Blended Finance Manager

General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDF’s vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity. 

UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031. 

As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful, but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on six priority areas, including: 

• Sub-national and local infrastructure financing
• Women owned enterprise financing
• Nature and climate financing
• Energy and decarbonization finance
• Sustainable food systems financing
• Inclusive digital finance

Following a recent restructuring, UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by the Executive Board of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and performs the function of the Executive Board of UNCDF. 

Under this Strategic Framework 2022-2025, UNCDF will realize its full potential as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. Through its Blue Peace Financing (BPF) Program, UNCDF has is one of the leading UN agencies when it comes to Finance for Water. Launched in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the program is about promoting access to capital for non-sovereign entities by using water as an entry point for multi-stakeholder cooperation frameworks, leading to more sustainable economies and peaceful societies. By doing so, the BPF Program aims at increasing the ability of non- sovereign entities to access public and private capital through Technical Assistance, Capacity Building and blended finance mechanisms. This is expected to contribute to creating new markets in the sustainable finance field.

UNCDF’s partners in the implementation of the Blue Peace Financing Programme include: the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Gambia River Basin Development Organization (OMVG), the Freetown City Council (FCC) and other non-sovereign entities (Local governments, River basin organizations (RBO), as well as National governments, Financing agencies, Water authorities, UNECE, UN Water, OECD, the European Commission, Development partners and other stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of work for a Blended Finance Manager encompasses a broad range of responsibilities and tasks aimed at managing and growing clients’ investment portfolios within the scope of its Blue Peace Financing (BPF) Program for the development, conception and implementation of innovative financing mechanisms and instruments in the context sustainable financing for water and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role requires a combination of strategic planning, client relationship management, and analysis.

The Blended Finance Manager provides high-level strategic guidance, innovative financial modeling, and investment management to support sustainable finance and economic development goals. This role requires expertise in designing and implementing innovative financing mechanisms, leading strategic negotiations, and enhancing resource mobilization through business development strategies. The Blended Finance Manager will play a critical role in driving the firm’s strategic initiatives in sustainable finance, client portfolio management, and investment advisory services.

Below is an outline of the key responsibilities and duties typically associated with the position of the Blended Finance Manager , in close collaboration with the Program Manager of the Blue Peace Financing Initiative:

Provision of Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Strategic Framework Development: Develop and implement the strategic framework for investment activities within the Blue Peace Financing Initiative, ensuring alignment with the goals and objectives of UNCDF and its partners.
• Leadership and Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight for all investment-related activities, ensuring effective coordination among various stakeholders, including non-sovereign entities, government bodies, financial institutions, and development partners.
• Policy and Regulatory Transformation: Lead efforts in transforming policy frameworks and regulatory environments of non-sovereign entities through capacity building and technical assistance to create conducive conditions for investment.

Lead the Investment Identification, Structuring and Risk Assessment 

• Project Identification: Identify and evaluate potential investment projects that align with the objectives of the Blue Peace Financing Initiative, focusing on water as an entry point for multi- sectoral impact.
• Investment Structuring: Develop and structure investment models, including blended finance mechanisms, to attract both public and private capital. This includes the preparation and issuance of Blue Peace Bonds.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for potential investments, ensuring that financial, social, and environmental risks are adequately mitigated.

Ensure Capacity Building , Technical Assistance and Knowledge sharing 

• Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to non-sovereign entities in preparing and implementing investment plans, including the development of multisectoral master and joint investment plans.
• Capacity Building: Design and implement capacity-building programs for local governments, river basin organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance their ability to access and manage investment capital.
• Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices related to sustainable finance, water management, and multi-stakeholder cooperation frameworks.

Ensure Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Partnership Development: Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Gambia River Basin Development Organization (OMVG), and other non-sovereign entities.
• Multi-stakeholder Cooperation: Promote and facilitate multi-stakeholder cooperation frameworks to enhance the sustainable management of water resources and foster peaceful societies.
• Communication and Advocacy: Advocate for the Blue Peace Financing Initiative’s objectives and achievements through effective communication and engagement with stakeholders at local, national, and international levels.

Lead Financial Management and Sustainability

• Financial Oversight: Provide financial oversight for all investment activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources.
• Resource Mobilization: Develop and implement strategies for mobilizing additional financial resources, including exploring innovative financing mechanisms and leveraging private sector investment.
• Sustainability Planning: Ensure the sustainability of investment activities by developing long-term financial plans and strategies for scaling up successful models.
• Reporting: Prepare and present comprehensive reports on the performance and impact of the Blue Peace Financing Initiative to stakeholders, including UNCDF management, SDC, OMVG, and other partners, and investors.

Promote Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Innovative Approaches: Explore and implement innovative approaches to investment in water and sustainable development, leveraging emerging trends and technologies.
• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and refining investment strategies and approaches based on lessons learned and evolving best practices.
• The incumbent might perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

• The incumbent will be under the overall guidance of the Executive Secretary and closely work with the Blue Peace Financing (BPF) Program Manager (PM), based in New York and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU): core HQ, regional and country PIU team members. The Blended Finance Manager will provide technical advisory to the BPF Program. He/she will, and advise on various activities under the BPF Program, including guarantees, loans, reimbursable financing agreement, special purpose vehicles, project finance, relationships with third party managed funds and other relevant areas.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• Minimum of 10 years (with master’s degree) or 12 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in investment management, particularly in sustainable finance and blended finance mechanisms with development finance institutions, investment firms, private equity funds, or a relevant related field, preferably in both developed and developing countries & LDCs is required.

Required skills

• Deep technical knowledge and proven track-record in implementing capital investment programming in non-sovereign contexts like RBOs.
• Proven experience and track record in working directly with senior officials and investors in developing countries.
• Proven experience in resource mobilization and record of success in building partnerships and negotiating financing mechanisms.
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Proven experience of Sustainable Finance as well as investment leadership, including in developing and implementing financing mechanisms and blended finance instruments is an asset.
• Experience and strong understanding of water-related investments, natural resources related investment; and their role in sustainable development and peacebuilding is desired.
• Experience with UNDP/UNCDF and Familiarity with UNCDF/UNDP rules and procedures is an advantage
• Experience in developing project documents and start-up of new projects is desired.
• Results-based management experience including monitoring, evaluation and incorporating lessons learned is desired.
• Experience in Strong financial analysis and business project appraisals is an asset

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/21987