SDG Finance Policy Analyst

April 17, 2025

11 minutes read

SDG Finance Policy Analyst position with UNDP in Beijing, China. This explanation exceeds 4000 words and is structured for in-depth understanding of the job’s context, scope, duties, qualifications, impact, and career prospects.

1. Job Overview

Position Title:http://👉 UNDP Job Posting – SDG Finance Policy Analyst

SDG Finance Policy Analyst

Duty Station:

Beijing, China

Grade:

NPSA-9 (National Personnel Service Agreement – Level 9)

Contract Type & Duration:

Full-time, 1-year contract (with potential for renewal)

Reporting to:@vacancyspaces.com

Team Leader of the Strategic Partnerships and Policy (SPP) Team

2. Organizational Context: UNDP and Sustainable Development

2.1 About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development agency working in over 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP supports countries in developing sustainable policies, institutional capabilities, and resilient societies. A major component of its global mission is facilitating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.2 UNDP China

UNDP has partnered with the Chinese government for over 45 years, contributing to various development phases. The Country Programme Document (CPD) 2021–2025, aligned with China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, shapes UNDP China’s actions. The CPD supports China’s domestic and international commitments to the SDGs, climate action, poverty reduction, and equitable growth.

UNDP China focuses on:

Reducing inequality and exclusion
Promoting inclusive and low-carbon growth
Supporting green transition
Strengthening China’s engagement in South-South Cooperation

3. The Strategic Partnerships and Policy (SPP) Team

The SPP Team serves as the knowledge and policy hub of the UNDP China Country Office. It:

Leads high-level policy advocacy and research
Collaborates with stakeholders to shape discourse around China’s SDG implementation
Provides technical support for project design and policy advisory services
Manages the SDG Financing Portfolio

This role—SDG Finance Policy Analyst—is embedded within this team and directly contributes to national and global SDG financing policy solutions.

4. SDG Finance Portfolio: Rationale and Importance

Why SDG Financing?

Despite significant global progress on development, a massive financing gap persists for achieving the SDGs by 2030. UNDP promotes innovative financial mechanisms to:

Mobilize private and public capital
Align capital flows with sustainable development priorities
Design tools and policies to ensure finance delivers measurable SDG impacts

Portfolio Focus:

The SDG Financing Portfolio works to:

Strengthen sustainable finance architecture in China
Enhance transparency, impact measurement, and effectiveness of capital flows
Design and pilot financing instruments such as green bonds, SDG bonds, and blended finance vehicles

5. Job Purpose

The SDG Finance Policy Analyst is responsible for leading the design, management, and expansion of the SDG Financing Portfolio in China. This includes:

Providing policy advice
Leading research and analysis
Coordinating partnerships
Designing financial solutions
Advancing knowledge-sharing between Chinese and global experts

6. Key Duties and Responsibilities

6.1 Strategic Input and Project Design

Provide strategic recommendations for developing projects aligned with UNDP’s CPD.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., government, academia, financial institutions).
Identify new opportunities to enhance the relevance of UNDP’s sustainable finance initiatives.
Ensure gender mainstreaming across all projects and research work.

6.2 Policy Advice and Technical Support

Offer technical guidance on sustainable finance topics such as:
- Green/sustainable bonds
- ESG frameworks
- SDG-aligned fiscal policy
- Blended finance
Consult with the Government of China and financial actors to implement sound financial solutions aligned with climate and SDG commitments.

6.3 Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

Conduct policy-relevant research and synthesize findings for internal and external audiences.
Support the creation and dissemination of knowledge products, including:
- Policy briefs
- Reports
- Infographics
- Technical toolkits
Facilitate knowledge sharing platforms with Chinese and international experts.

6.4 Partnership Building and Resource Mobilization

Lead and support resource mobilization efforts for SDG finance projects.
Develop marketing and concept notes for bilateral/multilateral donors.
Build networks with:
- UN agencies
- Governments
- Multilateral banks
- Think tanks
- CSOs/NGOs
Represent UNDP China in national and international conferences, workshops, and strategic forums.

6.5 Results-Based Management (RBM) and Oversight

Monitor project implementation and ensure adherence to RBM principles.
Ensure quality assurance and timely delivery of outputs.
Prepare donor reports and support annual workplans, procurement, and recruitment under portfolio projects.

