Organization Mission

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Context

To advance the role of the private sector engagement in climate action, biodiversity, and the broader growth of the green economy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa Sustainable Finance Hub (ASFH) is championing innovative financing mechanisms and private sector–led solutions to accelerate green transitions, expand access to markets, and scale climate-resilient business models in Africa. This assignment supports UNDP ASFH initiatives to advance private sector engagement in climate action, inclusive e-commerce, and green economy growth. The UN Volunteer will support:
• The Scoping Study and Private Sector Engagement & Fundraising Strategy for Inclusive E-Commerce in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• The Leveraging Agriculture and AI for Sustainable Agricultural and Export Development in South Africa;
• The development of the Sustainable Digital Fund Mobilization Platform (SDFMP) and Agri-Fintech Acceleration (AFA) initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Private Sector Unit Lead or his designated mandated representative(s), the online Volunteer will work within the Private Sector Development, Engagement and Financing (PSDEF) Unit, UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub.
• Support implementing the Scoping Study and Private Sector Engagement and Fundraising Strategy for Inclusive E-Commerce in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Support to implementing the Leveraging Agriculture and AI Sustainable Agricultural and Export Development in South Africa
• Support Country Offices to replicate sustainable digital fund the SMEs mobilization platform (SDFMP and Agri-fintech acceleration (AFA) models.
• Carry out research and prepare briefs in areas including (but not limited to) private sector development and engagement, private finance mobilization for the Green Business and Financing, MSMEs financial inclusion, Support the conceptualization and organization of various related outreach activities including webinars, workshops, public-private dialogues etc.
• Carry out reviews of Concept Notes, Project Documents and other documents in the broad areas of economic development, private sector development and engagement, financing for the SDGs and others.
• Support the production and updating of strategic, financial and administrative documents for the Unit.

Required Skills and Experience

• 2 years in field experience in private sector development, private sector engagement, and development finance is required;
• Experience in green business development and financing is a clear asset;
• Exposure to integrated approaches to development, including business ecosystem-based approaches, is an advantage;
• Work Practical Experience in the private or related public sector is an advantage;
• Foundations of project management in design, development, monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches and solutions;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Excellent analytical skills, strong ability to present complex information to non-specialists;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively such as listen and engage in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer and AI literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with AI research, database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System;
• Having field experience would be an additional advantage.