“UNDP Biodiversity Finance Manager: Leading Sustainable Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation in Ghana”

February 11, 2025

12 minutes read

The Biodiversity Finance Manager (Re-advertised) position in Accra, Ghana, offers a unique and impactful opportunity within the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) to work on an important global project aimed at advancing biodiversity conservation. The role involves providing key support to the development of a National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) as part of the UNDP’s work in nature, climate, and energy solutions. The position focuses on mobilizing resources, identifying financing mechanisms, and ensuring that countries have the financial support to meet biodiversity targets and objectives.

The UNDP is recognized as a leading organization in global sustainable development, and its mission includes supporting nations in addressing environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss. The role of Biodiversity Finance Manager is essential to achieving the goals outlined in international agreements such as the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2025 has prioritized addressing poverty, promoting inclusive growth, and working towards environmental sustainability, particularly in response to climate change and biodiversity loss.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

The first major responsibility of the Biodiversity Finance Manager is to oversee the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER). This involves a thorough examination of national and subnational biodiversity expenditures across various sectors, including governmental organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The BER helps identify the extent to which financial resources are being allocated to biodiversity conservation and reveals any gaps in current funding mechanisms.

In conducting the BER, the manager will:https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

Review existing studies and databases related to biodiversity expenditures.
Develop and establish a national definition for biodiversity-related expenditures in line with established methodologies.
Map out the key stakeholders, including ministries, NGOs, and private sector actors, that contribute to biodiversity funding.
- Create and refine tools for collecting and categorizing data, ensuring it is aligned with national and international biodiversity objectives (such as those outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)).
Coordinate consultations with national stakeholders to gather relevant data, ensuring that it is comprehensive and accurate.
Use this data to create projections of future funding under a “Business-As-Usual Scenario,” identifying potential financing gaps.

2. Biodiversity Finance Needs Assessment (FNA)

The Biodiversity Finance Manager will also lead the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA), which is a detailed costing of the country’s biodiversity policies and action plans. This includes analyzing the financial requirements for key biodiversity initiatives outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

Key tasks related to the FNA include:@charles

Reviewing available methodologies for assessing biodiversity finance needs and drawing on case studies from other countries.
Collaborating with the NBSAP team to understand ongoing efforts and identifying any gaps or areas that require additional funding.
Organizing workshops with national stakeholders to refine and validate cost assumptions related to biodiversity finance.
Using data gathered through the BER and other research methods to compare projected funding with identified financial needs, helping to estimate the potential financing gap.

3. Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)

Twordpress-6.7.1he Biodiversity Finance Manager will play a vital role in shaping the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). The BFP is a strategic document that outlines actions to scale up financing for biodiversity conservation, reduce harmful finance flows, and improve the efficiency of existing financial resources.

Responsibilities include:

Assisting the Sustainable Finance Specialist in the conception and preparation of the BFP.
Conducting detailed feasibility analyses on a range of potential financing mechanisms (such as green bonds, conservation funding, and public-private partnerships).
Supporting the development of policy recommendations that align with national priorities, ensuring that financial mechanisms proposed in the BFP are practical and aligned with the country’s economic, social, and environmental context.

4. Outreach and Communication

Effective communication and outreach are essential to ensure stakeholder engagement and successful implementation of the biodiversity finance plans. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will support the organization of workshops, meetings, and presentations to share findings, engage stakeholders, and ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the process.

This includes:

Organizing consultations with national and international stakeholders, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in decision-making.
Preparing and delivering presentations on the progress and outcomes of the Biodiversity Expenditure Review and Financial Needs Assessment.
Documenting lessons learned and preparing reports and case studies to share with global stakeholders (e.g., at meetings like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of the Parties (COP)).

5. Knowledge Management and Reporting

The role requires meticulous documentation and reporting to ensure that key decisions, methodologies, and assumptions are properly recorded. This also involves sharing knowledge gained through the project to contribute to the broader global understanding of biodiversity finance.

Key tasks include:

Keeping records of all decisions made during the project, including assumptions and methodologies applied.
Preparing detailed reports on the progress of the Biodiversity Finance Plan, Expenditure Review, and Financial Needs Assessment.
Preparing materials for global meetings and conferences to highlight the work done in Ghana and share insights and best practices.

Qualifications and Experience:

Educational Requirements:

Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Business Management, or a related field, preferably with a focus on environmental or biodiversity topics.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree combined with at least 4 years of relevant experience in environmental finance, economics, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

At least 2 years of experience in environmental finance, accounting, economics, or a related field with a master’s degree or 4 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree.
Proven experience working with international and national experts, institutions, and stakeholders in the environmental or biodiversity field.
Strong report writing and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports and presentations.
Familiarity with the government sector and its budgeting processes is strongly desired.

