Biodiversity Finance Analyst – Public and Financial Sector

Job Posting Organization:
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global programme launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 201

• Its mission is to support countries in addressing biodiversity finance gaps through systematic analysis and the identification of innovative, scalable financing solutions. BIOFIN aims to strengthen the economic case for biodiversity conservation and enable countries to mobilize public and private finance for nature-positive outcomes at the national level. The initiative has been implemented in Zambia in two distinct phases, focusing on establishing a robust analytical foundation for biodiversity finance and implementing priority finance solutions identified in the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP).

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Finance Analyst – Public and Financial Sector will provide analytical, coordination, and operational support to the implementation of BIOFIN Phase II in Zambia. This role involves supporting the design, advancement, and delivery of biodiversity and green finance initiatives through research, stakeholder engagement, policy support, and reporting. The analyst will work under the direct supervision of the BIOFIN Country Team Lead / Technical Specialist for Biodiversity Financing and will be responsible for various tasks that contribute to the successful implementation of the BIOFIN programme, including data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of communication materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Biodiversity Finance Analyst include: A. Provision of Analytical Support and Research: Conduct data mining, desk research, and analytical work to support biodiversity finance and related policy processes; prepare background analyses and briefs to inform policy formulation; maintain datasets and analytical inputs for BIOFIN knowledge products. B. Support to Biodiversity and Green Finance Initiatives: Assist in the design and operationalization of biodiversity and green finance solutions; analyze policy and financing options to promote biodiversity investment; provide technical support to ongoing green finance initiatives. C. Ensure Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Facilitate consultations with stakeholders, organize meetings and workshops, and support coordination with relevant platforms. D. Facilitate Knowledge Products and Communication: Prepare reports, policy notes, and communication materials; document lessons learned and good practices. E. Provide Reporting and Programme Support: Support periodic reporting to stakeholders; assist with internal coordination and planning processes. F. Cross-Cutting Requirement: Undertake additional tasks as needed to support the effective implementation of the BIOFIN programme.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Management, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the stated areas, combined with two years of qualifying experience, will be considered. Applicants with a master's degree are not required to have professional work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in sustainable finance, capital markets, banking, corporate finance, public finance, or environmental management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Management, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the relevant areas, along with two years of qualifying experience, is also acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires applicants with a master's degree to have no prior professional work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in fields such as sustainable finance, capital markets, or environmental management. Desired skills include collaboration with diverse stakeholders, strong analytical and research capabilities, and experience in public finance-related analytical work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Biodiversity Finance Analyst position is part of a tiered application process, and candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria based on their current employment status within UNDP/UNCDF/UNV. The role is expected to involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and financial sector actors, and may require participation in workshops and consultations. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement.