Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate – A Comprehensive Role Breakdown at UNDP, Addis Ababa

March 15, 2025

10 minutes read

This job posting is for an Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate position with UNDP in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is a full-time, fixed-term position under the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), focusing on Nature, Climate, and Energy. The contract duration is one year, with possible extension based on performance.

Project Management & Support:
- Assist in developing and overseeing projects related to environmental finance.
- Ensure compliance with UNDP policies and donor requirements.
- Track and monitor project progress using UNDP’s Project Information Management System (PIMS+).
- Support financial monitoring and budget management.
Coordination & Communication:
- Work closely with Country Offices (COs), global teams, and regional technical advisors.
- Facilitate smooth communication between COs and UNDP headquarters.
- Assist in preparing and reviewing reports, presentations, and project documentation.
Portfolio Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Conduct data analysis and reporting to track progress.
- Monitor financial expenditures and project budgets.
- Ensure timely submission of progress reports, budget revisions, and evaluations.
Capacity Building & Training:
- Support COs in understanding environmental finance processes.
- Help organize workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing events.

Qualifications Required:@vacancyspaces.com

Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Environmental or Social Sciences, or related fields (preferred but not mandatory).
- High School diploma with 7 years of experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of experience.
Experience:
- Project management and financial monitoring.
- Experience with environmental finance and sustainability projects.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) and database management.
- Knowledge of ERP systems (such as Quantum) and UNDP’s project structure is an advantage.
- Experience in procurement and grant management is beneficial.
Languages Required:
- English and Amharic (mandatory).
- Spanish, French, or Portuguese (advantageous but not required).

Core Competencies:

Project Management & Coordination: Ability to plan and track project activities.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensuring projects meet UNDP and donor requirements.
Financial Oversight: Monitoring budgets, financial reporting, and compliance.
Communication Skills: Writing reports, preparing presentations, and facilitating stakeholder communication.
Adaptability & Innovation: Ability to work in a dynamic environment and propose creative solutions.

Other Important Information:

Diversity & Inclusion: UNDP encourages applications from marginalized groups.
Zero Tolerance Policy: UNDP has strict policies against harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
Scam Warning: UNDP does not charge any fees for recruitment.

Would you like help with a cover letter or CV review for this position? 🚀

Sure! Below is a detailed explanation of the Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate position with UNDP in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This explanation includes an in-depth analysis of the job role, responsibilities, qualifications, organizational context, and the importance of environmental finance in the global development agenda.

Job Overview: Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate – UNDP, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

1. Introduction to UNDP and Its Role in Environmental Finance

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading agencies within the UN system dedicated to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and environmental conservation. With a presence in over 170 countries, UNDP plays a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, environmental sustainability, and financial inclusion.

The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is a specialized arm of UNDP that provides technical expertise, policy guidance, and programmatic support across various thematic areas, including Nature, Climate, and Energy (NCE). The Environmental Finance Unit (EFU), which falls under BPPS, mobilizes funding for projects that address climate change, biodiversity conservation, land degradation, and sustainable energy.

1.1 The Significance of Environmental Finance

Environmental finance refers to the financial mechanisms and investment strategies used to fund environmental and climate-related initiatives. This includes:

Grants and subsidies for environmental projects.
Green bonds and climate finance instruments to support renewable energy and conservation efforts.
Private sector engagement in sustainability through impact investments.
Carbon markets and emissions trading schemes.
Multilateral and bilateral funding sources, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate plays a crucial role in managing and monitoring these funds, ensuring efficient project implementation and compliance with donor requirements.

2. Job Details and Responsibilities

The Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate is a fixed-term position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The individual in this role will support the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of environmental finance projects across the region. The key responsibilities are categorized as follows:

2.1 Project Management & Support

The selected candidate will provide essential support for project planning, implementation, and tracking. This includes:

Assisting in the formulation, approval, and execution of environmental finance projects.
Ensuring projects align with UNDP’s strategic objectives and donor expectations.
Managing project budgets, financial transactions, and fund disbursements.
Utilizing UNDP’s Project Information Management System (PIMS+) to track project performance.
Supporting the development of risk mitigation strategies to address challenges in project execution.

