Transforming Biodiversity Finance in Eswatini: A Deep Dive into the Role of the Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist (UNDP – BIOFIN Initiative)
Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist position with UNDP in Mbabane, Eswatini, breaking down the key responsibilities, qualifications, and strategic importance of the role. Since you’re interested in a comprehensive explanation, I’ll expand on each aspect in depth (expect over 3000 words), so you get a complete understanding of what this opportunity involves and how it fits within UNDP’s broader mission.
I. Position Overview: Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist
Location: Mbabane, Eswatini
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-11)
Practice Area: SDG Finance
Duration: 1 Year (with possibility of extension)
Languages Required: English and siSwati
Deadline to Apply: 19 April 2025
This position places the incumbent at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, financial planning, and public-private sector engagement in support of sustainable development in Eswatini. The role is part of UNDP’s efforts under the GEF8 Umbrella Programme to develop National Biodiversity Finance Plans (BFPs) in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
II. Context and Background
A. UNDP’s Role in Sustainable Development
UNDP is a global development network of the United Nations that focuses on:
- Eradicating poverty
- Reducing inequalities and exclusion
- Supporting countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships, institutional capabilities, and build resilience.
The 2022–2025 Strategic Plan outlines key priorities such as accelerating the SDGs, enhancing resilience to climate change, and leveraging nature-based solutions.
B. Global Biodiversity Framework and BIOFIN
The Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework set ambitious targets to reverse biodiversity loss. One of these targets (Target 19) mandates countries to mobilize financial resources for biodiversity through strategic planning—hence the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP).
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) by UNDP supports countries in:
- Conducting financial needs assessments (FNA)
- Performing biodiversity expenditure reviews (BER)
- Reviewing biodiversity-related public policies and financial mechanisms
- Designing Biodiversity Finance Plans
This role is crucial to integrating these processes into Eswatini’s economic and governance structures.
III. Scope of Work
The Project Lead is the national focal point for all project implementation activities. The incumbent will lead:
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder coordination
- Technical oversight of biodiversity finance analysis
- Preparation of major deliverables such as the Policy and Institutional Review (PIR), BER, FNA, and the final Biodiversity Finance Plan
A. Project Management Responsibilities
- Lead the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) in Eswatini.
- Coordinate project workplans, budget execution, consultant recruitment, and monitoring activities.
- Act as the main communication hub between UNDP Country Office, Global BIOFIN Team (GPMTSU), and national stakeholders (especially Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment).
- Organize national workshops, ensure inclusive stakeholder participation, and support the formation of a National Steering Committee.
B. Technical Leadership Responsibilities
- Provide technical guidance for conducting:
- Policy and Institutional Review (PIR)
- Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)
- Financial Needs Assessment (FNA)
- Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)
- Lead research and analysis on biodiversity-related financial mechanisms.
- Develop new financing solutions including green incentives, public-private partnerships, biodiversity offsets, and reforms of harmful subsidies.
- Align project outputs with UNDP’s global methodologies such as the BIOFIN Workbook.
C. Communication, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Prepare regular progress reports (monthly, quarterly) for UNDP and GPMTSU.
- Document workshops, stakeholder consultations, and outcomes.
- Track project performance indicators, identify risks, and propose mitigation strategies.
- Develop communication materials—press releases, policy briefs, and web content.
D. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Organize training for stakeholders (government, civil society, private sector).
- Support South-South cooperation and cross-country learning within the BIOFIN network.
- Contribute to UNDP global knowledge products and case studies.
IV. Institutional Arrangement
National Project Management Unit (NPMU)
You will supervise:
- A Finance Specialist
- A Project Support Associate
- A Biodiversity Finance Specialist
- A Policy Expert
You will collaborate with:
- UNDP Country Office (for operational and strategic support)
- GPMTSU (for technical backstopping)
- Relevant Ministries (Finance, Environment, Planning, etc.)
You will be physically based within or close to relevant government offices for daily coordination.
V. Required Qualifications
A. Educational Requirements
- Master’s degree in environmental management, project management, economics, finance, biodiversity, or political studies
- OR a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience
B. Experience Requirements
- At least 7 years (Master’s) or 9 years (Bachelor’s) of experience managing environmental, biodiversity, or finance projects.
- Experience in supervising multi-disciplinary teams and managing consultants.
- Familiarity with biodiversity-related public policies and financial tools.
- Experience working with the Ministry of Finance or similar institutions on budgeting or finance policy.
- Proven track record in organizing stakeholder consultations and managing projects funded by multilateral or bilateral donors (GEF, UNDP, etc.)
- Experience with data analysis, public finance, and private sector mobilization is an asset.
VI. Required Skills and Competencies
A. Core UNDP Competencies (Level 3)
- Achieve Results: Set and achieve ambitious, measurable goals.
- Think Innovatively: Offer new solutions, think outside the box.
- Learn Continuously: Build knowledge, engage with new ideas.
- Adapt with Agility: Be flexible, thrive in complex situations.
- Act with Determination: Deliver consistently, overcome barriers.
- Engage and Partner: Build relationships and influence.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Foster inclusive working environments.
