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
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP's Strategic Plan. BPPS's staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP's Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.
The newly established UNDP Planet Hub will drive UNDP’s vision of a world where economies and ecosystems thrive together — where energy systems are clean and accessible, nature is protected and restored, communities are resilient to climate impacts, and pollution is minimized. By 2030, the Hub seeks to help countries achieve this vision through systemic change that aligns policy, finance, integrated solutions, and societal ownership to advance sustainable human development. Backed by diverse partnerships and funding sources, the Planet Hub combines thought leadership, technical expertise, and strategic collaboration to help countries advance their environmental and economic goals.
The Planet Hub will build on UNDP’s existing portfolio of over USD 5 billion in over 140 countries, as well as on key offers across UNDP. The Planet Hub’s theory of change rests on five mutually reinforcing service lines that together enable systemic transformation:
- Intergovernmental and UN System Coherence and Support
- National Policies, Strategies, and Planning
- Innovative and Integrated Solutions
- Scaled-up Finance
- Insights, Modeling, and Data
The Planet Hub will be made up of eight interconnected pillars, covering strategic areas of work to deliver its core objective, as well as a set of integrated functions and support that cut across pillars and help ensure cohesive offers and delivery of the Planet Hub. One critical component of the Planet Hub is the portfolio of support to countries on Finance for Planet. The Finance for Planet Pillar serves as the Planet Hub’s cross-cutting platform for mobilizing, aligning, and scaling public and private finance in support of climate, biodiversity, sustainable energy, pollution prevention, and broader environmental objectives. The Pillar brings together expertise on environmental finance solutions, nature and carbon markets, innovative financing instruments, capital mobilization, results-based financing, and environmental finance implementation. Working across all Planet Hub pillars and in close collaboration with Sustainable Finance Hub, it supports countries in developing financing strategies, structuring and deploying financial solutions, mobilizing investments, strengthening implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), and advancing monitoring, reporting, and verification of environmental finance results. The Pillar also provides leadership on knowledge sharing, advocacy, capacity development, and coordination of finance-related initiatives across global, regional, and country-level portfolios.
The Head of Finance for Planet will be based in Madrid, Spain and will report to the Director of the Planet Hub.
Position Purpose
To help support UNDP’s Strategic Plan, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) established the post of Head of Finance for Planet in the Planet Hub. As the leader of this portfolio, the incumbent will directly support Planet Hub’s goals by playing a leading role in coordinating the delivery of the Hub’s strategy across different areas of policy and programming. This includes overseeing the Finance for Planet portfolio.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Substantive Leadership and Management
- Provide substantive leadership of UNDP’s Finance for Planet pillar, ensuring coherent and effective support to Regional Bureaux and Country Offices.
- Ensure effective coordination and integrated ways of working across the Planet Hub, including with other pillars and functional teams.
- Substantively guide the Finance for Planet pillar to achieve and maintain coherent development policies and programming frameworks in support of the implementation of the Strategic Plan;
- Exercise overall responsibility and accountability for planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and coordination and ensure appropriate tracking and substantive reporting of the Finance for Planet portfolio for timely and efficient delivery of portfolio outputs and products leading to the achievement of expected results.
- Provide supervision and guidance to Finance for Planet teams leads and other other senior advisors in leading their teams to provide substantive services to country offices related to Finance for Planet and Planet more broadly.
- Promote collaboration and establishes effective working relationships with internal stakeholders (project teams, Regional Bureaux, Country Offices, GPN, etc.) and external stakeholders (donors, partners, civils society); and
- Establish and oversees a monitoring system of the global impacts and achievements of the Finance for Planet across projects and programme.
- Provide substantive and managerial oversight of relevant Hub staff at the global and regional levels.
- Participate as part of the Planet Hub Leadership Team, sharing information across pillars and informing strategic direction and decisions for the Hub.
