Biodiversity Finance Specialist-[Open to all applicants]

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 will be 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

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Rwanda has emerged as a regional leader in environmental conservation and green finance initiatives. The country has made significant commitments to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through its Vision 2050, National Strategy for Transformation 1&2 (NST), and the National Climate and Nature Finance Strategy (2024-2030). However, mobilizing adequate financial resources for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection remains a critical challenge. The Government of Rwanda recognizes that achieving its environmental goals requires innovative financing mechanisms that can leverage both public and private sector resources. The financial sector and private sector play a crucial role in this transformation, with institutions such as the National Bank of Rwanda, Development Bank of Rwanda, Rwanda Stock Exchange, Private Sector Federation (PSF) and various commercial banks having the potential to integrate environmental and biodiversity considerations into their operations and investment decisions.

UNDP has been supporting the Government of Rwanda in meeting its national and international priorities and commitments for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity including obligations under related multilateral environment agreements. Under the UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) programme, UNDP has supported the Ministry of Environment through Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) in identification of innovative and blended finance solutions to reduce the finance gap for implementing the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). The project has supported the development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan which includes several innovative solutions for financing biodiversity conservation.

The Rwanda Green Fund (RGF) , has emerged as the critical institution for channeling climate and environmental finance in Rwanda. Established as Rwanda's premier green financing vehicle, RGF operates through two complementary facilities: Intego (public financing facility) and Ireme Invest (private sector-oriented facility). RGF is uniquely positioned to mobilize and deploy resources for biodiversity conservation and nature-positive investments by serving as the central coordination mechanism for both domestic and international climate and environmental finance flows in Rwanda. REMA, the Rwanda Green Fund, and UNDP collaborated to establish a dedicated Biodiversity Financing Window within the Rwanda Green Fund. To operationalize this window, Guidelines for Biodiversity Inclusion in RGF Investments were developed. These guidelines aim to align funding with Rwanda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) targets and to catalyze innovative blended financing mechanisms that combine public resources, concessional finance, and private investment to maximize conservation impact. RGF's governance structure includes the Board of Directors, Investment Committees, and technical secretariat, positioning it as the strategic custodian of Rwanda's green and biodiversity finance architecture.

As part of Rwanda's commitment to mainstreaming biodiversity and environmental finance into the financial sector, there is an urgent need for specialized expertise to advance green financing initiatives, operationalize innovative financial mechanisms, develop bankable environmental projects, mobilize resources from international and domestic sources, and build capacity within financial institutions and government counterparts to effectively manage and implement nature-positive investments.

The primary objective of this position is to support the operationalization of the Biodiversity Financing Window at RGF. This position will support Rwanda's transition to a nature-positive economy by strengthening the integration of biodiversity considerations into RGF's financing mechanisms and investment decision-making processes, professionalizing the management of biodiversity finance flows through the dedicated window, and building effective partnerships between government institutions, the financial sector, private sector, and development partners to advance biodiversity conservation financing.

The Biodiversity Finance Specialist will play a pivotal role in advancing Rwanda's green finance agenda by working closely with government institutions (particularly MINECOFIN and REMA), financial sector stakeholders, development partners, private sector and the RGF governance structures. The Specialist will be responsible for developing and operationalizing innovative financial solutions such as green bonds, blended finance structures, payment for ecosystem services schemes, and sustainability-linked financial instruments, operationalizing and managing the biodiversity financing window under the supervion of RGF, building capacity within the financial sector and the private sector in general , mobilizing resources for biodiversity conservation, and ensuring that RGF's financing mechanisms are effectively implemented to achieve measurable environmental and financial outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Biodiversity Finance Specialist will serve as a focal point for biodiversity finance window’s operationalization at RGF, providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and operational leadership to advance green financing across multiple sectors. The Specialist will work closely with RGF management, government stakeholders, private sector and financial sector partners to develop and implement innovative financial solutions that support Rwanda's environmental objectives while ensuring sound fiduciary management and alignment with national policies.

