Energy Finance Specialist

Energy Finance Specialist (Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants)Join to apply for the Energy Finance Specialist (Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants) role at UNDP in the Arab States regionJob DetailsVacancy Type: International Personnel Service AgreementPractice Area: Nature, Climate and EnergyBureau: Bureau for Policy and Programme SupportContract Duration: 1 YearEducation & Work Experience: Master’s Degree – 7 years experience OR Bachelor’s Degree – 9 years experienceRequired Language: EnglishLocations: Rome, ItalyGrade: IPSA-11Posting Date: 11/04/2025, 12:28 PMApply Before: 11/19/2025, 04:59 AMBackgroundUNDP 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 continuum of deep local knowledge and cutting‑edge global perspectives and advocacy. The Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition (the “UNDP Rome Centre”) is the key platform for the strategic engagement between UNDP and the Italian Government, focusing on climate finance, youth engagement, and energy for development.Key programmes include:PISTA – a climate finance mobilization facility aimed at narrowing the gap between available and needed finance for developing economies.Youth4Climate – supports youth-led climate action and capacity development.Energy For Growth in Africa – promotes access to sustainable energy and mobilizes public and private capital for clean‑energy projects.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Finance Specialist will support all energy finance activities of the Rome Centre, focusing on mobilizing international investments for the energy project pipeline.Financial Structuring and Investment MobilizationDevelop structured financing solutions for clean energy projects, such as blended finance, guarantees, and local currency facilities.Engage DFIs, international banks, and climate finance facilities to mobilize resources.Draft financing proposals and develop risk mitigation strategies to enable capital flow into high‑impact projects.Coordinate co‑financing opportunities with donor‐supported instruments and guarantee mechanisms.Partnerships With Financial InstitutionsDevelop relationships with MDBs and DFIs such as AfDB, EIB, CDP, and other international investors operating in Africa.Evaluate new partnership opportunities and build new relationships aligned with the Centre’s strategy.Implement structured engagement tailored to different financier types.Project Origination And Knowledge SharingProvide financial expertise to shape a bankable project pipeline from UNDP Country Offices.Evaluate financial models, cost structures, and return profiles for strategic alignment.Support the building of financial expertise across the energy finance team.Contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives within the team and with UNDP country offices.Market Intelligence And AdvisoryTrack investment trends, investor appetite, and financial innovation across the African energy landscape.Advise leadership on strategic capital deployment and financing strategies.Institutional ArrangementUnder the supervision of the Energy Finance Team Lead, develop structured financing solutions for clean energy projects and engage with potential investors.Coordinate co‑financing among investors and donors.Support focal points in UNDP country offices with financial expertise to shape the project pipeline and secure investment.Co‑develop and continuously improve the energy project support infrastructure of the Rome Centre.CompetenciesAchieve Results – Set and align challenging objectives for multiple projects, achieving lasting impact.Think Innovatively – Proactively mitigate risks and develop new ideas to solve complex problems.Learn Continuously – Create opportunities to expand horizons and diversify experiences.Adapt with Agility – Initiate and champion change, managing multiple competing demands.Act with Determination – Think beyond immediate barriers to achieve greater results.Engage and Partner – Navigate complex landscapes, champion inter‑agency collaboration.Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Appreciate benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.Education and ExperienceAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in finance, business administration, economics, sustainable development, or related field – ORFirst‑level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the same fields with an additional two years of qualifying experience (considered in lieu of an advanced degree).ExperienceMinimum of 7 years (with Master’s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of international working experience in banking, economics, development finance, investment management, or investment coordination.Required SkillsExperience conducting financial analysis.Experience contributing to investment decisions.Excellent writing and presentation skills, including drafting reports and investment materials.Experience working in a developing country context.Desired SkillsExperience structuring/deploying innovative financial instruments such as guarantees, risk sharing facilities, local currency facilities, structured equity, or other instruments.Experience working with multilateral or international financial institutions (e.g.,