2. Integrated Policy Formulation and Programme Support
- Oversee and coordinate the corporate UNDP policy positions in relation to Finance for Planet, drawing on expertise within the pillar, across the Planet Hub and across the organization;
- Promote collaboration across the GPN on Finance for Planet, including across the new BPPS (e.g. Governance and Rule of Law Hub, Prosperity Hub, Sustainable Finance Hub, Hub, Gender Team, Digital, AI and Innovation Hub, Quality and Impact Hub) as well as Crisis Bureau (e.g. Crisis Readiness, Response and Recovery Team, Research, Analytics, Learning and Innovation Team, and Strategic Partnerships and Communications Team).
- Lead integrated technical support related to Finance for Planet, by activating the broad network of UNDP expertise related to this thematic area so as to ensure relevant and timely support to Country Offices and partners;
- Oversee the implementation of programming and operational management of the Finance for Planet portfolio, including being custodian of quality assurance and second tier oversight (delegated as appropriate), in accordance with UNDP Programme Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP), UN Frameworks and project strategy document;
- Support integrated pipeline development in coordination with the other teams and thematic hubs, including the Sustainable Finance Hub and the Quality and Impact Hub, based on consultations with Senior Technical Advisors, Regional Team Leads;
- Collaborate with other thematic team leads within and beyond the Planet Hub and the Strategic Innovation Unit on the design of integrated portfolios to address complex issues at the country, regional and global levels.
- Manage efficiently the financial resources of the Finance for Planet portfolio, including budgeting and budget revisions, as well as expenditure tracking and reporting as needed including in support of the Planet Hub.
3. Thought Leadership and Positioning and Lead Cross-Organization Knowledge and Learning
- Keep abreast of the impact and effectiveness of UNDP’s portfolios related to Finance for Planet and connect that knowledge and lessons learned to future development and improvement.
- Liaise closely with Regional Bureaux, BERA and other parts of the GPN to identify regional/global priorities, opportunities and needs that could be supported/engaged by the Planet Hub, with a focus on Finance for Planet.
- Lead cross-organization knowledge and learning in Finance for Planet related domains, grounded in the UNDP knowledge strategy, with a view to leveraging all-of-house knowledge in UNDP and in external networks. Meaningful south-south exchange should be a priority.
- Lead and promote capturing knowledge emerging from the development and implementation of programmes at global, regional and country level; and
- Identify and develops ways of integrating and analysing data and intelligence from both internal and external sources that connect UNDP’s partnership performance with larger political, economic and development cooperation trends; and
- Participate in knowledge management and practice networks to showcase UNDP’s work on Finance for Planet, as appropriate.
- Analyse global economic and political trends and provide strategic forward-looking analysis of UNDP’s positioning related to Finance for Planet with key partners and advise on how best to leverage its external relations opportunities and minimize risks for the organization.
- Scan the horizon, particularly from a political and economic perspective, and assess implications for UNDP’s role as a major multilateral development partner. Monitor the strategic positioning of UNDP with bilateral, UN, and other multilateral institutions, to identify key risks and opportunities.
4. Resource Mobilization, Advocacy and Communications
- Support the Planet Hub Director on hub-wide resource mobilization, strategic communication and partnership and programme development to enable delivery of the Planet Hub strategy
- Develop strategies and carry out mobilization of resources related to Finance for Planet, in coordination with other teams across the Planet Hub, and ensure effective utilization of resources in the context of meeting the Hub’s objectives;
- Coordinate and work closely with units within the Planet Hub, the Sustainable Finance Hub, and across the GPN to develop innovative financing approaches, partnership models, and resource mobilization strategies that support the implementation and scaling of Finance for Planet priorities.
- Communicate the value and results of UNDP’s work to contributors and constituents to advocate for meeting the needs of SDGs and national development priorities.
- Coordinate with BERA and Regional Bureaus to leverage expertise, networks, and communications channels around Finance for Planet and broader Planet Hub priorities, including promoting strategic results, and sharing information, while also developing external branding, and inspiring people into action.
5. Develop Strategic Partnerships, Representation and Engagement
- Develop strategic partnerships, working with the Planet pillars and Sustainable Finance Hub, the Regional and Central Bureaux, to ensure the development of a global portfolio on Finance for Planet, that draws on all available sources of funding;
- Maintain and develop strong partnerships with key donors of UNDP’s work on Planet, to ensure continued support and explore opportunities for future support.