2.2 Coordination & Communication

The Programme Associate will serve as a key liaison between Country Offices (COs), regional teams, technical experts, and donors. This includes:

Facilitating timely communication and coordination between UNDP Country Offices and global teams.
Preparing briefing notes, presentations, and reports for stakeholders.
Assisting in project review meetings, evaluations, and donor consultations.
Ensuring the effective dissemination of project results and best practices.

2.3 Portfolio Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation

Effective project monitoring is critical to ensure transparency and accountability. The Programme Associate will:

Conduct regular data analysis to assess project performance.
Monitor financial expenditures, cash flows, and cost projections.
Track project milestones using key performance indicators (KPIs).
Prepare quarterly, mid-term, and final project reports in line with UNDP and donor requirements.
Assist in audits, evaluations, and risk assessments.

2.4 Capacity Building & Technical Support

The Programme Associate will support capacity-building efforts by:

Organizing training workshops, webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Developing learning materials and toolkits for Country Offices and project teams.
Supporting UNDP’s efforts to enhance national and regional capacities in environmental finance management.

3. Qualifications and Competencies

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following education and experience requirements:

3.1 Educational Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Social Sciences, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
Candidates with a high school diploma may apply, but they must have at least 7 years of relevant experience.
If the candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree, only 4 years of relevant experience is required.

3.2 Work Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

Experience in project management, financial monitoring, and administrative support.
Knowledge of environmental finance and climate-related funding mechanisms.
Familiarity with UNDP’s programmatic approach and financial systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Quantum.
Prior experience in procurement, grants management, or donor relations is an asset.

3.3 Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Amharic is mandatory.
Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an advantage but not required.

4. Competency Framework

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

4.1 Core Competencies

Project Management & Coordination: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor projects effectively.
Financial Oversight: Expertise in budgeting, cost management, and financial reporting.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Proficiency in tracking project impact and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
Communication & Reporting: Strong writing and presentation skills for stakeholder engagement.
Problem-Solving & Innovation: Ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions.

4.2 Technical Competencies

Knowledge of climate finance, green economy policies, and environmental governance.
Experience working with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).
Familiarity with funding sources such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF).

5. Importance of the Role in Sustainable Development

This position is critical in advancing SDGs related to climate action, environmental conservation, and sustainable finance. The work done by the Programme Associate will contribute to:

SDG 13 (Climate Action): Supporting climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
SDG 15 (Life on Land): Promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use.
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Facilitating financing for renewable energy initiatives.

By ensuring the effective allocation and monitoring of environmental funds, the Programme Associate will play a pivotal role in enhancing climate resilience and environmental sustainability in Ethiopia and the broader region.

6. Additional Information

6.1 Diversity & Inclusion at UNDP

UNDP is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, particularly for women, people with disabilities, and underrepresented groups.

6.2 UNDP’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

UNDP maintains strict policies against fraud, harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse. All staff members are expected to adhere to high ethical standards.

6.3 Scam Warning

Applicants should note that UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.

7. Conclusion

The Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate role is an exciting opportunity for professionals interested in sustainable development, environmental finance, and project management. It offers a chance to work on high-impact climate and biodiversity projects, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Would you like help in drafting a cover letter or resume for this position? Let me know how I can ass

Certainly! Below is an expanded and detailed explanation of the Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate position at UNDP in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This version provides an even more in-depth look at the role, responsibilities, qualifications, impact, and importance of environmental finance in today’s global landscape.

Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate – UNDP, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A Deep Dive into the Role, Responsibilities, and Global Significance

1. Introduction: Understanding UNDP and Its Role in Environmental Finance

1.1 About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network committed to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities while promoting sustainable development. UNDP operates in over 170 countries and territories, supporting national governments in addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges.

One of UNDP’s key areas of focus is environmental sustainability and climate resilience, which falls under its Nature, Climate, and Energy (NCE) portfolio. The Environmental Finance Unit (EFU) is a specialized branch within UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) that manages financial mechanisms aimed at addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, desertification, and sustainable energy.

