Project Description 

UNCDF, a hybrid development and financial organization, is uniquely positioned in the UN system to collaborate across private and public sectors to build strategic partnerships, co-management frameworks, and deploy various instruments (concessional loans, bonds, guarantees, etc.) as well as technical assistance to incubate solutions and attract private investment. UNCDF recognizes the critical need to catalyze private investment in inclusive and innovative solutions that deliver cross-cutting impacts for sustainable development with a focus on peace, climate adaptation and resilience, food security and nature conservation.

UNCDF launched a new Strategic Framework for 2022-2025 that offers an ambitious roadmap aimed at unlocking the potential of finance to accelerate SDG-positive achievements for the benefit of the most vulnerable nations. In particular, the new UNCDF Framework highlights biodiversity finance as a severely underfunded climate mitigation solution and propose to apply UNCDF multidimensional capital mandate to mobilize further public and private, international and domestic finance in LDCs through concessional capital deployment, financial advisory and support for the establishment of financing mechanisms and systems that promotes the valuation of the LDC unique natural assets potential.

UNCDF intent is to support LDCs to create an enabling environment for nature-positive pipeline building, investments and market opportunities that create equitable and diversified economic growth. The essence of this transformation is a strategic shift from viewing nature as a resource to treating nature as an asset. This represents a very different view to natural resource investing wherein nature is commoditized for short run gain and its long run economic and nature-based value is not taken into consideration. In order to support this strategic shift, UNCDF is consolidating its growing nature-based portfolio into a Nature Asset Team (UNCDF NAT). The team will serve to mobilize the nature-positive public and private finance needed for green & blue economic transformation supporting several pilot projects financed by the Central Africa Forest Initiative – CAFI, the Global Fund for Coral Reef, the Peace Building Fund – PBF and several bilateral donors. UNCDF’s Nature Asset Team’s objective is to identify solutions, drive investment, and transform markets to promote the protection and enhanced valuation of nature assets. Through UNCDF’s tailored financial vehicles and tools, the Nature Asset Team focuses on scaling-up investment in solutions that place nature at the heart of economic transition to enable long-term resilience and restoration.

Scope of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager/Deputy Director of the Nature Assets Team, the Coordination Analyst will conduct the following tasks:

Programme Management

• Provide expertise and analysis on nature, climate and stability contexts relevant to key NAT geographic priorities and projects.
• Contribute to the production of concept notes addressing strategic aspects crucial for effective project implementation.
• Support strategic coherence among UNCDF NAT programming in particular with the Peace Building Fund and the Investment for Peace platform.
• Support the coordination of priorities and activities across the NAT portfolio for efficient implementation of the portfolio.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning:

• Set up and maintain a database for the management of the indicator framework across the various projects including the harmonization of data sourcing methods.
• Conduct comprehensive monitoring of project implementation status and provide recommendations to the Senior Portfolio Manager/Deputy Director.
• Contribute to the drafting of the respective project semi and annual report as required by the donors.
• Facilitate regular feedback sessions with project teams to assess the effectiveness of applied lessons and make real-time adjustments to project strategies.
• Ensure gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) is integrated in the MEL framework and in results reporting.
• Ensure the integration of lesson learning into project planning, ensuring that future initiatives benefit from insights gained during the lesson learning process.

Liaise with UN Agencies and other stakeholders and establish partnerships and open channels of communication.

• Foster partnership established with sister agencies and partners in country and elsewhere under the guidance of the Senior Programme Manager/Deputy Director.
• Establish and sustain effective communication channels with UN Agencies and other partners, fostering collaboration in key areas.

Develop and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support key objectives and ensure inclusive implementation and participation of key stakeholders in assigned portfolio.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s). 

• Organize training, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Coordination Analyst will join the UNCDF NAT in the UNCDF’s Kigali Office in Rwanda, and will be working under the direct guidance and supervision of the Senior Programme Manager/Deputy Director of the NAT.

UNCDF will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function is undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements.

If any unforeseen travel is requested by UNCDF and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be negotiated to be covered by UNCDF in line with applicable rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Minimum Education requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, International Relations and/or other relevant field is required, or
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields of study in additional two years of experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of master’s degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible work experience in knowledge management, programme development and/or project coordination in the development sector at national and internationals level, required.

Required skills

• Previous work experience with the UN and/or international organization, familiarity with its mandate and work, 2030 Agenda and SDGs required.

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

• Certifications in project management or other relevant certifications.
• Experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools for programme management.
• Prior experience in interacting with various stakeholders to coordinate activities and provide updates.
• Demonstrated experience in strong organizational skills including prioritizing activities, manage time efficiently, and synchronise multiple aspects of the project.

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in English and French is required.
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other UN languages is an asset.