- Mobilize, foster and strengthen strategic partnerships with UN Agencies and Funds, particularly UNEP, FAO, WMO, SE4ALL, IFAD, ILO, UN-HABITAT, and the secretariats of GEF, GCF, UNFCCC, UN CBD, UNCCD; and other agencies within the UN;
- Forge key partnerships with governments and CSOs; encourage South-South partnerships;
- Expand partnerships with IFIs, Multilateral development Banks, OECD/DAC, Impact Investors and the Private Sector;
- Oversee partnerships relevant to Finance for Planet, with strategic external partners, such as World Bank, Multilateral Development Banks, research institutions and Foundations, and other partnerships
- Represent UNDP in interagency coordination and in other fora to engage partners in advancing the strategic agenda of Finance for Planet and sustainable development; and
- Represent UNDP at international conferences and seminars, contribute to research, communications and op-eds to advocate the importance of Finance for Planet in contributing to the sustainable development goals;
- Identify and spearhead opportunities for large-scale innovation in UNDP's partnership and financing strategies related to Finance for Planet, including engagement with governments, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, impact investors, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector, to mobilize capital and scale solutions that advance the Planet Hub agenda and the UNDP Strategic Plan.
- Lead corporate discussions on identifying strategic opportunities for engagement and advocacy around Finance for Planet and be accountable for distilling key messages through consultative processes.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervision, management, performance management, and development of global staff and consultants will be required.
The Head of Finance for Planet Pillar will supervise a globally distributed team of personnel across Bonn, New York, and other locations, including direct reports at the global level and secondary reporting personnel, including Regional Specialists embedded across UNDP Regional Bureaux.
Competencies
| Core | |
|
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
| Thematic Area | Name | Definition |
| 2030 Agenda - planet | Climate and Environmental Finance |
Climate Change Adaptation: Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (CI & EWS) |
| Portfolio Management | System Thinking |
Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management. |
| Business Direction and Strategy | Monitoring & Evaluation |
Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; 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. |
| Business Management | Portfolio Management |
Ability to select, prioritize and control the organizations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management. |
| Business Management | Result-based Management |
Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. |
| Business Development | UNDP Representation | Effectively represent and advocate for UNDP, its values, mission, work, and positions with various constituencies/audiences, shares UNDP knowledge and activities. |
| 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 |
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or a closely related field. 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.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years (with a master’s degree) or 12 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in finance including environmental and/or climate finance, investment, development finance, public finance and/or private finance, or related fields at the international level is required;
- Demonstrated experience in designing and managing complex programmes and portfolios related to finance, strategies, and instruments, including those supporting sustainable development, environment and climate finance, development finance, and/or innovative financing mechanisms, is required;
- Extensive field-level experience in supporting various finance-related support, including public financial management, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, investment strategies, resource mobilization, blended finance, and/or sustainable finance in developing country contexts is required;
- Experience and substantive knowledge of international finance, public finance development finance, financial systems, capital markets, sustainable finance, environmental and climate finance, financial risk management, and relevant global policy frameworks and financing mechanisms are required;
- Experience and solid understanding of international financial institutions, multilateral financing mechanisms particularly those related to environment and climate change, development finance architecture, and related technical and policy areas are required;
- Demonstrated thought leadership in areas such as development finance, sustainable finance, environment and climate finance, innovative financing solutions, public financial management, and/or financial resilience is required;
- Solid understanding of needs and experience to strengthen financial and institutional capacities at the country level is an asset;
- A strong record of progressively responsible, substantive, and results-oriented experience at the international level, including policy development, programme management, resource mobilization, and advocacy is an asset;
- Extensive networks with international financial institutions, development banks, donors, private sector actors, think tanks, and other organizations working in finance, sustainable development, and related areas are an asset;
- Experience in business systems, human resources management of disbursed teams, and budgeting is required;
- Proven track record of resource mobilization from public and/or private sources is an asset;
- Extensive working experience in international organizations, especially UN organizations, is desirable;
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking experience, are required;
- Fluency in English, both written and oral is required;
- Fluency in other UN languages 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.
Probation
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
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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