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Biodiversity Finance Manager (Re-advertised)UNDP

Biodiversity Finance Manager in Accra, Ghana, under a UNDP contract. The role is focused on the development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) and related tasks such as the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) and Financial Needs Assessment (FNA). It’s a full-time position, with a one-year contract duration.

Key qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field (Finance, Economics, Business Management, or Environmental/Biodiversity focus), or a Bachelor’s degree with additional experience. The role demands fluency in English and experience with financial analysis, environmental policies, and collaboration with international and national experts. Knowledge of local languages is also a plus.

The Biodiversity Finance Manager will work closely with the Sustainable Finance Specialist (Project Lead) and contribute to the national Biodiversity Finance Plan, playing a pivotal role in tracking biodiversity expenditures and facilitating communication between stakeholders, such as ministries and private sector partners.

The Biodiversity Finance Manager role described in the job listing is an important and specialized position within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on biodiversity financing within the context of global and national sustainable development goals. This position, based in Accra, Ghana, will play a critical role in the implementation of the GEF8 Biodiversity Finance Plan program. The role is key to aligning financial resources with the long-term sustainability of biodiversity efforts, helping to ensure that funding is properly allocated and managed to conserve ecosystems, reduce biodiversity loss, and meet national and global biodiversity targets, including those set by the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework.

Organizational Context

The position sits under the UNDP’s Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste (NCE&W) Hubs. These hubs are part of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, aiming to address integrated challenges related to climate change, nature-based solutions, energy access, and waste management. The UNDP works to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and other global agreements, with an emphasis on reducing poverty and enhancing livelihoods.

Biodiversity Finance and the Role of the Managerhttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

The Biodiversity Finance Manager will be directly involved in the production of the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA), and the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). These tools are central to the process of tracking, assessing, and scaling up financing for biodiversity conservation. Specifically, these tools will help identify financial gaps, assess current expenditures, and suggest new financial mechanisms to address biodiversity-related needs in the context of Ghana.

  1. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER):
    • Expenditure Mapping: The first responsibility will be the development of the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), which involves tracking and mapping the financial expenditures related to biodiversity in Ghana. This includes identifying how much is being spent on biodiversity initiatives and where those funds are coming from, such as government budgets, international donors, and private sector contributions. It also includes identifying subsidies and harmful financial flows that may contribute to biodiversity loss.
    • Data Collection & Analysis: The manager will be tasked with collecting and analyzing relevant data from a variety of national and subnational actors, such as ministries, NGOs, international organizations, and private sector entities. This will include an assessment of past expenditure studies, establishing definitions of what constitutes “biodiversity expenditures,” and using established methodologies to categorize and analyze the data.
    • Financial Attribution: The manager will also need to develop a methodology to tag biodiversity-related expenditures in a way that reflects contributions to global biodiversity targets, national biodiversity strategies (such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan or NBSAP), and other relevant frameworks.
    • Future Funding Projections: Using the collected data and methodologies, the manager will project the likely financial future for biodiversity, estimating the Business-As-Usual Scenario. This helps to assess how current expenditures will evolve without any additional changes and helps to identify potential gaps in funding.
  2. Financial Needs Assessment (FNA):
    • Costing of Biodiversity Activities: The Financial Needs Assessment (FNA) focuses on identifying and quantifying the financial resources required to achieve national biodiversity objectives, such as those laid out in the NBSAP. The role involves reviewing the existing policies, national strategies, and other biodiversity-related plans to ensure they are clear and detailed enough for accurate costing.
    • Budgeting and Financial Requirements: The manager will collaborate with relevant government ministries and stakeholders to determine the actual financial needs for specific biodiversity projects and national policies. These will include direct costs (e.g., conservation initiatives, habitat restoration) as well as indirect costs (e.g., policy development, capacity-building).
    • Consultations and Workshops: The FNA process also involves organizing consultations with key stakeholders, including national institutions, private sector actors, and local communities. These consultations help refine the financial estimates and gather local knowledge to ensure the needs assessment is accurate and inclusive.
  3. Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP):
    • Conception and Support: The Biodiversity Finance Manager will work closely with the Sustainable Finance Specialist (Project Lead) to develop the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). The BFP will provide an actionable strategy for scaling up biodiversity financing and addressing the gaps identified in the BER and FNA.
    • Feasibility Studies: As part of the BFP, the manager will contribute to the development of detailed feasibility studies for potential financial mechanisms to raise funds for biodiversity. This might include mechanisms such as green bonds, payment for ecosystem services, carbon markets, and blended finance structures.
    • Innovative Finance Solutions: The role may also require the manager to explore innovative financing solutions and work on the creation of new, adaptive models that could fit Ghana’s specific needs, taking into account local political, economic, and social contexts.

Required Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in finance, economics, business management, or a related field, ideally with an emphasis on the environment or biodiversity. For candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, additional experience (typically 4 years) will be considered. The role demands at least 2 years of relevant experience (for those with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (for those with a Bachelor’s degree), with a proven track record in environmental finance, policy analysis, and managing multi-stakeholder processes.

