Climate Finance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The Timbuktoo initiative is UNDP’s flagship programme launched in January 2024, aimed at catalyzing innovation-driven entrepreneurship across Africa. The initiative seeks to mobilize USD 1 billion in blended finance, establish 10 thematic UniPods throughout the continent, positively impact 100 million livelihoods, and create 10 million dignified jobs. The Timbuktoo Digital Hub serves as the pan-African digital backbone of this initiative, connecting startups, investors, corporates, universities, hubs, and governments through a data-rich, AI-enabled platform. This initiative emphasizes the importance of high-quality, real-time data and knowledge products to drive investment decisions, measure impact, showcase success stories, and enable evidence-based policymaking across the ecosystem.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Analyst will play a pivotal role in supporting the design, coordination, and implementation of climate finance strategies. This position requires close collaboration with government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to enhance access to climate finance, strengthen capacities for climate-related budgeting and reporting, and promote innovative financing solutions that enable transformational climate action. The Climate Finance Analyst is integral to advancing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s climate and development agenda in Rwanda, ensuring that financial resources are aligned with national priorities for sustainable and resilient growth. Additionally, the analyst will support resource mobilization efforts, including identifying new funding opportunities, preparing investment cases, and engaging development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Climate Finance Analysis and Strategy: Evaluate the financial viability, risks, and returns of climate-related investment proposals. Support the design and implementation of climate finance strategies, including innovative financing instruments such as blended finance, green bonds, and results-based mechanisms. Monitor and report on the performance of climate finance initiatives using agreed indicators.
• Resource Mobilization and Partnership Support: Map funding opportunities and contribute to the development of concept notes, proposals, and investment cases. Support the preparation of business models for clean energy and resilience projects targeting vulnerable communities. Facilitate engagement with government counterparts, donors, and private sector actors to strengthen financing partnerships.
• Knowledge and Policy Integration: Analyze trends in national and international climate finance to inform UNDP’s programming and policy dialogue. Draft briefs, case studies, and knowledge products related to climate finance and clean energy. Support the integration of climate finance into broader UNDP country programme activities and pipeline development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of climate finance mechanisms and strategies, with a proven ability to analyze financial data and investment proposals. Familiarity with innovative financing instruments and climate-related budgeting is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, environmental science, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be advantageous for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in climate finance, sustainable development, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs in the context of climate finance and development is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UNDP. Knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and may require occasional travel within the country or region. The role is a full-time position, and the contract duration will be specified upon hiring. The UNDP promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNDP policies and standards.