Climate Finance Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to operate in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, and works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Project Manager will play a crucial role in UNEP’s Climate Change Division, specifically within the Mitigation Branch's Finance Unit. This position is responsible for the implementation and development of clean energy finance-related projects, particularly the Seed Capital Assistance Facility (SCAF). The incumbent will lead the design, planning, and execution of complex clean energy finance initiatives, ensuring they are innovative, inclusive, and market-responsive. The role requires a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and strategic program development, aligning with UNEP’s programmatic priorities and the evolving climate finance landscape. The successful candidate will be expected to produce high-quality technical outputs, manage project performance reporting, and facilitate partnerships with various stakeholders, including multilateral and bilateral donors, private sector actors, and UN system partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project implementation and oversight for the Seed Capital Assistance Facility (SCAF): Lead the design, planning, and implementation of clean energy finance initiatives; manage thematic project components across renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and gender-responsive finance; oversee project performance reporting and quality assurance of outputs; produce technical and analytical outputs to inform program direction.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership management: Lead engagement with donors and partners; represent UNEP in international forums; facilitate the development of strategic partnerships; define roles and responsibilities of collaborators and manage procurement documentation.
• Resource mobilization and strategic program development: Develop project concepts and funding proposals; identify resource mobilization opportunities; provide policy and technical guidance; analyze data to identify trends and support decision-making; perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a strong background in climate finance, particularly in sustainable energy finance within developing country contexts. They should have a minimum of seven years of international experience in project management, with proven expertise in supplying seed financing to energy developers and private equity funds. Experience in managing a project preparation facility at the Green Climate Fund and designing business models to support clean energy investments is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in budget management, donor reporting, and partnership coordination, as well as familiarity with proposals development for climate-focused initiatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree (Masters) in international relations, political science, or a related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor's) with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. A specialization in international climate law is also preferred.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of international experience in climate finance, focusing on sustainable energy finance in developing countries, is required. Candidates should have project management experience in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Proven experience in managing seed financing initiatives and expanding project preparation facilities is essential, along with a track record of developing business models for clean energy investments.

Languages:
English and French are the mandatory working languages for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Italian is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension. The selected candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.