Interregional Adviser in Blended Finance and Sustainable Investment

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch (SEPIB) of the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The FSDO is tasked with providing policy guidance and support for the implementation of agreements reached at international conferences on financing for development. The office operates under the mandates of various intergovernmental outcome documents and aims to catalyze investment towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The office was established to enhance the capacity of countries to mobilize investments and strengthen their ability to prepare and structure projects that align with sustainable development objectives. The FSDO engages with governments, development banks, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable investment practices and facilitate knowledge sharing and partnership building.

Job Overview:
The Interregional Adviser (IRA) will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch and the overall guidance of the Director of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office. The IRA will provide high-level technical expertise and advisory services to governments in developing countries, focusing on sustainable investment and blended finance. The role involves advising on complex policy and institutional issues, strengthening the link between normative and analytical work, and supporting country-level capacity development. The IRA will also lead initiatives to promote SDG-aligned investment opportunities and improve investment readiness, while ensuring compliance with intergovernmental guidance and strategies endorsed by DESA. The position requires a strong commitment to capacity building and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to foster partnerships and mobilize resources for sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing policy advice to governments and stakeholders in developing countries, focusing on sustainable investment and the implementation of the Sevilla Commitment. This includes delivering demand-driven technical advisory services, monitoring trends in sustainable investment, and preparing policy advisory notes. The IRA will lead the design of national policies and strategies for catalyzing sustainable investment, develop capacity-building programs, and provide strategic advice on the SDG Investment Fair. The role also involves making contributions to workshops and training events, leading resource mobilization strategies, and establishing partnerships with stakeholders in the area of sustainable investment. The IRA will be expected to perform other duties as required, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to high-level technical expertise in SDG-aligned investment, including project development and financial structuring. They should have a proven understanding of country capacity building needs and investor requirements, as well as the ability to convene diverse stakeholders in support of financing for sustainable development. The role requires familiarity with investment banking practices, capacity development concepts, and the ability to translate investment research into strategic advice. Candidates should also have experience in mobilizing resources and ensuring gender balance in staffing and participation.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, public administration, law, sustainable development, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively advise on complex policy issues and contribute to the development of sustainable investment strategies.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and investment is required. At least five years of professional experience in advisory work with national government institutions in developing countries is essential, particularly in areas related to sustainable investment project preparation and financial structuring. Experience in designing and delivering technical cooperation projects for national governments, as well as in structuring sustainable investment projects through to financial close, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in mobilizing extrabudgetary funding for capacity development projects within the United Nations system or similar organizations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset for this role. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills in accordance with the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and is subject to an initial probationary period of one year. The maximum duration of the assignment as an Interregional Adviser is three years, with annual renewal based on the continued need for the technical specialty and satisfactory performance. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to strict standards of integrity and professionalism in its recruitment process.