Lead Financial Mechanisms Management and Implementation

• Lead the operationalization and management of RGF's dedicated biodiversity financing window, ensuring alignment with national biodiversity frameworks and adherence to fiduciary standards

• Refine, and implement the operational framework, procedures, eligibility criteria, and appraisal guidelines for the biodiversity window in accordance with the Guidelines for Biodiversity Inclusion in RGF Investments and Ireme & Intego’s Operational Manuals

• Establish clear linkages between RGF's financing mechanisms (Intego and Ireme Invest facilities) and Rwanda's 22 NBSAP targets and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

• Design and manage blended finance structures that strategically leverage concessional biodiversity funding to catalyze private sector investment and reduce the cost of capital for environmental projects

• Develop financial instruments including green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes, and other innovative financing mechanisms

• Coordinate with RGF's Investment Committees to integrate biodiversity and environmental criteria into project approval processes

• Establish and maintain transparent, robust financial management systems that track disbursements, financial performance, and alignment with budget allocations

• Develop a M&E-L system that track the level of biodiversity inclusion in different sectors as well as the achievement of the National Biodiversity Targets

Ensure Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement

• Lead comprehensive resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for the biodiversity window from international and domestic sources, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Bezos Earth Fund, bilateral donors, and philanthropic organizations and ensure biodiversity related financing allocated or mobilized for Rwanda are channelled through the biodiversity finance window.

• Develop high-quality funding proposals, concept notes, and business cases for biodiversity finance initiatives that meet international donor requirements and standards

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with international financial institutions, development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral banks, and green finance networks

• Facilitate connections between RGF, project developers, and potential financiers to build a robust pipeline of bankable biodiversity projects

• Organize and participate in investor forums, green finance conferences, and donor engagement meetings to position Rwanda's biodiversity finance agenda and attract investments

• Develop market intelligence on emerging financing opportunities and mechanisms (e.g., nature-based solutions financing, carbon markets, bio-credits) and assess their applicability to the Rwandan context

• Support grant-making and concessional financing decisions to maximize finance mobilization and ensure catalytic impact

Ensure Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Coordination

• Work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) to align RGF's financing initiatives with national fiscal priorities, budgeting frameworks, and the Climate and Nature Finance Strategy

• Engage Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) and the Ministry of Environment to ensure biodiversity financing activities contribute to NBSAP implementation and national environmental priorities

• Ensure strong and successful engagement and coordination of different stakeholders including Rwanda's financial sector institutions including the National Bank of Rwanda, Development Bank of Rwanda, commercial banks, insurance companies, and the Rwanda Stock Exchange as well as the private sector in general

• Partner with the National Bank of Rwanda to develop guidelines and regulatory frameworks for environmental risk assessment and nature-related financial disclosures in the banking sector

• Coordinate with bank foundations and corporate social responsibility programs to align their activities with biodiversity conservation goals

• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and multi-stakeholder forums to build consensus around environmental finance priorities and implementation approaches

• Ensure coordination between UNDP BIOFIN program activities and RGF operational initiatives to avoid duplication and maximize synergies

Ensure Project Development and Financial Analysis

• Build and manage a pipeline of bankable biodiversity and environmental projects aligned with Rwanda's NBSAP targets and eligible for financing through RGF facilities.

• Provide technical assistance to project proponents and financial institutions to strengthen the design of environmental and biodiversity projects

• Develop project feasibility studies, financial models, and business cases for green infrastructure and nature-based solutions initiatives

• Conduct rigorous financial and environmental due diligence on proposed investments to ensure project quality and alignment with RGF's investment criteria

• Support the structuring of complex financing transactions, including tranching, risk allocation, and covenant design

• Develop bankable project proposals that combine climate and biodiversity objectives to attract both climate and biodiversity financing

• Establish and manage a comprehensive Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system for tracking biodiversity outcomes, financial flows, and performance against key indicators through the biodiversity window

• Develop biodiversity-specific performance metrics aligned with Rwanda's NBSAP targets, KPIs, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

• Track and report on the biodiversity window's performance, including financial disbursements, conservation outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Prepare regular reports on environmental finance developments, market trends, and RGF's biodiversity-portfolio performance for RGF management, MINECOFIN, REMA, and development partners

• Design and execute pre-project baseline studies, mid-term and final evaluations to verify biodiversity and environmental outcomes

• Support independent verification and impact assessments where required by donors or RGF governance

