Financing for Development Specialist

undp - Karachi, Pakistan | 2024-07-26 14:39:11

Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization, fighting to end the  injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

 The Agenda 2030, based on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is underpinned by a strong commitment to leave no one behind and to reach the furthest behind first. It recognizes the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and inequality and provides a framework that comprehensively addresses all dimensions of well-being. Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to endorse the SDGs at the Sustainable Development Summit held on 25 September 2015. In 2016, Pakistan Parliament unanimously approved the SDGs as the national development agenda. Since then, Pakistan has demonstrated an impressive policy, institutional, and financial commitment to achieving SDGs, embracing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and leaving no one behind by adopting the UNDP-supported Goals frameworks as part of its national development planning. Since adopting the SDGs as the National Development Agenda, the Sindh Government took the lead in establishing the SDGs Support Unit at the Planning & Development Board in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.  

As a second-generation intervention of the long-standing National Initiative for SDGs (2016-2023), the Sindh SDGs Plus Project, as a joint initiative of UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Sindh, is launched to strengthen a policy integration approach, evidence-based decision-making, resilient institutional capacities, diversified partnerships, mobilization of innovative financing, and integrating climate resilience, innovation, social protection and inclusion to provide a comprehensive ‘SDG Push’ in priority policy areas to help Sindh embark on a stable, sustainable, and accelerated trajectory of achieving the SDGs. The project is anchored by an integrated framework comprising three key areas based on the provincial priorities, including: 

  • Objective 1: Internalizing SDGs: Improved governance for SDGs aligned equitable and inclusive development planning, budgeting, expenditure tracking, monitoring, and reporting, with a special focus on underdeveloped/marginalized districts to achieve regional equalization.
  • Objective 2: Financing for Development and Climate Resilience: Public and private financing for development, identifying and channelling resources to reduce the development financing gap, focusing on SDG investments and climate financing. 
  • Objective 3: Inclusive Development, Social Protection, and Innovation: Gender equality, inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation mainstreamed in SDGs to achieve Leave No One Behind. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, SDGs Plus Project in Sindh, the Financing for Development Specialist’s prime responsibility is to ensure the following deliverables:

Development of Financing Policy Framework> 

  • Create synergies with the private sector around financing for development portfolio including creating avenues for identifying and/or co-financing SDG-linked projects, involvement in public-private partnerships, sponsorships, support with advocacy and community engagement. 
  • Provide technical support to design and implement a comprehensive Provincial Financing for Development Framework. 
  • Facilitate the rollout and adoption of the framework across provincial and regional levels whilst ensuring linkages across provinces and federal initiatives. 
  • Conduct in-depth policy analysis and research on international best practices in Financing for Development to inform the design of the national framework. 
  • Curate and implement innovative financing programme portfolios for SDGs Investments, Development and Climate Financing, and Climate Resilience. 
  • Develop plans (particularly resource planning) around disaster resilience and environmental sustainability under the broader ambit of Climate Financing, leveraging investment solutions, with a focus on flood/disaster resilience. 
  • Assist in leveraging UNDP’s SDGs Investment and Climate Change Facility aimed at advising the Government on an integrated institutional policy framework for Development Financing. 
  • Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to both public and private sectors in developing and implementing projects, defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and creating policy frameworks.  
  • Identify potential funding sources and financing mechanisms to diversify the funding base for SDGs-aligned projects

Managing and Harnessing Strategic Partnerships and Forums:

  • Set up and manage Strategic Partnership Forums to foster collaboration with development partners and facilitate mobilization of private-sector financing for SDGs through a mix of instruments, including blended finance models, and the scaling up of private-sector partnerships. 
  • Leverage these partnerships to support institutional processes and tap into local and regional financing opportunities for developing pipelines for bankable projects, strengthen environmental laws and policies, and build implementation capacities to develop disaster resilience and preparedness. 
  • Develop a sustainability plan for strategic partnerships, ensuring continuous engagement, commitment, and alignment with SDGs financing goals. 

Knowledge Management and Dissemination: 

  • Develop policy briefs and conduct policy dialogues on the success stories, best practices, challenges, and opportunities in SDG financing, resource mobilization, and tapping the role of especially the private sector in closing financing gaps. 
  • Keep abreast of regional and global trends and issues on Financing for Development and Climate Resilience, analyze their implications, and incorporate recommendations collected from the public and private sector stakeholders.    

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 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​ 

Cross-functional & Technical competencies: 

Digital & Innovation - Alternative finance:  

  • Ability to identify potential alternative forms of finance and mobilise them to address development challenges. 
  • Ability to review the skills, capacities, procedures, and protocols that are needed to enable new financial mechanisms. 
  • Ability to assess the risks, limitations, and implications of using new financial mechanisms. 

Partnership management: 

  • Resource mobilization: Ability to identify, develop, and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources. 

Information Management & Technology: 

  • Data Management & Analytics: Knowledge in data management, data sciences, ability to structure data, and develop dashboards and visualization. Design data warehouses, data lakes or data platforms concepts. Familiarity with Machine leaning, natural language processing or generation and the use of artificial intelligence to support predictive analytics. CDMP or TOGAF9 or equivalent certification desirable. 

Finance: 

  • Development Finance Expertise : Ability to develop and work with innovative financing mechanisms and instruments, e.g. social/development impact bonds, guarantees, climate finance, etc. 

Partnership 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 understanding. 

Business Direction and Strategy: 

  • System 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 

Required Skills and Experience
 
Education:
  • Advanced university degree (master`s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related disciplines is required. or
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above listed fields of study with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 
Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) experience around Financing for development including policy research, engagement with the private sector and public-private partnerships.
  • Proven practical skills and familiarity with policy development, data management and analysis, economic forecasting, and gauging middle and macro-level impact and needs assessments. 
  • Experience in and ability to communicate and function effectively with diverse stakeholders in national, international, and multicultural environments.  
  • Organizational knowledge and experience including strategic planning, decision-making self-management, emotional intelligence, conflict management, delivery, communication, and negotiating skills. 
  • Demonstrated experience in working and engaging with the private sector including the finance sector with an ability to identify, develop, and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources. 
  • Experience of innovative financing mechanisms and instruments, e.g. social/development impact bonds, guarantees, climate finance innovation, and public-private partnerships in Sindh.  
  • Proven track record in offering policy guidance and strategic technical assistance in the realm of Financing for Development, particularly within a multi-lateral context. 
  • Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations 

Required Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Urdu is required.  
  • Knowledge of other local languages is an asset 
Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

 
Note: 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.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
Scam warning

 
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