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.

Note: This position is 6 months, full-time with the possibility of extension based on business or project needs and the availability of funds.

Background

General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.

UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.

As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas, including:

•    SME Finance
•    Sub-National Finance
•    Digital Finance

UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.

Special emphasis is placed on supporting investments in the Pacific region, including Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where UNCDF works to address structural constraints such as small market size, geographic isolation, vulnerability to climate change, and limited access to finance. The Investment Specialist will contribute to advancing tailored blended finance solutions and catalytic capital deployment in Pacific markets, leveraging UNCDF’s regional presence and partnerships.

The objective of this assignment is to deploy investment and blended finance expertise to support the origination, structuring, execution, and management of UNCDF’s growing investment portfolio in last mile and underserved markets across programme countries. The selected incumbent will contribute to building a robust and high-impact investment pipeline, with a particular focus on the Pacific region, structuring transactions using UNCDF’s full suite of financial instruments and supporting the deployment of capital in fragile, small-scale, and climate-vulnerable markets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Investment Team Leads and/or their designate, and in close coordination with UNCDF investment and programme teams, the Investment Specialist will be responsible for the following:

1. Advise and Support Investment Origination and Pipeline Development

Identify and develop investment opportunities in the Pacific region, including in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a focus on sectors such as climate finance, MSME finance, digital finance, and resilient infrastructure.
Build and maintain a diversified pipeline of investments aligned with UNCDF’s strategic priorities, geographic focus.
Engage with ecosystem stakeholders, including private sector partners, DFIs, donors, and internal UNCDF teams to originate bankable and impact‑driven opportunities.

2. Lead Transaction Structuring, Due Diligence and Execution

Lead the structuring and execution of investments using UNCDF’s blended finance instruments (e.g., concessional loans, guarantees, investment grants, and blended finance vehicles).
Conduct end‑to‑end due diligence, including financial analysis, credit risk assessment, market feasibility, and development impact considerations.
Apply context-specific structuring approaches suitable for Pacific markets, including small-ticket transactions, local currency solutions, and risk-sharing mechanisms adapted to thin financial markets and limited data environments.

3. Manage Portfolio Management and Performance Monitoring

Manage an active portfolio of investments, monitoring financial performance, compliance, and achievement of development results.
Identify risks and underperformance early and recommend appropriate remedial actions, including restructuring or enhanced support.
Contribute to internal portfolio reviews, reporting, and performance discussions.

4. Ensure Investment Readiness and Market Development

Contribute to strengthening investment ecosystems in Pacific countries by supporting partner institutions, local financial intermediaries, and policymakers to address systemic constraints to capital mobilization.
Facilitate access to follow-on financing and support progression toward commercial or institutional funding.
Identify systemic market constraints and contribute to initiatives that improve access to capital in target segments.

5.Lead knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy

Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Ensure appropriate training and other relevant capacity building activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders
Proactively identify and pursue opportunities for the documentation and communication of best practices, programme results, and lessons learned.
Support establishment of knowledge platforms and innovative mechanisms for capturing and disseminating knowledge

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Investment Team Lead and in close coordination with the UNCDF Global Lead on Strategic Programming and Chief Investment Officer.

Competencies

Core Competencies - UNDP Core Competencies can be found here.

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
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
Business Direction & Strategy	Strategic Thinking	Develop effective strategies and prioritised 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.
Business Management	Partnerships 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 Management	Risk Management	Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
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.
Procurement	Financial analysis	Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability
Finance	Due diligence management	Ability to conduct a comprehensive appraisal of an organization or opportunity to be undertaken by a prospective investor or partner, especially to establish its assets and liabilities, as well as evaluate the potential opportunity and its related risks; knowledge of respective methodology and tools.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Management, International Development/Finance, or a closely related discipline is required. Or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated 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 of 7 years (with a master’s degree) or 9 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in investment, development finance, blended finance, or related fields, with demonstrated experience in emerging or frontier markets, including at least 3-5 years of experience working in the Pacific region or comparable Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Required skills

Proven experience in investment origination, structuring, due diligence, and execution, including blended finance instruments (e.g., concessional lending, guarantees, subordinated debt, first‑loss structures, and reimbursable grants).
Demonstrated expertise in financial analysis, credit assessment, rating methodology, and portfolio management, including the ability to assess risk, structure transactions, and manage complex early-stage investment portfolios.
Proven ability to structure and execute transactions in small, remote, or capacity-constrained markets, including familiarity with SIDS-specific development challenges (e.g., climate vulnerability, FX constraints, limited pipeline).

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

Experience with direct, in-country experience in Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including engagement with local financial institutions, governments, and regional organizations is desired.
Existing professional networks in the Pacific region (financial institutions, DFIs, regulators, and regional bodies) would be an asset.
Proven familiarity with UNCDF, UNDP, or comparable international development finance institutions would be an asset.
Experience and strong knowledge and evidence of application of capital structuring, co-financing arrangements, and risk mitigation mechanisms, including local currency financing considerations would be an asset.
Experience and strong and proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including government counterparts, DFIs, donors, and private sector leadership would be an asset.
Demonstrated commitment to impact-first investing, with the ability to balance development impact, financial additionality, and concessional return expectations would be an asset.

Required Language(s)

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.

Investment Specialist, IPSA-11, Suva, Fiji (UNCDF) - [Open to internal and external applicants]