Development Finance Officer - BIOFIN II (Open to all applicants)

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is coordinating the implementation of Phase-II of the project on “Building Transformative Policy and Financing Frameworks to Increase Investment in Biodiversity Management (BIOFIN)” with financial support from the Governments of Germany and Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).  The global programme seeks to assist countries effectively mobilize and align domestic and international biodiversity funds, including the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plans (NBSAPs), and to accomplish long-term development goals through continuously improving a method for measuring current biodiversity expenditure levels, assessing future financial needs, and designing comprehensive plans to leverage finance tools and solutions to boost financing effectiveness.

Biodiversity loss presents systemic risks to financial markets and economic stability. Despite this, biodiversity considerations are not adequately integrated into financial decision-making. The finance sector plays a critical role in shaping investment flows, but due to a lack of awareness, policy guidance, and financial instruments, biodiversity remains largely excluded from mainstream financial decision-making.

In view of the context provided above, BIOFIN Uganda seeks to recruit one Development Finance Officer who will work with the National Coordinator. Under the guidance of the Team Lead- Nature, Climate, Energy and Resilience unit, the Development Finance Officer – Biodiversity and Green Finance will be responsible for the integration of biodiversity into financial sector policies, regulatory frameworks, investment strategies, and risk assessment models.

• Conduct advanced research and perform data analysis to inform policy formulation on biodiversity finance, integrating insights on biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and sustainable financing mechanisms;
•  Conduct financial modeling and economic valuation of ecosystem services to support policy recommendations.

• Provide expert advisory support to the BIOFIN National Coordinator in engaging financial sector stakeholders, including government agencies, multilateral institutions, development banks, private investors, and academia, to advance Uganda’s green finance agenda;
• Serve as an expert advisor to policymakers on sustainable finance regulations and fiscal policy instruments;
• Prepare high-level reports and policy documents for submission to key stakeholders, including the BIOFIN Global Office, UNDP Country Office, Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group, and the Government of Uganda;
• Actively engage in high-level dialogues, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms at national, regional, and international levels.

• Lead consultations on sustainable finance frameworks, including biodiversity bonds, carbon pricing, and blended finance approaches;
• Lead the assessment and formulation of policy options to incentivize biodiversity investment and align public and private expenditure with ecosystem management goals;
• Develop innovative financing instruments and market-based solutions for biodiversity conservation;
•  Support the design and implementation of innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation;
•  Advise on the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into Uganda financial system;
•  Provide technical expertise on emerging trends in environmental finance, including nature-based solutions, impact investing, and carbon markets;
• Lead and oversee the development of financial incentives for conservation initiatives.

• Design and deliver expert-level training workshops, briefings, and technical support for policymakers, financial institutions, and project stakeholders;
• Develop technical guidance materials, policy briefs, and position papers on environmental finance and sustainable investment;
•  Lead knowledge management efforts, capturing lessons learned, disseminating best practices, and contributing to global communities of practice in biodiversity finance.

• Provide strategic input into project planning, ensuring alignment with global and regional best practices in environmental finance;

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

The BIOFIN Development Finance Officer– works under the general supervision of Team Leader- Nature, Climate, Energy and Resilience (NCER), and BIOFIN National Coordinator at UNDP, while from the government side – work closely with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Steering Committee (NSC). 

•  Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making 
   

•  Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

•  Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns. 

•   Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels. 

•   Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results;
• Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming;
• Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

•   Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets 
   

•  Ecosystems and Biodiversity
   

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Environmental Economics, Finance, Public Finance or relevant related field is required. Or 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in environmental finance, biodiversity finance, public finance, climate finance, or sustainable investment strategies. 

• Proven experience and sound understanding of key software packages (MS Office) is required. 

• Proven experience in engaging with financial institutions, government agencies, and international development organizations on green finance policy development;
• Experience in public finance management, economic valuation of ecosystems, and financial modeling;
• Experience in designing and implementing blended finance solutions, impact investment mechanisms, biodiversity credit markets, and conservation finance instruments;
• Demonstrated expertise in multilateral environmental agreements, biodiversity and climate change frameworks, and sustainable development financing;
• Strong track record of publishing reports, policy briefs and on biodiversity finance and sustainable investment;    
• Demonstrated ability to work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Experience in dealing with international and national experts and institutions;
• Experience and deep understanding of global biodiversity finance mechanisms, carbon pricing, and green bonds;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and analyze financial models for conservation investment and ecosystem service valuation;
• Demonstrated experience in strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, particularly with high-level policymakers, private sector investors, and multilateral organizations;
• Experience in developing and delivering capacity-building programs on green finance;
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex environmental finance concepts into practical policy recommendations;
• Evident Exposure to environmental issues or biodiversity. 
   

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in the national language of the duty station is required. 
   

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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