Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist – A Key Role in Biodiversity Finance and Sustainable Development in Eswatin

April 4, 2025

11 minutes read

This job is a Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist position with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Mbabane, Eswatini. It is a full-time role under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-11) for one year, with a focus on sustainable finance for biodiversity.

Key Purpose of the Role

The Project Lead will manage and oversee the implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) as part of the GEF8 Umbrella Programme in Eswatini. This initiative aims to identify and mobilize financial resources to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Main Responsibilities

The role combines project management, technical expertise in finance and biodiversity, and stakeholder engagement. Your duties will be split into three main areas:

1. Project Management

Oversee the implementation of the National Biodiversity Finance Plan.
Lead a team of experts, including a Biodiversity Finance Specialist, Policy Expert, and Project Support Associate.
Manage the project budget and work plan to ensure timely delivery.
Supervise national consultants and technical assessments.
Organize workshops and stakeholder meetings.
Report project progress to UNDP, the government, and global partners.

2. Technical Expertise & Finance Solutions

Conduct financial gap analysis to identify funding needs for biodiversity.
Identify and implement finance mechanisms (public and private sector).
Review subsidies and incentives that impact biodiversity.
Ensure all national work aligns with global methodologies such as the BIOFIN Workbook.
Provide technical support for data collection, modeling, and financial planning.
Develop the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) to increase investments in biodiversity.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

Work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment to integrate biodiversity finance into national strategies.
Engage with key stakeholders, including government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and academia.
Represent the project in national, regional, and global meetings.
Prepare reports, policy briefs, press releases, and media content.

Required Qualifications

To qualify for this role, you need a Master’s degree with 7 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of experience in environmental finance, project management, or biodiversity conservation.

Skills & Experience Required

✅ Strong project management experience.
✅ Background in biodiversity finance, public/private finance, or economic policies.
✅ Experience working with government institutions (Ministry of Finance, Environment, etc.).
✅ Ability to engage with private sector investors and donors.
✅ Experience conducting financial needs assessments and expenditure reviews.
✅ Strong knowledge of public finance and economic modeling.
✅ Fluency in English and siSwati.
✅ Prior UNDP or UN experience is a plus.

Why This Job Matters

This role is critical in helping Eswatini mobilize financial resources for biodiversity conservation. By developing a sustainable finance strategy, the project will help protect natural resources, strengthen economic resilience, and support national and global biodiversity targets.

Would you like help in preparing an application or discussing your qualifications for this role

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the job, expanding on its responsibilities, importance, and impact.

Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist – UNDP, Eswatini

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a key organization in driving sustainable development worldwide. It serves as the integrator within the United Nations Development System (UNDS), working across multiple thematic areas such as poverty eradication, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and financial sustainability.

One of its core areas of work is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Finance, which ensures that countries can secure and allocate financial resources effectively to meet their SDG targets. Within this framework, biodiversity finance has emerged as a crucial area for investment, particularly in countries with rich natural resources but limited funding for conservation.

The role of Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist is central to the implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) under the GEF8 Umbrella Programme in Eswatini. This initiative is designed to mobilize financial resources, reform economic policies, and implement biodiversity-friendly finance mechanisms that ensure long-term ecological and economic stability.

Position Overview

The Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist is a senior-level national expert who will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and implementing Eswatini’s first National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). This plan will integrate public and private financing, assess current biodiversity expenditure, and propose new financial mechanisms to bridge the funding gap for conservation.

The specialist will work closely with the UNDP Country Office, government institutions (particularly the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment), private sector stakeholders, donors, and academic experts to implement a comprehensive strategy for biodiversity finance.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for one year under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-11). The position is based in Mbabane, Eswatini, and no mobility is required.

Key Objectives of the Role

The main objectives of the Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist include:

