Biodiversity Finance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization established to promote sustainable development and eradicate poverty. The UNDP South Africa country office is part of a larger network that operates in approximately 170 countries, working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization focuses on various areas including poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and environmental sustainability. The UNDP has been active in South Africa since its establishment, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to implement initiatives that address pressing development challenges. The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is one of the key programs under UNDP, aimed at mobilizing financial resources for biodiversity conservation. Since its inception in 2012, BIOFIN has expanded to 41 countries, providing innovative methodologies to assess biodiversity expenditures and identify financial solutions to bridge gaps in biodiversity financing.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity Finance Analyst will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of the UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in South Africa. This position is designed for a national expert in biodiversity finance who will provide technical support to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. The primary objective of the role is to mobilize financial resources and develop innovative finance solutions that align with South Africa's biodiversity goals, particularly in relation to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The analyst will be responsible for updating the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP), assessing current progress, identifying new opportunities, and refining finance solutions to ensure that South Africa meets its biodiversity targets. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the private sector, financial institutions, and government entities, to promote sustainable biodiversity management and conservation practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Biodiversity Finance Analyst will have a range of responsibilities, primarily focused on providing technical guidance and support for the implementation of finance solutions related to the private and financial sectors. Key duties include:

• Developing, reviewing, and implementing BIOFIN South Africa finance solutions in coordination with national finance solution working groups and key experts.
• Providing technical leadership to mainstream green finance into the private and financial sectors, ensuring quality assurance of reports and conducting necessary meetings and workshops.
• Contributing to national policy dialogues aimed at improving the sustainable management of South Africa’s natural resources.
• Creating strategic partnerships with stakeholders in biodiversity finance, including public sector entities and private sector partners.
• Facilitating knowledge building and management through advocacy, training, and sharing best practices in biodiversity financing.
• Preparing synthesis reports, policy briefs, and other communication materials for various stakeholders, including government and UNDP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Development Finance, Environmental Economics, Environmental Finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. Applicants with a master's degree are not required to have prior professional work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree must have at least two years of relevant experience in sustainable finance, capital markets, banking, public finance, conservation finance, or environmental finance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Development Finance, Environmental Economics, or Environmental Finance. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with two years of additional qualifying experience, is also acceptable. Professional certifications in areas such as green finance, banking, ESG, or corporate finance are desired but not mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in sustainable finance or related fields for candidates with a bachelor's degree. Those with a master's degree are not required to have prior work experience. Practical experience with private and financial sector operations in South Africa is essential, along with proven abilities in preparing publications, reports, and presentations. Experience in green and blue finance, particularly biodiversity finance, is highly desirable, as is exposure to the operations of the financial sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills required for the role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within the UNDP South Africa country office. The Biodiversity Finance Analyst will report to the BIOFIN Project Management Specialist and collaborate closely with the Country Office team. The role may involve outreach activities to various stakeholders, including private sector entities, financial institutions, and government representatives. The UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and discrimination.