Background
Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates).
Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts.
Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates.
General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity.
UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.
As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas, including:
SME Finance Sub-National Finance Digital FinanceUNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Advance Strategic Partnerships in Nordic countries
Implement a strategy for UNCDF’s engagement with Nordic governments, bilateral DFIs, central banks, national development banks, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector institutions to expand collaboration and mobilize resources for LDCs, SIDS, and fragile settings. Engage with Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Development Cooperation in the Nordic countries to identify opportunities for blended finance solutions aligned with their development cooperation priorities. Maintain strong relationships with key Nordic stakeholders—including NORAD, MOFA, NDF, Finnfund, IFU, Swedfund, and Norfund—to ensure that UNCDF’s value proposition and results are well recognized. Gather intelligence and provide analysis on political, economic, and policy developments in the Nordic region that may impact UNCDF’s partnership strategy and resource mobilization opportunities. Lead outreach to Norway-based public and private partners, including sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, to promote UNCDF’s capabilities in market development and de-risking investments in high-risk contexts. Expand partnerships with key Norwegian stakeholders SINTEF, Norwegian African Business Association (NABA) and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise/NHO, and explore opportunities for embedding UNCDF’s catalytic finance model within Norway’s broader international development cooperation priorities. Develop high-quality proposals, concept notes, and investment pitches that align UNCDF’s programming with Nordic financing priorities such as climate action, gender equality, digital inclusion, and sustainable infrastructure.2. Strengthen UNCDF Visibility and Representation
Plan, design, and implement high-impact engagement activities—including policy dialogues, investment roundtables, and side events in Nordic capitals—to showcase UNCDF’s work and results. Support UNCDF’s strategic representation in Nordic and international forums relevant to development finance, including events organized by NDF, OECD, and Nordic development agencies. Ensure timely follow-up with Nordic counterparts on agreed areas of collaboration, coordinating with UNCDF’s Front Office and technical teams to provide relevant portfolio information and data. Communicate UNCDF’s corporate priorities, strategic directions, and results transparently to Nordic stakeholders, strengthening institutional trust and alignment. Coordinate closely with UNDP Nordic Offices and other UN entities to ensure coherence and complementarity of UNCDF engagement in the region.3. Policy Dialogue and Strategic Communication
Position UNCDF as a partner of choice within the Nordic development assistance ecosystem through evidence-based policy engagement and tailored communications. Draft and review speeches, briefing notes, and memos for UNCDF senior management reflecting trends, priorities, and lessons emerging from Nordic development cooperation. Support the preparation of thought leadership materials, including policy briefs and op-eds, highlighting UNCDF’s contribution to global blended finance and SDG financing agendas. Collaborate with the UNCDF Communications team to prepare strategic outreach materials and promote visibility of UNCDF’s results and investment portfolio in the Nordic region.4. Strengthen Country-Level Engagement and Operational Effectiveness
Recommend approaches for stronger donor engagement at the country level, including enhanced coordination with Norwegian and other Nordic missions and development programmes. Contribute to the review of UNCDF’s country-level presence and portfolio financed by Nordic contributions to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and impact. Support field offices during audit, evaluation, and performance review exercises, providing input on operational capacity and identifying areas for improvement. Facilitate integration of Nordic development priorities—such as climate resilience, gender equality, and digital innovation—into UNCDF programming and operational strategies.5. Enhance Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Partnerships
Promote collaboration between UNCDF and Nordic development institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint innovation initiatives. Identify opportunities to integrate Nordic expertise and technical know-how into UNCDF-supported projects and financial instruments. Engage with Nordic private sector partners to explore blended finance mechanisms and private capital mobilization opportunities in UNCDF’s investment portfolio. Support the development and dissemination of knowledge products that highlight successful Nordic-UNCDF collaborations and lessons learned in financing for development.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3
Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impactThink Innovatively: LEVEL 3
Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problemsLearn Continuously: LEVEL 3
Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiencesAdapt with Agility: LEVEL 3
Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demandsAct with Determination: LEVEL 3
Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater resultsEngage and Partner: LEVEL 3
Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaborationEnable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3
Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityCross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Partnership Management: Resource Mobilization
Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirementsBusiness Direction & Strategy: Systems Thinking
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Business Direction & Strategy: Business Acumen
Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organizationBusiness Management: Partnerships Management
Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policiesBusiness Management: Communications
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 channelsPartnership Management: Relationship management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understandingBusiness Development: Integration within the UN
Ability to identify, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situationsRequired Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements:
Advanced university degrees (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Financial Management, International Relations, Public Policy, Public Relations or related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given consideration in lieu of master´s degree.Min. years of relevant work experience:
Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in international development, strategic engagement, resource mobilization or global finance is required.Required skills:
Experience working with a Nordic Government, including as part of a Nordic foreign service having served in diplomatic missions. Project management experience, including working with donor's grant contributions. Experience managing country-level operations for an international organization or equivalent.Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
Proven ability to engage with senior stakeholders, build networks and influence policy discussions. Proven experience and strong understanding of development of finance instruments, particularly blended finance, and public-private partnerships. Experience working with the United Nations System, both at HQ and country level. Experience working with a Nordic development agency. Experience in analytical, research, and drafting skills, including the ability to produce briefs, reports, and concept notes. Experience with different funding modalities, donor priorities, and financing mechanisms in development cooperation.Required Language(s):
Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is 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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