Investments and Debt Finance Specialist, Asia and the Pacific [Home Based] [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Overview

This role supports the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) agenda in Asia and the Pacific, with cross-reporting to the Regional Advisor, SDG Finance – Asia and Pacific, and direct supervision by the Head of Debt and Investments. The position primarily delivers activities under the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub implemented by the organization. Work is hosted within SFH’s Private Finance Portfolio under the Investments and Debt unit.

The position provides technical and analytical support to partner governments, financial institutions, and issuers on sustainable finance instruments, with a focus on green and sustainability bond issuance. Key work includes pre- and post-issuance support, knowledge generation on fixed-income markets and other debt instruments, identification and assessment of green investment opportunities, and design of monitoring and reporting frameworks for environmental and climate impacts.

Responsibilities

Advice on Thematic Debt Instruments and Country Support

• Support the development and implementation of thematic debt offerings and lead the design and piloting of innovative development bond frameworks in selected countries across the Asia-Pacific region, in close coordination with SFH portfolios, UNDP Country Offices, and SFH Regional Advisors.
• Provide tailored technical advice to governments and partners to address country-specific financing needs, with a particular focus on green bonds in collaboration with the EU Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub.
• Ensure strategic alignment with European Commission initiatives, including coherence with the European Commission’s Global Green Bond Initiative.
• Contribute to joint EC-UNDP workplans and reporting, promoting alignment with EU sustainable finance frameworks and global standards.
• Provide technical inputs as an implementing partner of the EC Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub and coordinate with SFH portfolios.
• Prepare donor reports and contribute to monitoring frameworks, ensuring consistency with regional priorities and global strategies, and alignment with UNDP/SFH systems.

Build Strategic Partnerships and Scale Sustainable Finance Solutions

• Contribute to the broader financing and investment agenda by leveraging networks, fostering partnerships, and identifying opportunities to scale sustainable finance solutions at global and country level, with a focus on blended finance structures.

Methodological Guidance and Flagship Initiatives

• Contribute to the development of methodological tools and guidance related to thematic bonds and debt instruments.
• Support SFH portfolios by strengthening their application and impact in Asia-Pacific countries.

Knowledge, Capacity Building, and Knowledge Sharing

• Identify capacity building needs and opportunities, and ensure training and related capacity building activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner involving technical experts and stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to document and communicate best practices, programme results, and lessons learned.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties within the functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and the organization.

Tiered Application Process (Eligibility)

Vacancies may be advertised using a tiered application process to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the organization. Applicants should note any Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title and ensure eligibility to apply:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments.
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers.
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates.

Competencies

Core Competencies (Level 3)

• Achieve Results
• Think Innovatively
• Learn Continuously
• Adapt with Agility
• Act with Determination
• Engage and Partner
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

• Business Direction & Strategy: Systems Thinking
• Business Direction & Strategy: Negotiation and Influence
• Business Development: Knowledge Generation
• Business Management: Monitoring & Evaluation
• Partnership Management: Relationship Management
• Programme and Policy: SDG Finance (SDG-aligned fiscal and debt instruments)

Requirements

Education

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Development Finance, or a closely related field is required; or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in sustainable finance, thematic bond issuance, or related areas is required.

Required Skills

• Proven track record in structuring thematic debt, including blue and green bonds in Asia and the Pacific, or other financial instruments.

Desired Qualifications (Preferred)

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing thematic bond frameworks, as well as measuring, evaluating, and reporting on impact.
• Proven track record of conducting market analyses and preliminary studies for green bond opportunities and/or other investment opportunities.
• Experience in blended finance or other financial instruments for green/sustainable investments.
• Familiarity with EU and best international practices for green bond issuance.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Professional Certificates (Asset)

• Supplementary financial certifications (i.e., CFA, CAIA, CPA).

Compensation & Benefits

• Not specified in the provided description.

Location

• Not specified in the provided description.

Additional Information

• The organization is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds.
• The organization does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority.
• The organization reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for other similar positions at the same grade level with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.
• Applicants are invited to read guidance for using AI responsibly in recruitment and selection.
• The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.