BIOFIN Project Manager: Biodiversity Finance Lead, Pretoria

Job Overview TIERED APPROACH 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 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.

Background The BIOFIN Project Management Specialist (NPSA 11) will be based in the UNDP South Africa Country Office within the Nature, Climate, and Environment (NCE) Unit. Reporting to the Head of unit, the position works closely with the National BIOFIN focal point at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and liaises with the UNDP BIOFIN Global Team. The role is central to ensuring coordination, technical leadership, and delivery of BIOFIN Project outputs at the national level.

Scope of Work

Develop and Implement Finance Solutions

Lead the design and implementation of two new biodiversity finance solutions, with emphasis on private sector engagement. Activities include stakeholder consultations, technical workshops, and pilot testing.

Expected Results: Validated finance solutions integrated into South Africa’s Biodiversity Finance Plan.

Frameworks: BIOFIN methodology, National Biodiversity Finance Plan, South Africa’s financial sector regulations.

Update Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

Revise the BER to include private sector contributions and climate finance synergies, ensuring comprehensive national biodiversity finance data.

Expected Results: Updated BER reflecting diversified finance sources.

Frameworks: BIOFIN BER guidelines, national treasury reporting standards, and climate finance strategies.

Support National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Collaborate with DFFE to cost and integrate biodiversity finance into NBSAP activities.

Expected Results: Updated NBSAP with costed activities aligned to finance solutions.

Frameworks: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), South Africa’s NBSAP, Early Action Support Project.

Capacity Building for Financial Institutions

Deliver training modules on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), focusing on biodiversity risk integration.

Expected Results: Enhanced private sector capacity to integrate biodiversity into financial decision‑making.

Frameworks: TNFD principles, UNDP BIOFIN training modules.

Project Management and Reporting

Oversee consultants and subcontractors, ensuring quality assurance, and prepare timely reports for UNDP and BIOFIN Global.

Expected Results: High‑quality deliverables, compliance with UNDP systems, timely reporting.

Frameworks: UNDP corporate systems (Quantum, SharePoint), BIOFIN Phase 2 Work Plan.

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

Build partnerships with government, donors, civil society, and the private sector to mobilize biodiversity finance.

Expected Results: Strengthened partnerships and increased financial commitments for biodiversity.

Frameworks: UNDP‑GEF projects, national finance policies, donor strategies.

Knowledge Management and Communication

Implement BIOFIN communications strategy and produce policy briefs, success stories, and opinion pieces.

Expected Results: Increased visibility and awareness of biodiversity finance.

Frameworks: UNDP communications guidelines, BIOFIN communications strategy.

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

Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3– Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, delivering lasting impact.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3– Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3– Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3– Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3– Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3– Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter‑agency collaboration.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3– Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Required Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Resource Economics, Development Finance, Environmental Economics, Development Studies, or related field.

Alternatively, a first‑level university degree (bachelor’s) in the above fields plus an additional two years of qualifying experience.

Required Experience

Minimum 7 years (master’s degree) or 9 years (bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in sustainable finance, development, capital markets, banking (corporate finance), public finance, conservation finance, or environmental economics/finance.

Required Skills

Experience with climate and/or biodiversity finance.

Exposure to operations of the private and financial sector (banking, capital markets, asset managers).

Excellent project management, planning, and execution skills.

Strong analytical, writing and communication skills, especially on professional social media platforms.

Ability to prepare publications, reports and presentations.

Ability to work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.

Strong motivation and ability to work and deliver under short deadlines.

Focus on impact and results for the client and respond positively to critical feedback.

Able to work independently with little or no supervision.

Experience in dealing with international and national experts and institutions.

Evident exposure to environmental issues or biodiversity.

Desired Skills

Previous experience or involvement in the BIOFIN Initiative would be an added advantage.

Flexibility: readily adapts to change, new products, systems, methods, and products.

Demonstrated ability to network and strike collaborative linkages.

Required Language

Fluency in English, with excellent writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills.

Knowledge and understanding in at least two South African local languages would be an asset.

Equal Opportunity 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.

Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse of Authority 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.

Right to Select Multiple Candidates 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.

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