Project Leadership & Management
- Provide strategic leadership and guidance for the development and implementation of the National Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP).
- Oversee the identification and implementation of finance solutions that promote biodiversity conservation.
- Supervise a national technical team, including a Biodiversity Finance Specialist, Environmental Policy Expert, and Project Support Associate.
- Develop annual work plans, budgets, and implementation schedules in consultation with UNDP and national stakeholders.
- Ensure that the project meets all deliverables, deadlines, and quality standards.
Technical Expertise in Biodiversity Finance
- Conduct an economic assessment of Eswatini’s biodiversity finance landscape, including:
  - Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER): Analyzing government and private sector spending on biodiversity.
  - Financial Needs Assessment (FNA): Estimating the required funds to achieve biodiversity goals.
  - Policy and Institutional Review (PIR): Examining current laws, policies, and subsidies that affect biodiversity finance.
- Develop a comprehensive Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) that includes:
  - Sustainable finance solutions.
  - Strategies for attracting private investment.
  - Policy reforms to promote biodiversity-friendly financial mechanisms.
- Assess and reform harmful subsidies that negatively impact biodiversity.
- Identify opportunities to leverage international funding from organizations such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and private investors.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Work closely with key stakeholders, including:
  - Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment to integrate biodiversity finance into national development strategies.
  - Private sector investors to encourage sustainable investments in biodiversity-related industries.
  - NGOs, academia, and civil society organizations to ensure participatory decision-making.
  - Donors and development partners to secure financial commitments.
- Organize workshops, technical meetings, and policy dialogues with stakeholders.
- Ensure that Eswatini’s Biodiversity Finance Plan aligns with global biodiversity frameworks, such as:
  - Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework (2022).
  - Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets.
  - UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub priorities.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Lead project monitoring, reporting, and evaluation to ensure effective implementation.
- Prepare:
  - Quarterly and annual reports for submission to UNDP and the Global Project Management & Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU).
  - Policy briefs and synthesis reports for government officials and stakeholders.
  - Media content, press releases, and communication materials to raise awareness.
- Regularly review and assess project risks, identifying mitigation strategies.
Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing
- Conduct trainings and capacity-building workshops for government agencies and private sector partners.
- Document and share best practices in biodiversity finance with regional and global UNDP teams.
- Establish knowledge-sharing platforms and networks to promote biodiversity finance solutions.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Lead will report to the UNDP Country Office and work under the supervision of the Global Project Management & Technical Support Unit (GPMTSU). The position will also involve regular coordination with government institutions and the National Steering Committee overseeing biodiversity finance initiatives in Eswatini.

The national project team will consist of:

Project Lead & Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist (this position).
Biodiversity Finance Specialist.
Environmental Policy Expert.
Project Support Associate.
Additional consultants as needed.

The Project Lead will be responsible for ensuring that all activities are aligned with UNDP’s global methodologies, particularly the BIOFIN approach (Biodiversity Finance Initiative).

Qualifications & Experience

Educational Requirements

Master’s degree in environmental management, finance, biodiversity, economics, public policy, or a related field.
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus two additional years of experience may be considered in place of a Master’s.

Experience Requirements

7+ years of experience in managing biodiversity, finance, or environmental projects (for candidates with a Master’s).
9+ years of experience if the candidate holds only a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in public finance, private sector investments, or economic policy development.
Knowledge of UNDP projects, biodiversity finance mechanisms, and policy development.
Strong understanding of public-private partnerships and resource mobilization.

Required Skills

✅ Project management: Ability to lead national-level projects.
✅ Financial planning & analysis: Expertise in biodiversity finance mechanisms.
✅ Stakeholder engagement: Experience working with government, private sector, and donors.
✅ Policy and institutional analysis: Understanding of biodiversity policies, subsidies, and finance instruments.
✅ Technical expertise: Experience in conducting financial assessments and developing finance strategies.
✅ Language skills: Fluency in English and siSwati is required.

Preferred Skills

✅ Prior experience with UNDP or UN projects.
✅ Experience working with Ministry of Finance and knowledge of public budgeting processes.
✅ Understanding of environmental law and economic incentives for conservation.

Why This Role is Important

Biodiversity finance is a critical component of sustainable development. Without proper funding, conservation efforts cannot be sustained, leading to environmental degradation and economic loss. The Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP) will help Eswatini mobilize resources, attract investments, and implement finance solutions that protect biodiversity while promoting economic growth.

This role directly contributes to global efforts in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Final Thoughts

This is a high-impact, leadership role for a finance or biodiversity expert who wants to make a tangible difference in environmental sustainability. Would you like assistance in crafting a tailored resume or cover letter for this position? Let me know how I can help! 🚀

Expanded Explanation of the Role

The Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist is a highly strategic role aimed at transforming the way biodiversity conservation is funded in Eswatini. This is crucial because biodiversity loss threatens ecosystem services, which are vital for economic stability, food security, and climate resilience.

In many developing countries, including Eswatini, biodiversity finance is underfunded, leading to habitat destruction, species extinction, and economic vulnerability. The UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is designed to bridge this financial gap by identifying, mobilizing, and implementing sustainable finance solutions.

As a key driver of this initiative, the Project Lead will be responsible for:

Understanding the biodiversity finance gap in Eswatini
Developing innovative finance solutions
Engaging key stakeholders to promote sustainable investment
Mainstreaming biodiversity finance into national policies
Creating mechanisms for long-term financial sustainability

This requires a deep understanding of:

Government budgeting and public finance management
Private sector investment trends
Policy and regulatory frameworks affecting biodiversity
Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and impact investing

The ultimate goal of this role is to ensure that biodiversity conservation becomes financially sustainable and integrated into national and global development strategies.

