for Growth (E4G), and the Rome Centre Partnerships team, to strengthen synergies between adaptation finance, energy transition, youth engagement, and private sector partnerships. This includes contributing to joint initiatives, knowledge products, learning events, and investment pipelines that connect UNDP’s country-level programming with a broader ecosystem of partners – including academia, civil society, philanthropic organizations, investors, and private sector actors – to mobilize finance, enhance knowledge exchange, and scale climate resilience solutions in developing countries.

3 - Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the project.

Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Ensure appropriate training, project workshops and other relevant activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.
Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.
Promote advocacy for UNDP’s work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.

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 Adaptation Finance 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 UNDP Rome Centre Head of Political Affairs and Strategic Initiatives . S/he will operate as a member of the Rome based Project Management Unit of the AAH. 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

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 COMPETENCIES

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
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
Partnership Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business Direction & Strategy

Strategic Thinking: Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
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

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.

2030 Agenda: Planet

Climate: Unlocking finance for climate change adaptation (public and private)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Environment, International Development, Public Policy 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, Knowledge, and Skills:

Required skills

Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional work experience in development finance, climate adaptation planning or program support, including demonstrated experience in designing or supporting climate adaptation or resilience projects.
Demonstrated experience in development finance with a proven track record in delivering adaptation projects and/or advisory operations.
Experience in reviewing and advising on the development of adaptation interventions, assessing project bankability, and applying sound technical, financial, and analytical skills to support informed business decisions.
Experience working with emerging economies and developing countries.

Desired skills

At least 3 years of professional experience with multilateral and international organizations, or international financial institutions particularly with a role focused on development finance and/or climate finance and/or advisory services (i.e., UN agencies, World Bank Group, African Union, African Development Bank, European Commission, European Investment Bank, etc.).
Demonstrated experience supporting project design for adaptation at the multilateral level (with funds like GCF, GEF and Adaptation Fund), MDBs, IFIs or the private sector.
Demonstrated experience supporting in project preparation or implementation (by means of oversight or periodic performance reports) of climate adaptation projects financed by multilateral climate funds such as GCF, GEF or Adaptation Fund.
Experience in climate finance, including adaptation finance flows and international climate finance mechanisms
Experience in engaging with private sector stakeholders (e.g., large corporates, emerging companies) in the context of mobilization of finance in developing economies.
Experience contributing to knowledge products, analytical reports, or strategic guidance on climate finance, adaptation planning, or results-based management.
Experience working with global climate initiatives or international cooperation platforms, including collaboration with UN agencies, governments, development partners, and private sector actors.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English 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

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.

Adaptation Finance Specialist - [Open to internal and external applicants]