Key Skills:

  1. Collaborative Expertise: The manager will need proven experience in working with both international and national experts, governments, and other stakeholders.
  2. Report Writing and Communication: Strong skills in drafting detailed reports and policy documents are crucial, as the manager will need to synthesize complex data and present it to various stakeholders, including government officials, international partners, and civil society organizations.
  3. Financial Analysis and Management: Proficiency in analyzing financial data, identifying funding gaps, and assessing the efficiency of financial allocations towards biodiversity goals is essential.
  4. Software Proficiency: Competency with Microsoft Office is required, and knowledge of specialized financial or data analysis tools (such as Excel, SPSS, etc.) will be beneficial.
  5. Experience with Environmental Issues: Familiarity with environmental or biodiversity-related financial assessments is desirable, and any prior experience working with government policies, expenditures, and budgeting processes will be an advantage.

Additional Competencies

  • Project Management: The manager will need to demonstrate effective project management capabilities, from managing data collection processes to organizing workshops and validating findings.
  • Knowledge of Local Context: Familiarity with Ghana’s national biodiversity priorities, policies, and key stakeholders will help in making the analysis relevant and context-specific.

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in English is required, as all communications and documentation will be in English.
  • Knowledge of one or more local languages is strongly encouraged, especially for engaging with local stakeholders and ensuring inclusivity in consultations.

UNDP Values and Expectations

UNDP promotes a work environment built on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As such, applicants from marginalized or underserved populations are strongly encouraged to apply. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is embedded in UNDP’s operations, and candidates will be expected to adhere to the organization’s policies on respect, dignity, and zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, or discrimination.

Institutional Arrangement

The Biodiversity Finance Manager will report directly to the Sustainable Finance Specialist (Project Lead). Additionally, the position will require collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, including governmental bodies, international partners, NGOs, and the private sector. The incumbent will also contribute to the global knowledge management of biodiversity finance practices and share insights from their work with the larger international community, including through publications and reports to global conferences like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP.

This role provides a unique opportunity to influence national and global biodiversity finance strategies, helping to bridge the financial gap for biodiversity conservation. It combines technical expertise in financial management with a commitment to sustainable development, offering a challenging and rewarding career path for those passionate about the environment and financial management for sustainability. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will be a key player in transforming Ghana’s biodiversity conservation landscape by designing strategies that unlock new financial resources, optimize existing funding, and ensure that biodiversity objectives are fully supported by adequate financial structures.

Overview of the Biodiversity Finance Manager’s Role

The Biodiversity Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing the financial landscape for biodiversity initiatives within Ghana, working under the broader framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This position is integral to scaling-up biodiversity financing through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 8 Biodiversity Finance Plan, designed to support the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity resources in alignment with global and national goals. The manager will specifically contribute to the effective management and allocation of resources across national biodiversity projects, helping the country achieve its biodiversity objectives.

Organizational Context and UNDP’s Mission@vacancyspaces.com

The UNDP is a global organization working across more than 170 countries and territories, with the overarching aim of eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities while promoting sustainable development. The UNDP’s Nature, Climate Change, Energy & Waste (NCE&W) Hubs play an essential role in addressing the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, with a focus on integrating sustainable practices into national policies. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will work within this context to ensure that biodiversity financing strategies are in line with both Ghana’s national needs and global biodiversity frameworks, contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and other related SDGs.

The UNDP’s work on biodiversity integrates cutting-edge finance solutions with the aim of ensuring that nature, ecosystem services, and wildlife are not only preserved but also effectively managed in the face of global environmental pressures. A critical part of this mission involves ensuring that the financial support for biodiversity aligns with the urgent needs of conservation and restoration efforts. In the context of this role, the Biodiversity Finance Manager will be central to helping Ghana build its capacity to attract sustainable financing mechanisms, integrate biodiversity goals into public finance systems, and unlock innovative funding sources for biodiversity and ecosystem protection.

Strategic Focus Areas of the Position

The role of the Biodiversity Finance Manager will largely be defined by three main tasks: completing the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER), conducting the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA), and developing the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). These tasks will be interconnected, and the manager’s ability to successfully navigate each of them will be key to driving progress toward Ghana’s biodiversity conservation goals.

1. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

The Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) forms a cornerstone of biodiversity finance planning. The BER aims to map and assess the financial expenditures currently dedicated to biodiversity-related activities, identifying patterns of spending, gaps, and opportunities for greater efficiency.