• Maintain a database of biodiversity finance initiatives, best practices, lessons learned, and case studies from Rwanda and internationally

• Provide technical training and capacity building to RGF staff, government counterparts (MINECOFIN, REMA), private sector and financial sector stakeholders on environmental finance, blended finance structures, and biodiversity-inclusive investment approaches

• Support the development and implementation of Rwanda's Green Taxonomy and ESG frameworks within the financial sector

• Advise financial institutions on the implementation of international frameworks such as TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) and environmental/social safeguards

• Develop communication materials, policy briefs, fact sheets, and promotional materials in liaise with RGF communication team; to raise awareness about environmental finance opportunities and mechanisms

• Support the organization of workshops, seminars, training programs, and investor forums on environmental finance topics

• Contribute to international knowledge sharing platforms and networks on environmental finance

• Prepare research papers and technical reports on environmental finance trends, best practices, and Rwanda-specific innovations

Ensure Partnership Development, Institutional Strengthening and knowledge management

• Strengthen RGF's institutional capacity for biodiversity financing through support to governance structures, decision-making processes, and operational procedures.

• Foster strategic partnerships between RGF, government institutions, financial sector, civil society, private sector and development partners to create an enabling environment for environmental finance

• Support the development of environmental and social safeguard frameworks for RGF and financial institutions

• Advise on integration of biodiversity considerations into credit risk assessment, investment decision-making, and financial reporting processes

• Build relationships with impact investors, ESG-focused investors, and sustainability-oriented financial institutions to expand the investor base for environmental projects

• Coordinate with the UNDP BIOFIN Technical Advisor and other development partners to ensure complementarity and maximize development impact

• Support establishment of knowledge platforms and innovative mechanisms for capturing and disseminating knowledge from the project; and ensure development of knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Biodiversity Finance Specialist will work from RGF headquarters and UNDP's Kigali office, reporting to RGF's Chief Strategy Officer under the technical oversight of UNDP's BIOFIN technical advisor for Africa. The Specialist will also direct report to Programme Specialist SEEDCC unit. The Specialist will also work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), the Ministry of Environment, and Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) on biodiversity finance policy and implementation matters.

The position serves as the primary technical lead for RGF's biodiversity financing window and will coordinate closely with:

• RGF’s management

• MINECOFIN's climate finance and budgeting divisions

• REMA's policy and planning teams

• Financial sector regulators and institutions

• The UNDP Rwanda Country Office and BIOFIN program

• International development partners and donors

The Specialist will have the possibility to represent RGF in stakeholder forums, , and donor engagement discussions. The position requires strong matrix management skills to navigate relationships across multiple government institutions, financial sector actors, and development partners while maintaining strategic alignment with RGF's mandate and Rwanda's national frameworks

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

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

2030 Agenda: Planet -Nature

• Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme: Nature-positive economy and Biodiversity Finance

• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans- NBSAPs

Partnership Management - Private Sector Engagement

• Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector.

Business Direction and Strategies - 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

Business Management - Project Management

• 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 - Effective Decision Making

• Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Management - Communication

• 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent ) in Biodiversity, Environmental Economics, Finance, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Economics, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field required. Or

• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s 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 is required.

• Additional certification in Environmental Finance, Green Banking, Blended Finance, or Sustainable Investment is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in biodiversity finance, green banking, sustainable investment, blended finance, or related fields required

Required skills

• Experience managing financing mechanisms, investment windows, or financial facilities in development organizations or financial institutions is required

• Demonstrated experience in financial product development, project finance, and resource mobilization is required.

• Demonstrated experience in environmental finance instruments including green bonds, blended finance, concessional financing, and innovative financing mechanisms is required

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Previous work experience with international development organizations, multilateral banks, or development finance institutions

• Experience working in developing countries, particularly in Africa.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences including policymakers, financial institutions, and project developers is desired.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams in a developing country context

• Expert-level experience in stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and capacity building with government and financial sector institutions is desired.

• Strong project management and coordination experience with ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder financing initiatives is desired.

• Experience in international environmental finance frameworks and standards (GCF, GEF, Climate Investment Funds, bilateral mechanisms, etc is desired.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda language is required

• Working knowledge of French is desired

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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