UN Volunteer - Climate Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations. Established in 1977, IFAD's mission is to eradicate rural poverty in developing countries. The organization focuses on empowering rural people to overcome poverty and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. IFAD operates in over 90 countries, providing financial and technical assistance to support rural development projects. The organization is committed to addressing environmental and climate change issues, which are integral to its mission, as outlined in its Strategic Framework (2016–2025) and Environment and Climate Change Strategy (2019–2025). IFAD is also accredited to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF), and serves as an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer - Climate Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting IFAD's initiatives in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Reporting directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, the specialist will collaborate with various teams to design, supervise, and implement rural and climate finance components across IFAD-funded projects. This position requires active participation in field missions, providing technical guidance on inclusive finance, safeguards, and climate risk management. The specialist will also be responsible for preparing concept notes and project proposals for funding from the Adaptation Fund, Green Climate Fund, and Global Environment Facility, ensuring alignment with government priorities and IFAD's technical standards. The role emphasizes the importance of monitoring indicators, analyzing finance delivery models, and capturing lessons learned to enhance regional knowledge exchange. The specialist will engage with various stakeholders, including rural financial service providers and development partners, to strengthen partnerships and expand access to finance, while also supporting the organization of learning events and technical workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer - Climate Finance Specialist include:

• Contributing to the design, supervision, and implementation of rural and climate finance components in IFAD-funded projects in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
• Participating in field missions and providing technical guidance to project teams on inclusive finance, safeguards, and climate risk management.
• Supporting the preparation of concept notes and project proposals for the Adaptation Fund, Green Climate Fund, and Global Environment Facility, in coordination with governments and IFAD technical teams.
• Drafting Terms of Reference for design missions and reviewing background documents.
• Analyzing rural and climate finance delivery models to assess sustainability, outreach, and relevance.
• Monitoring related indicators and contributing to IFAD’s corporate reporting systems.
• Capturing lessons learned from design and supervision processes for regional knowledge exchange.
• Engaging with rural financial service providers, regulators, fintechs, and development partners to strengthen partnerships.
• Supporting the organization of learning events, partner consultations, and technical workshops. 1
• Documenting good practices and contributing to IFAD/UNV communications products. 1
• Performing any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in climate finance, rural development, or a related field. Candidates should possess excellent analytical skills, with the ability to assess and evaluate finance delivery models. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials, financial institutions, and development partners. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to inclusive finance and sustainable development, with a focus on empowering rural communities. Proficiency in project management and technical writing is also required, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a degree in finance, economics, environmental science, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred, particularly for those with a focus on climate finance or rural development. Additional certifications in project management or climate change adaptation would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in climate finance, rural development, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs in developing countries is highly desirable. Familiarity with project management processes and funding mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of IFAD. Proficiency in French or Portuguese would be considered an asset, given the regional context of the position.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position with a commitment to support IFAD's mission in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The role may involve travel within the region and requires adaptability to local living conditions. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment. Compensation details, including allowances and benefits, will be provided upon selection.