  • Mapping Existing Expenditures: The first critical step in the process is collecting data on current spending patterns related to biodiversity across government agencies, private entities, international donors, NGOs, and the private sector. This includes identifying direct investments in biodiversity conservation (e.g., funding for protected areas, wildlife conservation programs, and restoration initiatives) and indirect expenditures (e.g., policies or incentives that support biodiversity, such as subsidies for sustainable agricultural practices).
  • Budget Analysis and Financial Flow Mapping: Analyzing how money flows within the national budget and tracking expenditures is crucial for determining how efficiently funds are allocated and whether biodiversity financing matches the needs of the country. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will need to identify inefficient financial flows, such as subsidies or funds that negatively affect biodiversity (e.g., subsidies for industries that contribute to deforestation) and propose reforms where necessary.
  • Financial Mapping for Strategic Investments: One key component of the BER is analyzing the geographic and sectoral distribution of biodiversity spending to see where critical conservation needs may be underserved. This may involve looking at regions with high biodiversity but lower levels of financial allocation. The goal is to ensure that funds are being used in ways that align with national and global biodiversity priorities.
  • Integration with National Strategies: The findings of the BER will help ensure that national biodiversity policies (e.g., the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)) are directly linked with the financial resources required to meet their objectives. This will also contribute to international efforts, such as meeting the commitments made under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

2. Financial Needs Assessment (FNA)

The Financial Needs Assessment (FNA) is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how much money will be required to meet national biodiversity conservation objectives, including both long-term goals and immediate needs.

  • Estimating Financial Gaps: One of the primary tasks for the Biodiversity Finance Manager will be determining the overall cost of fulfilling Ghana’s biodiversity goals. This involves reviewing existing biodiversity action plans, assessing conservation targets (e.g., increasing protected areas, improving sustainable land management practices, etc.), and calculating the financial requirements for implementing these activities. The assessment must be thorough and incorporate all relevant factors—both direct and indirect—while taking into account Ghana’s specific challenges.
  • Costing of Existing Programs and New Initiatives: This stage also requires an analysis of existing programs and projects to identify how much additional funding is needed to enhance or scale up their impact. Similarly, new projects—especially those targeting urgent conservation needs, such as combating wildlife poaching or addressing deforestation—will require detailed cost assessments to ensure that adequate funds are allocated.
  • Engagement with Stakeholders: The FNA is not just a technical exercise; it involves consultations with key stakeholders in the government, the private sector, local communities, and civil society organizations to ensure that the financial estimates reflect real-world needs. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will coordinate stakeholder workshops, dialogues, and focus groups to gather insights and refine the cost estimates.

3. Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)

Once the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) and the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA) have been completed, the Biodiversity Finance Manager will assist in developing the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). This plan will outline how the financial needs of Ghana’s biodiversity agenda can be met, including identifying new financial mechanisms, increasing the efficiency of existing financing, and engaging private-sector investors.

  • Diversifying Funding Sources: One of the core components of the BFP is identifying new and innovative ways to finance biodiversity. This may include exploring the use of green bonds, impact investing, payment for ecosystem services, and carbon offset markets to create new revenue streams for biodiversity initiatives. The manager will work closely with both government officials and private sector partners to explore viable financial mechanisms that could be implemented in Ghana.
  • Private Sector Engagement: An important aspect of the BFP is engaging the private sector in biodiversity finance. This involves creating opportunities for companies to contribute to conservation goals while ensuring that they can derive value from these investments. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will help design Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), create incentives for corporate investment in biodiversity, and find ways to align private-sector actions with national biodiversity targets.
  • Sustainable Financing Models: The BFP will also include detailed analyses of sustainable financing models, especially those that address long-term funding requirements. These models may include financing schemes that provide continuous funding, such as trust funds or endowments, which can support long-term biodiversity projects without relying on annual government budgets or donor funding.

Skills and Competencies for Success

The role requires a unique blend of financial expertise, policy analysis, and environmental knowledge. In addition to the core competencies outlined previously (financial analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement), the Biodiversity Finance Manager must possess strong strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex systems. Understanding how biodiversity intersects with various sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, will be essential for crafting solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

Key Competencies for Success:

  1. Strategic Vision: The ability to see beyond immediate financial needs and craft long-term, sustainable financial strategies is crucial for success in this role. The manager must think strategically about the interplay between biodiversity and other national development priorities, integrating biodiversity into broader policy discussions.
  2. Political Savvy: Biodiversity finance is often a politically sensitive issue, and the manager must navigate complex political environments. Understanding the needs and priorities of government ministries, political leaders, and other influential actors is essential for driving change.
  3. Leadership and Facilitation Skills: Leading diverse stakeholder groups and fostering collaboration between government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society will be a key part of the role. The manager must be able to bring together multiple actors to work toward shared financial goals for biodiversity.
  4. Communication and Advocacy: Strong advocacy and communication skills are necessary to effectively present financial data and policy recommendations to various audiences. This includes communicating technical financial information in a way that is accessible and actionable for both decision-makers and the general public.

Conclusion

The Biodiversity Finance Manager role at UNDP Ghana presents an exciting opportunity to work on the cutting edge of biodiversity finance and conservation efforts. By combining financial expertise with a passion for nature and sustainable development, the manager will contribute to one of the most urgent global challenges: halting biodiversity loss and ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. This position not only requires technical skills but also demands creativity, collaboration, and leadership to drive transformative change and secure the financing necessary to protect Ghana’s biodiversity for future generations.

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