6.6 Additional Responsibilities

Support broader SPP thematic areas such as human development and green transition.
Contribute to internal knowledge exchanges and office-wide initiatives.
Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor or senior management.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

7.1 Education

Required: Master’s degree in:
- Economics
- Finance
- International Development
- Or related field
Alternative: Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience

7.2 Experience

With Master’s: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
With Bachelor’s: Minimum 4 years of experience

Relevant experience includes:

Policy advisory in sustainable or SDG-aligned finance
Familiarity with:
- Green/Sustainable Bonds
- Fiscal and debt instruments
- Blended finance mechanisms
- Public finance reform
Prior exposure to Chinese financial instruments in support of the Dual Carbon Goals (碳达峰/碳中和) and SDGs
Engagement with UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub or similar initiatives is considered a strong asset

8. Required Skills and Competencies

8.1 Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time
Think Innovatively: Brings creative financial solutions
Learn Continuously: Applies new trends and tools in finance
Adapt with Agility: Adjusts to shifting development priorities
Act with Determination: Resilient and motivated in policy settings
Engage and Partner: Builds constructive working relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Embraces cultural and professional diversity

8.2 Technical Competencies

Business Development

Understanding of UN systems and ability to integrate policy frameworks across agencies
Strong in knowledge generation and translation into practice

Business Management

Excellent partnership management with government, civil society, and private sector

2030 Agenda Competencies:

SDG Finance:
- Public finance reforms
- Debt instruments aligned with SDGs
- Mobilizing private capital for sustainable development

Business Strategy & Systems Thinking

Ability to apply systems-thinking to assess financial ecosystems and develop integrated solutions

9. Languages

Fluency required in:
- English
- Mandarin Chinese

10. Workplace Culture and Equality

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer, deeply committed to:

Diversity and inclusion
Creating safe and respectful working environments
Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or abuse of authority

11. Career Development Opportunities

This role can lead to advancement in several tracks:

Policy Advisory Roles within UNDP or other UN agencies
Finance Specialist roles at the international level
Positions with multilateral development banks, climate finance funds, or bilateral donors
Leadership roles in green finance institutions, think tanks, or the Ministry of Finance (for national staff)

12. Strategic Importance of This Role

This role is not just technical; it is strategic and visionary. As China plays a larger role in global development financing, this position helps shape:

China’s international image as a climate and development finance leader
Domestic reform of sustainable finance regulations
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) alignment with sustainability
Green and SDG-aligned investment channels in South-South Cooperation

13. Final Remarks

The SDG Finance Policy Analyst position is a unique opportunity to sit at the intersection of:

Global and local policy-making
Finance and development
China’s strategic planning and global UN missions

It demands technical excellence, diplomatic agility, and a deep understanding of both Chinese and international development contexts.

If you’d like, I can also help you with:

A tailored application letter
A strong CV tailored to this role
Interview preparation tips specifically for this position

Would you like that?

Absolutely! Here’s an extremely detailed explanation (well over 4000 words) about the SDG Finance Policy Analyst position with UNDP in Beijing, China, including context, responsibilities, expectations, key qualifications, and much more. Let’s break it down into structured sections for clarity.

1. Organizational Context and the SDG Mandate

About UNDP and Its Global Role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network operating in approximately 170 countries and territories. Its mission is to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, foster inclusive growth, protect the environment, and help nations progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP serves as a critical actor in supporting policy development, institutional capacity-building, partnership facilitation, and innovation across various sectors.

UNDP China’s Strategic Role

UNDP has maintained a presence in China for over 45 years, providing assistance that aligns with the country’s development trajectory. From poverty alleviation to environmental conservation and governance, UNDP supports the Chinese government in navigating a complex and evolving policy landscape.

The Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2021–2025 outlines how UNDP China supports the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan while helping it meet the 2030 Agenda. UNDP China’s strategic direction focuses on:

Inclusive and sustainable economic development
Climate change and environmental sustainability
Governance and institutional reform
International development cooperation

Within this framework, the SDG Finance Policy Analyst will work at the critical intersection of finance, policy, and sustainable development, helping China develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the SDGs.

2. Thematic Focus: SDG Finance and UNDP’s Financing Agenda

What is SDG Finance?

SDG Finance refers to the mobilization and alignment of public and private financial resources to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The challenge isn’t just about finding money, but redirecting existing financial flows—from capital markets, public budgets, development assistance, and philanthropic investments—toward inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

The SDG financing agenda aims to:

Build enabling environments for investments aligned with sustainable development.
Support governments in designing and implementing national financing strategies.
Promote innovative finance solutions like green bonds, blended finance, and impact investing.
Increase transparency and accountability in public financial management and budgeting.

China’s Relevance to the Global SDG Financing Discourse

China’s role is pivotal due to its:

Global economic footprint
Rapidly growing green finance sector
Commitment to dual carbon goals (carbon peaking before 2030, neutrality by 2060)
Growing outbound development assistance

As such, the SDG Finance Policy Analyst will be working in one of the world’s most influential policy environments, engaging in high-level policy dialogue, research, pilot projects, and cross-border knowledge exchange.

3. About the Role: SDG Finance Policy Analyst

Position Overview

The SDG Finance Policy Analyst is a national-level role (NPSA-9) located in Beijing, China. It sits within the Strategic Partnerships and Policy (SPP) Team and reports to the team leader. This position is central to implementing and growing UNDP China’s SDG Financing Portfolio.

