Climate Finance Specialist (Home based Retainer) - Gaborone, Botswana

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is dedicated to advancing sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding across the globe. Established with hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, GPO operates in over 130 countries, leveraging diverse expertise to deliver impactful initiatives. The organization collaborates closely with governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies to provide a wide range of services, including project management, fund management, and HR support, all aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Specialist position is a unique opportunity to contribute to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate action at a national level in Botswana. The role involves working with various stakeholders, including government officials and international partners, to mobilize resources and track progress towards climate goals. The incumbent will be embedded within the Ministry of Finance, supporting the Development Budget Unit in enhancing institutional coordination, building capacity for designing fundable climate projects, and developing systems for climate budget tagging and public financial management. This position is crucial for integrating climate considerations into macroeconomic policy and national budget processes, ensuring that climate spending aligns with national priorities and attracts international climate finance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical mapping of domestic and international climate finance sources, identifying gaps and constraints in climate financing.
• Support the development of concept notes and funding proposals for climate initiatives, facilitating collaboration with line ministries and development partners.
• Conduct capacity-building programs for the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies, translating capacity gaps into coordinated requests for support.
• Provide technical advice on climate expenditure tracking and reporting within the national public financial management system.
• Facilitate engagement with financial institutions to identify opportunities for greening finance and integrating climate risks into fiscal policy.
• Draft policy briefs and advisory notes on emerging climate finance topics, ensuring alignment with national development priorities.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Economics, Engineering, or a closely related field is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical, strategic advisory, communication, and capacity-building skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical information for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Finance, Economics, or Climate Change. A Bachelor's degree with extensive experience in related disciplines is also acceptable. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in public financial management and climate finance.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in climate finance, public financial management, or related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in climate-related public financial management, including the design or implementation of climate budget tagging systems and familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while basic proficiency in Setswana is desirable. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a retainer national vacancy for a duration of 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days and the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is home-based, meaning the incumbent will work from government facilities and must use their own laptop and software. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and all applications must be submitted before the deadline of 06-Nov-2026.