B. Technical and Functional Competencies
- Biodiversity Finance: Understanding and application of tools and mechanisms.
- Project Management: Planning, organizing, and controlling resources effectively.
- Event Management: Planning workshops, meetings, retreats, etc.
- Financial Planning and Budgeting: Managing UNDP-style financial frameworks.
- Private Sector Mobilization: Engaging corporate actors for financing biodiversity.
- System Thinking: Connecting environmental, financial, and governance systems.
VII. Language Requirements
- Proficiency in English and siSwati is mandatory.
Table of Contents
VIII. Desirable Attributes
- Experience with UNDP systems and project implementation modalities.
- Ability to produce knowledge outputs such as publications or briefings.
- Network and familiarity with local and international development actors.
- Exposure to climate finance, green bonds, nature-based solutions, or sustainable investment strategies is a major plus.
IX. Why This Role Matters
This project supports Eswatini’s leadership in aligning financial policies and investments with biodiversity conservation goals, marking a significant transition toward green economy principles. The BIOFIN methodology is recognized globally and this role is at the center of strategic implementation.
Your success will influence:
- National policy reforms
- Improved budgeting for conservation
- Greater accountability in biodiversity spending
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement, especially from the private sector
By contributing to Eswatini’s BFP, you also shape its post-2025 vision under the Global Biodiversity Framework—impacting conservation, livelihoods, and climate action.
X. Equal Opportunity and Ethical Standards
UNDP promotes:
- Gender equality
- Diversity and inclusion
- Zero tolerance for harassment and abuse
All applications are assessed purely on merit—ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity in hiring.
XI. How to Strengthen Your Application
To stand out:
- Tailor your CV to highlight biodiversity-related project leadership.
- Showcase your experience in finance policy, budget analysis, or green public financial management.
- Demonstrate your ability to manage stakeholder networks, particularly with government ministries and the private sector.
- Emphasize familiarity with UNDP methodologies like BIOFIN or GEF project cycles.
- If you’ve worked on policy papers, technical reports, or knowledge products, mention and link them.
Would you like help drafting a tailored cover letter or personal statement for this position? Or should we break down the key deliverables of the BIOFIN process (PIR, BER, FNA, BFP) for your preparation?
Absolutely! Let’s dive even deeper into the Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist role by expanding on:
- The strategic significance of the position for UNDP and Eswatini
- A breakdown of each BIOFIN methodology component (PIR, BER, FNA, BFP)
- The interdisciplinary collaboration this role will require
- The impact pathways of the role (what success will look like)
- A walkthrough of day-to-day activities and long-term goals
- Insight into the green finance ecosystem in Eswatini
- A competitive analysis of ideal candidate profiles
Let’s build out each of these.
I. Strategic Significance for UNDP and Eswatini
Eswatini is rich in biodiversity, yet the financial allocation and policy environment often do not reflect the economic value that natural capital brings. UNDP’s BIOFIN framework, now present in over 40 countries, helps governments understand:
- How much they currently spend on biodiversity,
- What they need to spend to meet national and international goals,
- How to bridge the financing gap using innovative mechanisms.
This position is pivotal because it:
- Leads the national roll-out of these frameworks,
- Advises senior government officials and inter-ministerial working groups,
- Develops actionable strategies that align biodiversity priorities with macroeconomic policies, fiscal planning, and private sector investment.
In short: You drive the transformation of Eswatini’s environmental financing landscape.
II. Deep Dive into BIOFIN Methodology
Let’s unpack each stage of the process that you will lead:
A. Policy and Institutional Review (PIR)
- Objective: Identify the enabling environment for biodiversity finance.
- Key Activities:
- Map out laws, policies, strategies, and institutions that affect biodiversity.
- Analyze gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in current biodiversity-related governance.
- Assess how existing public sector incentives or disincentives (e.g. subsidies for agriculture or mining) affect biodiversity.
Your role: Coordinate inter-agency data gathering, conduct policy interviews, and validate findings with stakeholders.
B. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)
- Objective: Quantify actual biodiversity-related expenditures across government, donors, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Key Tasks:
- Work with Ministry of Finance to analyze public budget data.
- Track spending trends over time.
- Assign expenditures by ministry, sector, and funding source.
- Assess efficiency and alignment of spending with biodiversity outcomes.
Your role: You’ll bridge finance and ecology—translating budget lines into measurable environmental investment indicators.
C. Financial Needs Assessment (FNA)
- Objective: Estimate the financing required to meet biodiversity targets (national and international).
- Key Elements:
- Work with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, conservation agencies, and CSOs.
- Estimate cost of achieving targets like protected area expansion, restoration, or community conservation.
- Account for inflation, technology costs, and administrative costs.
Your role: You develop scenarios to quantify the finance gap, which becomes the rationale for mobilizing new funding sources.
D. Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)
- Objective: Present a prioritized, feasible strategy to bridge the finance gap.
- Contents:
- Introduce finance solutions like: payment for ecosystem services (PES), green bonds, tax reform, green banking, nature-based tourism, CSR.
- Include timelines, institutional responsibilities, legal/policy reforms needed.