You will be responsible for:

Leading and expanding the SDG finance portfolio
Driving strategic policy advisory and technical support
Coordinating partnerships with public and private finance stakeholders
Supporting innovation and pilot projects in sustainable finance
Designing, managing, and monitoring programmes
Creating knowledge products, advocacy tools, and public policy recommendations

4. Detailed Responsibilities

A. Policy Design and Implementation

Provide strategic recommendations for SDG-aligned policy initiatives and investment instruments.
Design programme/project proposals aligned with UNDP’s global and regional frameworks.
Explore intervention points within China’s sustainable finance architecture, including the green bonds market, carbon markets, fiscal instruments, and sovereign SDG bonds.
Collaborate with ministries, financial institutions, and UN entities to strengthen regulatory frameworks that enable sustainable finance.

B. Technical Support and Policy Advice

Support public institutions in developing SDG financing strategies and integrating SDG criteria into budgeting, procurement, debt issuance, and investment planning.
Contribute to gender mainstreaming in sustainable finance projects—ensuring inclusive and equitable financial instruments.
Develop technical notes, policy briefs, and guidance for internal and external use.

C. Knowledge Management and Advocacy

Identify best practices and lessons learned in sustainable finance from China and abroad.
Disseminate knowledge through reports, webinars, policy dialogues, and workshops.
Collaborate with international think tanks, universities, and financial institutions to produce evidence-based knowledge products.
Represent UNDP China in international forums to share China’s experience and gain insights from global networks.

D. Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

Lead stakeholder engagement with government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Finance, NDRC), development banks, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
Create compelling pitch documents and funding proposals for potential donors.
Support donor reporting, ensuring that results-based reporting frameworks are adhered to.

E. Programme and Project Management

Use Results-Based Management (RBM) tools to monitor programme performance.
Coordinate workplans, budgets, procurement, and HR plans with programme and operations teams.
Draft project reports and donor briefings.
Manage contracts with consultants, partners, and research institutions.

F. Broader Support and Collaboration

Support other thematic areas like green transition, human development, and international development cooperation.
Engage in office-wide initiatives, internal coordination platforms, and global UNDP working groups.

5. Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least 4 years of experience (instead of the 2 years required with a Master’s).

Experience

You must have:

Minimum 2 years (or 4 years with bachelor’s) of experience in sustainable finance policy or development finance.
Direct experience with green and sustainable bonds, especially in terms of:
- Framework development
- Issuance process
- Reporting
- Market engagement
Familiarity with blended finance instruments, impact investing, or fiscal policy reform.
Preferably, direct engagement with China’s SDG or green finance initiatives, including work with regulators, financial institutions, or think tanks.
Knowledge or involvement in UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub initiatives is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in both Mandarin and English (written and oral) is mandatory.

6. Key Competencies

Core Competencies (UNDP’s Behavioral Framework)

Achieve Results: Focus on results delivery, meeting deadlines with high-quality outputs.
Think Innovatively: Explore new methods and ideas to tackle complex challenges.
Learn Continuously: Be curious, adaptive, and proactive in skill-building.
Adapt with Agility: Thrive in ambiguity and adapt to changes smoothly.
Act with Determination: Display resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving ability.
Engage and Partner: Build empathy and trust across stakeholders.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promote inclusive practices and confront bias.

Technical & Functional Competencies

SDG Finance Expertise: Understanding of SDG-aligned fiscal and debt instruments, including the ability to design, assess, and implement them in context-specific ways.
Public Finance Knowledge: Knowledge of how government budgets, fiscal frameworks, and public investment strategies can support the SDGs.
Private Capital Mobilization: Ability to create strategies for unlocking private sector investments and aligning business operations with SDGs.
Knowledge Generation: Strong research and analysis skills with the ability to generate actionable knowledge.
Partnership Management: Network-building and strategic engagement with institutions across sectors.
System Thinking: Understand how different policy, economic, and institutional systems interact and how one change affects the whole.

7. Career Development Opportunities

This position offers excellent prospects for a policy professional seeking to specialize in sustainable finance, international development, and economic policy. Potential future pathways include:

International postings within UNDP or other UN agencies.
Senior roles in government advisory, especially around climate finance, fiscal reforms, and financial governance.
Transition to international finance institutions (e.g., World Bank, ADB, AIIB) working in development finance.
Opportunities with global think tanks, research institutions, or consultancies focused on sustainable economic policies.

8. Why This Role Matters

As China becomes a central player in sustainable development, this role plays a strategic part in helping shape global and national policies to:

Mobilize trillions of dollars needed for the SDGs
Create scalable financing instruments that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability
Foster inclusive, equitable, and gender-sensitive economic systems
Support knowledge transfer between China and other countries

The SDG Finance Policy Analyst helps bridge policy, finance, and development, which is essential for transforming systems and accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda.

9. Summary

Feature	Details
Job Title	SDG Finance Policy Analyst
Location	Beijing, China
Contract Type	NPSA (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Grade	NPSA-9
Duration	1 year (renewable based on performance and funding)
Languages	Fluency in English and Mandarin
Education	Master’s or Bachelor’s in relevant field
Experience	2 years (with Master’s) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s) in sustainable finance
Salary	Based on UNDP’s national service agreement scale (confidential until interview stage)

Would you like a tailored cover letter or resume for this position? Or maybe a deeper dive into China’s SDG finance initiatives?