Project Lead & Biodiversity Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that focuses on sustainable development and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, employing around 17,000 people. The organization aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development, providing expertise and support to countries in their development efforts. UNDP's Global Policy Network (GPN) integrates local knowledge with global perspectives to address pressing development challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable governance.

Job Overview:
The Project Lead & Biodiversity Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the GEF8-Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) Umbrella program at the national level in Fiji. This position involves leading a centralized project management unit (PMU) based in Suva, overseeing the development and execution of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) program. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic technical direction, managing project inputs, supervising project staff, and ensuring the timely delivery of project outputs. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, to promote integrated governance approaches and nature-based solutions that align with national biodiversity targets and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key duties and responsibilities of the Project Lead & Biodiversity Finance Specialist include:

• Providing strategic technical direction and leadership for the project.
• Overseeing the identification, selection, and supervision of national consultants and experts.
• Writing and revising terms of references for national BIOFIN team members.
• Elaborating and revising work plans and budgets in consultation with the UNDP Country Office and GPMTSU.
• Supervising the work of national experts and institutions to ensure timely and high-quality outputs.
• Organizing project workshops involving a variety of biodiversity finance stakeholders.
• Maintaining communication with Ministries of Environment and Finance for report development.
• Identifying risks in project implementation and communicating them to GPMTSU.
• Leading project monitoring, reporting, and evaluation at the national level. 1
• Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with relevant institutions and stakeholders. 1
• Contributing to knowledge management and information sharing within the UNDP country office.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environment/Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Political Studies, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in implementing environment/biodiversity/finance projects. Knowledge of key software packages (MS Office) and experience in data gathering, team management, and budget formulation are essential. Experience working with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environment/Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Political Studies, Economics, or Finance. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, along with two additional years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of biodiversity finance and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 9 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be progressively responsible and include work at the national or international level in the implementation of environment, biodiversity, or finance projects. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing teams, formulating budgets, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Fijian and/or Fiji Hindi is required. Proficiency in other UN languages is considered an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Suva, Fiji, and is a full-time role. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. The recruitment process does not involve any fees.