- Lay out risk analysis, monitoring frameworks, and financing pipelines.
Your role: You consolidate the technical work into a national policy instrument—a tool Eswatini can use to attract donor support, influence national budgets, and mobilize private finance.
III. Interdisciplinary Collaboration Required
This role connects environmental science, finance, policy, and community engagement. Expect to engage with:
- Government ministries:
- Finance: budget data, fiscal planning
- Tourism & Environment: conservation priorities
- Planning/Economic Development: integrating nature into macroeconomic frameworks
- Private sector actors:
- Insurance and banking sector (for green investments)
- Agriculture and forestry sectors (for subsidy reform)
- Tourism (ecotourism development)
- Civil Society and NGOs:
- Local knowledge and data
- Project implementation and advocacy
- Academia and think tanks:
- Provide modeling, valuation, and cost-benefit analysis expertise
- International stakeholders:
- UNDP Global Team (GPMTSU), GEF, and bilateral donors
IV. Impact Pathways – What Success Will Look Like
Here’s what successful implementation of your work could result in:
| Impact Area | Short-Term Outcome | Long-Term Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Public Sector Reform | Biodiversity integrated into annual budgeting | More targeted, results-based biodiversity investments |
| Private Sector Engagement | Green bonds, PES pilots introduced | Sustainable finance markets grow |
| Community Empowerment | CSOs involved in financial planning | Equitable access to ecosystem benefits |
| International Finance | Increased GEF/donor investments | Eswatini becomes a regional model for nature finance |
| Policy Influence | Finance Plan adopted by Cabinet | Structural reforms in subsidy and incentive systems |
V. Day-to-Day Activities vs. Long-Term Goals
Typical Weekly Activities
- Meet with line ministries and BIOFIN stakeholders
- Review data from public expenditure systems
- Guide national consultants
- Draft technical sections of PIR or BER
- Organize consultation workshops
- Prepare PowerPoint briefings for inter-ministerial meetings
- Write donor progress updates
Over the Year
- Complete PIR and BER
- Deliver financial gap analysis
- Organize national validation workshops
- Finalize and launch Biodiversity Finance Plan
- Support integration into National Development Plan or budget cycle
VI. The Green Finance Ecosystem in Eswatini
Eswatini has significant potential to tap into green finance, but the infrastructure is underdeveloped. The major challenges include:http://Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist – UNDP, Eswatini
- Limited data on environmental spending
- Few incentives for private sector biodiversity investment
- Minimal coordination between environment and finance ministries
Opportunities you could unlock:
- Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) alignment
- Public-Private Partnerships for protected area management
- Ecotourism levies and biodiversity user fees
- Nature-linked bonds (e.g., Rhino Bonds, Carbon Offset Mechanisms)
This role is about laying the groundwork for sustainable financial ecosystems.
VII. Candidate Profile: What Makes a Strong Applicant?
Let’s compare three potential candidate types to see where strengths align:@vacancyspaces.com
| Profile Type | Strengths | Gaps |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Economist | Understands financing and valuation of ecosystems | May lack experience in national budget processes |
| Public Policy Specialist | Deep knowledge of governance, laws, and institutional reform | May need support in biodiversity-specific finance solutions |
| Biodiversity Conservationist | Strong network in environmental sector and policy alignment | May require upskilling in finance instruments |
Ideal Candidate:
- Has worked on GEF-funded projects before
- Understands Eswatini’s fiscal and political landscape
- Is comfortable producing both high-level strategy and technical analysis
- Can mentor junior team members and manage timelines independently
VIII. Final Thoughts: Career Growth and Influence
This role isn’t just a technical consultancy—it’s a leadership opportunity to shape national environmental finance strategies and influence Eswatini’s sustainable development trajectory.
If successful, your work will become a blueprint for future biodiversity finance efforts not only in Eswatini, but possibly across the SADC region. You could be called on to:
- Represent the country at UN Biodiversity COP meetings
- Contribute to BIOFIN global reports and case studies
- Advise other African countries adopting similar frameworks
Would you like me to help you draft a compelling cover letter or interview prep guide for this position next? Or dive into Eswatini-specific finance policy trends for your background research?
📢 Exciting Opportunity with UNDP in Eswatini!
Are you passionate about biodiversity, sustainable finance, and environmental policy? UNDP is hiring for the role of Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist in Mbabane, Eswatini.
This position is central to the implementation of Eswatini’s first National Biodiversity Finance Plan under the GEF8 Umbrella Programme. As a senior-level national expert, you will lead a dynamic technical team, manage strategic partnerships, and develop innovative financing solutions to advance national and global biodiversity goals.
🌍 Contract Type: NPSA-11 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
📅 Deadline to Apply: April 19, 2025
📍 Location: Mbabane, Eswatini
🗣 Languages Required: English and siSwati
🎓 Requirements:
– Master’s degree + 7 years’ experience OR Bachelor’s + 9 years
– Proven expertise in biodiversity, environmental finance, and project management
– Strong understanding of public and private sector finance instruments
– Prior UNDP project experience is an asset
🔗 Apply now and join a global initiative driving impact at the intersection of nature and finance:
👉 https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/25450
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