Background
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with financial support from the Governments of Flanders, Germany, EU, Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland. BIOFIN supports countries with a methodology that provides innovative steps to measure current biodiversity expenditures, assess financial needs, identify the most suitable finance solutions, and supports implementation of these solutions to help achieve national biodiversity targets.
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 Botswana, the BIOFIN project is implemented at the national level by the UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as well as the Ministry of Finance. At present, some of the core activities of the BIOFIN Botswana is working with the financial sector towards mainstreaming of green finance into the financial sector. The country has undertaken an assessment on nature related financial disclosure readiness and institutional reviews and action plan which has determined the finance sector workstreams for implementation. This also resulted in the establishment of the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group to oversee the implementation of the Action plan.
In view of the context provided above, BIOFIN Botswana seeks to recruit one BIOFIN Environmental Finance Officer โ Biodiversity and Green Finance who will work under the guidance of the BIOFIN Country Project Lead and Senior Public Finance Expert. Under the guidance of the BIOFIN Country Project Lead and Senior Public Finance Expert, the BIOFIN Environmental Finance Officer โ Biodiversity and Green Finance will be responsible for the integration of biodiversity into financial sector policies, regulatory frameworks, investment strategies, and risk assessment models.
Duties and Responsibilities
Facilitate Research and Data Analysis:
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.Provision of Advisory and Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:ย
Provide expert advisory support to the BIOFIN Botswana Project Lead and Senior Public Finance Expert in engaging financial sector stakeholders, including government agencies, multilateral institutions, development banks, private investors, and academia, to advance Botswanaโs 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 Botswana; Actively engage in high-level dialogues, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms at national, regional, and international levels.Lead Consultations on Sustainable Finance Frameworks and Policy Development:
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 Botswanaโs 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.Facilitate Capacity Building and Knowledge Management:
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.Ensure Strategic Planning and Alignment:
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.
Institutional Arrangement:ย
The BIOFIN Environmental Finance Officer - Biodiversity and Green Finance works under the general supervision of BIOFIN Project Lead and Senior Public Finance Expert.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results:ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline. Think Innovatively:ย LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. Learn Continuously:ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback. Adapt with Agility:ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. Act with Determination:ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident. Engage and Partner:ย LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Working with Evidence and Data:ย
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-makingDigital Awareness and Literacy:
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.Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:
Communication:
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.Monitoring & Evaluation:
Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively.ย 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.Budget management:
Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.Nature:
Ecosystems and Biodiversity.Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Education Requirements:
Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Environmental Finance, Sustainable Development, Economics, Public Finance, Environmental Policy, or related field is required. ORย A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Minimum years of relevant experience:
Applicants with a Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.; Applicants with a Bachelorโs degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in environmental finance, biodiversity finance, public finance, climate finance, or sustainable investment strategies.Required Skills:
Proven experience and sound understanding of key software packages (MS Office) is required.Desired Skills:
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;ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 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.Required Language(s):
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in the national language of the duty station (Setswana) is required.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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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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