Skills and Competencies:

Research and Analytical Skills: The ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize complex data related to biodiversity finance.
Project Management Skills: Experience in managing large-scale projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
Technical Expertise: Proficiency in key software tools (such as MS Office) and the ability to work with data management and visualization technologies.
Collaboration and Communication: Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, engaging stakeholders and presenting findings in a compelling manner.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of one or more local languages is a strong asset.

Work Environment:

The Biodiversity Finance Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Finance Specialist (Project Lead) and will be part of the project team that is implementing the GEF8 Umbrella Programme for the development of the first National Biodiversity Finance Plan in Ghana. The project’s success will contribute significantly to the global effort to address biodiversity loss and achieve the targets outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The role is based in Accra, Ghana, and involves no mobility requirements. It offers an exciting chance to contribute to high-impact environmental finance initiatives while engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders in the public, private, and civil society sectors.

Institutional and Ethical Considerations:

As part of the UNDP, the position adheres to strict ethical standards. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. The Biodiversity Finance Manager will undergo rigorous background checks and will be expected to uphold the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. UNDP fosters a work environment where non-discrimination is fundamental, and people from marginalized or excluded populations are encouraged to apply.

The Biodiversity Finance Manager position is a vital role in helping to shape the future of biodiversity financing in Ghana, contributing to the national and global goals of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. It is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, with the support of the UNDP and its global network of experts.

If you are passionate about biodiversity conservation, finance, and sustainable development, this could be a rewarding and impactful career opportunity.

The Biodiversity Finance Manager role is an essential position within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Accra, Ghana. This position involves taking an active role in the UNDP’s efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices, particularly in the area of biodiversity conservation, through the National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). As a key figure in this project, the Biodiversity Finance Manager will be at the center of efforts aimed at understanding, mobilizing, and coordinating finance for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity resources in Ghana. The position offers the chance to directly impact global biodiversity conservation efforts, aligning with key international frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

UNDP’s Mission and Role in Biodiversity Conservation

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been a global leader in advocating for sustainable development, human rights, and environmental protection. With biodiversity loss identified as one of the critical global environmental challenges, the UNDP works with governments, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to support nations in developing long-term, effective solutions to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

In line with global environmental goals, the Biodiversity Finance Manager will help lead the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in Ghana. BIOFIN is a global program that helps countries develop and implement tailored financial solutions for biodiversity conservation, bridging the gap between financial needs for biodiversity and the funds available to meet them. As part of this initiative, the role involves working to establish the National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) for Ghana, a comprehensive, long-term strategy that identifies sustainable financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation at the national and subnational levels.

The role of Biodiversity Finance Manager requires deep knowledge of biodiversity finance, as well as expertise in project management, economics, and environmental policy. This position is designed for a highly motivated individual with a passion for sustainability and environmental protection, ready to work alongside experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in shaping financial strategies for biodiversity conservation.

Responsibilities of the Biodiversity Finance Manager

The Biodiversity Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and coordination of various key components of the national biodiversity finance plan. This includes engaging with national governments, financial institutions, international donors, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement finance mechanisms that will support national biodiversity goals. Below is a detailed look at the key responsibilities of the position:

1. Conducting a Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER)

One of the first key tasks that the Biodiversity Finance Manager will undertake is the Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER). The BER is a detailed study and review of existing financial commitments to biodiversity and ecosystems at the national and subnational levels. This exercise aims to understand how much funding is currently allocated toward biodiversity and identify where additional resources are needed.

The responsibilities involved in conducting the BER include:

Mapping Expenditures: Identifying government and non-governmental expenditures that contribute to biodiversity conservation. This includes funding from ministries, local government entities, private sector investments, and international donors.
Data Collection: Gathering data from government reports, financial statements, and other relevant sources to determine the amount of resources allocated to biodiversity projects, programs, and initiatives.
Stakeholder Consultation: Engaging with national and subnational stakeholders, such as ministries, the private sector, NGOs, and local communities, to get insights into biodiversity financing efforts.
Identifying Gaps: Analyzing the data to identify gaps between current funding levels and the required financing for biodiversity goals, including specific targets outlined in national biodiversity strategies.
Forecasting Future Expenditures: Estimating how biodiversity finance will evolve over time and creating projections based on various funding scenarios (e.g., business-as-usual, optimistic, and pessimistic).

The outcome of the BER process will provide a comprehensive view of the financial flows into biodiversity conservation and the areas where resources need to be scaled up or reallocated to meet biodiversity targets.