1.2 What is Environmental Finance?

Environmental finance refers to the financial instruments, investment strategies, and funding mechanisms that support environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, and green development projects. This includes:

Grants and subsidies for biodiversity protection, renewable energy, and climate mitigation.
Green bonds and climate finance mechanisms to fund low-carbon initiatives.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to encourage sustainable business practices.
Carbon credits and emissions trading schemes that incentivize companies to lower their carbon footprint.
Multilateral environmental funds, such as:
- The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
- The Green Climate Fund (GCF)
- The Adaptation Fund (AF)
- The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)

UNDP serves as a key implementing agency for these funding sources, ensuring that developing countries effectively access and utilize environmental finance for their sustainable development agendas.

1.3 The Role of the Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate

The Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate plays a pivotal role in ensuring that UNDP’s environmental finance projects are efficiently planned, implemented, monitored, and reported. This position requires strong expertise in project management, financial oversight, and donor coordination.

The individual in this role will work closely with:

UNDP Country Offices (COs) in Africa
Regional technical teams
Government ministries
International donors and financing institutions

Their work will help strengthen environmental sustainability efforts across the region, ensuring that projects align with UNDP’s strategic goals and donor expectations.

2. Key Responsibilities of the Role

The role of an Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate is multifaceted, encompassing financial management, project coordination, reporting, monitoring, and capacity-building. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities:

2.1 Project Planning and Implementation

The Programme Associate will provide essential support in the planning, execution, and tracking of environmental finance projects across the region. This involves:

Assisting in the design, approval, and execution of new environmental finance projects.
Coordinating with UNDP Country Offices to ensure timely fund disbursement.
Ensuring that projects comply with UNDP policies and donor agreements.
Tracking budget allocations and expenditures to ensure financial efficiency.
Supporting risk mitigation strategies to prevent delays or inefficiencies.

2.2 Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

The Programme Associate will serve as a liaison between various stakeholders, including:

UNDP Country Offices (COs)
Government ministries and agencies responsible for climate and environmental policy
Regional technical teams working on biodiversity, land degradation, and clean energy
International donors funding environmental finance projects

This role will require:

Facilitating timely communication and coordination between partners.
Organizing project review meetings, donor briefings, and stakeholder consultations.
Assisting in the development of strategic reports and knowledge products.
Supporting multi-stakeholder collaboration to improve project impact.

2.3 Financial Management and Budget Oversight

A major component of this role is to ensure that financial resources are managed effectively and transparently. The Programme Associate will:

Track financial flows, budget allocations, and expenditure reports.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations and donor guidelines.
Prepare financial summaries and audit reports.
Work with finance teams to forecast funding needs.
Assist in procurement processes and contract management.

2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

The Programme Associate will be responsible for tracking project performance and ensuring compliance with UNDP’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework. This includes:

Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for environmental projects.
Conducting data analysis and progress tracking.
Preparing quarterly, mid-term, and final project reports.
Supporting external audits, evaluations, and risk assessments.

2.5 Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

The Programme Associate will also play a role in strengthening institutional capacity within UNDP and its partner organizations. This involves:

Organizing training workshops, webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Developing policy briefs, best practice reports, and learning materials.
Supporting the integration of innovative financing mechanisms into national policies.

3. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

3.1 Educational Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
Candidates with a high school diploma can apply, but they must have at least 7 years of relevant experience.
If the candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree, they need only 4 years of experience.

3.2 Work Experience

Experience in project management, financial tracking, and donor coordination.
Knowledge of environmental finance, climate funding, and sustainability projects.
Familiarity with UNDP’s financial systems, policies, and procedures.
Strong analytical and data management skills.
Experience working with ERP systems such as Quantum is a plus.

3.3 Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Amharic is mandatory.
Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an added advantage.

4. Global and Regional Impact of the Role

The Programme Associate’s work will contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 13 (Climate Action): Supporting climate adaptation and resilience projects.
SDG 15 (Life on Land): Promoting biodiversity conservation.
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Facilitating access to climate finance for renewable energy projects.

By ensuring efficient management of environmental finance, this role will help build a more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.

5. Conclusion

The Environmental Finance Regional Programme Associate position is a dynamic and impactful role that requires expertise in finance, environmental policy, and project management. It provides a unique opportunity to work with international stakeholders and contribute to global environmental sustainability.

Would you like help in preparing a resume or cover letter for this position? Let me know how I can assist

March 15, 2025

10 minutes read