UNDP Seeks Sustainable Finance Analyst to Drive Biodiversity Finance in Zimbabwe

Sustainable Finance Analyst – UNDP Zimbabwe

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the leading body championing sustainable development within the United Nations system, is seeking a highly motivated Sustainable Finance Analyst to join its Zimbabwe Country Office. The successful candidate will play a key role in implementing a new Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project under the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), which supports the development and execution of Biodiversity Finance Plans (BFPs) aimed at closing the biodiversity finance gap and achieving global biodiversity targets under the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework.

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Application Deadline: 24 May 2025, 05:59 AM
Job Schedule: Full Time
Grade: NPSA-9
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
Contract Duration: 1 Year
Languages Required: English and Shona/Ndebele
Education Requirements: Master’s Degree with 2 years’ experience or Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years’ experience

Background

As global environmental and biodiversity goals become more urgent, innovative and robust financing strategies are essential. The BIOFIN initiative provides tools for governments to identify, develop, and implement finance solutions that support biodiversity and sustainable development. The upcoming project in Zimbabwe falls under the GEF-8 Umbrella Programme and is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

The Sustainable Finance Analyst will lead Zimbabwe’s national project team and manage project delivery on behalf of the Ministry. The role involves coordinating stakeholders, overseeing consultants, and ensuring timely delivery of project outputs aligned with global BIOFIN methodologies.

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Key Responsibilities

Project Administration and Coordination

Supervise national consultants and institutions, ensuring timely, quality, and budget-compliant outputs.
Manage project work plans and budgets in collaboration with UNDP and the Global Project Management and Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU).
Oversee the identification of risks and communicate challenges to the global BIOFIN team.

Stakeholder Engagement

Organize and facilitate workshops and consultations involving government agencies, private sector, NGOs, donors, and academia.
Work closely with the Ministries of Environment and Finance and support the establishment and operation of a national Steering Committee.
Ensure project alignment with national biodiversity strategies and frameworks such as the NBSAP.

Technical Advisory Support

Act as the key technical contact for the project, ensuring consistency across workstreams and deliverables.
Lead the production of critical project outputs including the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR), Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), Financial Needs Assessment (FNA), and Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP).
Provide quality control and ensure feedback from the GPMTSU is integrated.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Lead monitoring and reporting activities including quarterly reports, workshop summaries, and final project evaluations.
Maintain compliance with UNDP standards and ensure alignment with global methodologies.
Report any delays or issues in implementation to UNDP and the GPMTSU.

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

Develop and implement a communication strategy to disseminate project findings and promote awareness.
Contribute to global knowledge networks and prepare annual publications, media products, and policy briefs.

Institutional Framework

The Sustainable Finance Analyst will lead the National Project Management Unit (NPMU), working under the supervision of the Project Director in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. The analyst will liaise with global partners, including the GPMTSU, to ensure Zimbabwe’s national efforts align with broader international goals.

Core Competencies

Results-driven and action-oriented
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Adaptable and innovative in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
Effective communicator and collaborative partner

Technical Competencies

Strong expertise in biodiversity and environmental finance
Proficiency in project monitoring and evaluation
Experience in private sector resource mobilization and procurement management
Ability to think systemically and manage partnerships across government, civil society, and private sector

Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in Environment, Biodiversity, Environmental Economics/Finance, or related field OR
Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with at least 4 years of qualifying experience.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years (with Master’s) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s) in environment or biodiversity-related project implementation.
Proven experience leading teams and coordinating multi-stakeholder processes.
Familiarity with project management software and standard office tools.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s environmental sustainability goals while gaining exposure to global best practices in biodiversity finance.

Apply before 24 May 2025 at the UNDP Careers Portal to become part of a dynamic team shaping the future of sustainable finance in Zimbabwe.