2. Undertaking a Financial Needs Assessment (FNA)

The Financial Needs Assessment (FNA) is another critical task of the Biodiversity Finance Manager. This involves the development of a detailed and accurate assessment of the financial needs to implement the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This assessment evaluates the costs of existing biodiversity projects and the financial resources required to address gaps in biodiversity protection and restoration.

Key tasks related to the FNA include:

Costing Biodiversity Goals: Quantifying the financial resources required to implement policies and strategies under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Engaging Stakeholders: Coordinating consultations with national and international stakeholders, including experts from the government, civil society, private sector, and international organizations to validate cost assumptions and explore financing options.
Analyzing Costs and Benefits: Assessing the financial and non-financial benefits of biodiversity conservation initiatives, including ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood control.
Identifying the Financing Gap: Using the data from the FNA to identify the gap between the required funding and available resources. This helps in formulating strategies to close that gap and prioritize investments.

3. Developing the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP)

A crucial component of the role is to contribute to the development of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). The BFP serves as a roadmap for ensuring adequate financing for biodiversity conservation and aligns with both national priorities and international commitments. The plan outlines specific financing mechanisms that will be used to raise and allocate funds for biodiversity objectives.

Key tasks involved in developing the BFP include:

Identifying Funding Sources: Investigating diverse financing options for biodiversity, such as innovative public-private partnerships, carbon markets, green bonds, biodiversity offsets, international donors, and national budget allocations.
Developing Financial Strategies: Proposing innovative strategies for scaling up biodiversity funding, including creating new financial instruments or reallocating existing resources. The plan should also seek to minimize harmful financing flows that contribute to biodiversity degradation.
Ensuring Sustainability: Designing financing strategies that ensure long-term sustainability and resilience, particularly in the face of challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and other environmental pressures.
Policy and Institutional Recommendations: Offering policy reforms to enhance biodiversity financing at the national level, ensuring that the right incentives are in place for public and private sector investment in biodiversity conservation.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the financing plan. This includes creating indicators for tracking financial contributions, biodiversity outcomes, and overall success in meeting biodiversity targets.

The successful development and implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan will enable Ghana to access the necessary financial resources to meet its biodiversity conservation objectives, in line with global biodiversity frameworks and commitments.

4. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are critical to the success of the Biodiversity Finance Manager role. The manager must work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, international donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to ensure broad support for the biodiversity finance agenda.

Key responsibilities include:

Building Partnerships: Developing relationships with key national and international stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, businesses, and NGOs, to foster collaboration and secure additional funding.
Stakeholder Consultations: Organizing workshops, meetings, and forums to gather input from diverse stakeholders and ensure that the Biodiversity Finance Plan reflects the needs and priorities of all parties.
Public Outreach: Engaging with the media and the general public to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity finance and garner support for the country’s biodiversity goals.
Transparency: Ensuring transparency in all financial transactions and reporting, building trust among stakeholders, and promoting accountability in the use of biodiversity funds.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

As part of the UNDP’s broader mission, the Biodiversity Finance Manager will be expected to contribute to global knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts in biodiversity finance. This includes sharing lessons learned from Ghana’s experience with other countries, participating in international forums and conferences, and supporting capacity-building activities for stakeholders involved in biodiversity finance.

Key tasks related to knowledge sharing and capacity building include:

Documenting Best Practices: Collecting and sharing data, case studies, and lessons learned from the implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan in Ghana.
Training: Providing training and capacity-building activities for government officials, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to enhance their understanding of biodiversity finance and financial management.
Global Networking: Participating in international networks, conferences, and forums focused on biodiversity finance to exchange knowledge and contribute to the global conversation on financing biodiversity conservation.

Qualifications and Skills

To be successful in this role, the Biodiversity Finance Manager must possess a range of technical, managerial, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the complex challenges involved in biodiversity finance.

Educational Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Finance, Environmental Economics, Business Administration, Sustainable Development, or a related field is preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree combined with significant professional experience (at least 4 years) may be considered as an alternative qualification.

Experience:

At least 2 years of experience in environmental finance, economics, or a related field with a Master’s degree, or 4 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in working with government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs on environmental or biodiversity finance.
Familiarity with biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Skills:

Strong analytical skills and experience working with financial data.
Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and financial analysis.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team.

Conclusion

The Biodiversity Finance Manager position at UNDP in Accra, Ghana, offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts and advance innovative financial solutions for biodiversity protection. By leading key processes like the Biodiversity Expenditure Review, Financial Needs Assessment, and Biodiversity Finance Plan, the manager will play a vital role in helping Ghana meet its biodiversity targets and contribute to global sustainability goals. This is a challenging yet rewarding position that offers the chance to make a tangible impact on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development both nationally and internationally.