Detailed Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership & Strategy Development

The Project Lead will be responsible for the overall implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Plan (BFP). This involves:

Leading the design, coordination, and execution of biodiversity finance strategies.
Supervising project staff and consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables.
Managing financial and administrative tasks to ensure compliance with UNDP regulations.
Liaising with government ministries and stakeholders to ensure policy alignment.
Monitoring project performance and making strategic adjustments when needed.

2. Biodiversity Finance Planning & Execution

A key part of this role is analyzing current biodiversity expenditure and developing sustainable finance solutions. This includes:

Conducting a Biodiversity Expenditure Review (BER) to track existing investments.
Performing a Financial Needs Assessment (FNA) to estimate funding gaps.
Developing policy recommendations to align financial flows with biodiversity goals.
Identifying and promoting sustainable revenue streams, such as:
- Green taxes and biodiversity-related fees
- Payments for ecosystem services (PES)
- Impact investments
- Blended finance solutions
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building

Biodiversity finance requires collaboration across sectors. The Project Lead will:

Work with government agencies (Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment, and others) to integrate biodiversity finance into national policies.
Engage with private sector investors to promote nature-positive investments.
Coordinate with international donors to secure financial commitments.
Collaborate with local communities and NGOs to ensure that financing mechanisms are socially inclusive.
Organize national and regional dialogues on biodiversity finance, including:
- Policy workshops
- Investor roundtables
- Public-private partnership forums

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

To ensure project success, the Project Lead will:

Develop performance indicators to track project impact.
Submit quarterly and annual reports to UNDP and funding partners.
Ensure compliance with UNDP, GEF, and international financial management standards.
Regularly assess project risks and propose mitigation strategies.

One of the long-term objectives of this role is to build local capacity in biodiversity finance. This involves:

Training government officials, financial institutions, and policymakers on sustainable finance principles.
Developing knowledge-sharing platforms to disseminate best practices.
Publishing policy briefs and case studies on biodiversity finance strategies.

Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges in Biodiversity Finance

Limited Public Financing
- Many governments allocate insufficient budgets for biodiversity conservation.
- Environmental programs often compete with other national priorities, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Weak Private Sector Engagement
- Businesses often see biodiversity conservation as a cost rather than an investment.
- There is a lack of incentives for private sector participation in biodiversity finance.
Policy & Regulatory Barriers
- Many financial policies do not account for biodiversity risks and opportunities.
- There is a need for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations.

Opportunities & Potential Impact

New Financing Mechanisms
- The rise of green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and carbon credits presents new opportunities for funding biodiversity projects.
- Blended finance models can help leverage public funds to attract private investment.
International Commitments
- Eswatini is committed to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework.
- This allows access to international funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Technology & Innovation
- Digital platforms, blockchain-based finance, and satellite monitoring for biodiversity conservation are emerging trends.
- The Project Lead will explore these tools to enhance biodiversity finance tracking and accountability.

How This Role Aligns with Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Biodiversity Finance Plan directly supports:

🔹 SDG 14 (Life Below Water) → Funding marine biodiversity conservation.
🔹 SDG 15 (Life on Land) → Financing forest restoration and species protection.
🔹 SDG 13 (Climate Action) → Aligning biodiversity finance with climate resilience.
🔹 SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) → Strengthening global and national partnerships.

This project will also align Eswatini’s policies with the Paris Agreement and Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

Compensation & Benefits

The role is classified under National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-11).
Compensation will be aligned with UNDP’s national salary scale for senior specialists.
The position is full-time, based in Mbabane, Eswatini.

Why You Should Applyhttp://@vacancyspaces.com

This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals passionate about:
✅ Sustainable finance & environmental economics
✅ Climate change and biodiversity conservation
✅ High-impact policy development
✅ Working with international institutions & government agencies

If you have the required skills, experience, and passion, this role offers:
🔹 A chance to shape Eswatini’s biodiversity finance strategy.
🔹 A leadership position in a high-profile UNDP initiative.
🔹 Opportunities to influence global biodiversity policies.

As of April 4, 2025, the position of Project Lead and Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist in Mbabane, Eswatini, is open for applications. Interested candidates can apply until April 19, 2025, at 5:59 AM. For detailed information about the role and application procedures, please visit the UNDP Eswatini jobs page: .UNDP

Additionally, for a comprehensive list of current job openings with UNDP, you can explore their global careers portal: .

Please note that application deadlines are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the official UNDP careers page regularly for the most up-to-date information.