Associate Investment Officer at UNCDF

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) employs "last mile" finance models to unlock public and private resources, particularly at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and foster local economic development in the world’s 46 least developed countries (LDCs). UNCDF acts as the Fund Manager and main implementing partner for the Clean Cooking Solutions Project (CookFund), a key component of the Integrated Approach to Sustainable Cooking Solutions Programme in Tanzania, initiated by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with the European Union (EU).

The CookFund Project aims to mitigate climate change by increasing the adoption of clean cooking solutions in Tanzania. To support its implementation, UNCDF seeks an experienced and enthusiastic UNV Associate Investment Officer to join the CookFund Programme team in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Key Responsibilities

1. Facilitation of Programme Activities (50%)

• Identify potential investments, perform data analysis, and prepare basic information memoranda for project structuring.
• Develop and maintain high-quality financial models for renewable energy, SMEs, and infrastructure projects.
• Use financial models to optimize returns, assess financial viability, and support decision-making.
• Provide project development support to identified sponsors.
• Facilitate technical missions for project validation and pipeline development.
• Collaborate with other UNCDF teams to align investment projects with transformative impact goals (e.g., climate change, food security, gender empowerment).

2. Investment Process Execution & Portfolio Management (25%)

• Assist in planning and executing the CookFund Programme.
• Prepare weekly progress reports and additional updates as necessary.
• Support planning, budgeting, and reporting in line with UNCDF guidelines.
• Establish a monitoring system to track project performance and update risk and issue logs.
• Document the development impact and financial viability of investments.

3. Capacity Development for Stakeholders (25%)

• Contribute to the capacity building and training of stakeholders in commercially viable investments.
• Assist in delivering CookFund training sessions and workshops.
• Provide inputs for developing investment management tools and processes.
• Support the transfer of knowledge to local public and private stakeholders.

Results and Expectations

The Associate Investment Officer is expected to:

• Exhibit client orientation and build strong partnerships.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and corporate knowledge.
• Act as a team player, encourage open communication, and manage conflict effectively.
• Promote learning and knowledge sharing within the team and broader stakeholder community.

Volunteerism and UNV Responsibilities

• Strengthen understanding of volunteerism by engaging in UNV activities and reading related materials.
• Reflect on and enhance the quality of voluntary action undertaken.
• Contribute articles on field experiences for UNV platforms and assist with the UNV Buddy Programme.
• Promote online volunteering services where feasible.

Required Competencies

• Client orientation and partnership building.
• Knowledge management and informed decision-making.
• Effective communication and teamwork.

Relevant Experience Minimum Experience:

• 3 years

Field of Expertise:

• Project finance
• Financing investments via development finance, commercial debt, public-private partnerships, and capital markets
• Development of investment projects throughout their lifecycle

Languages

• English: Fluent (Required)
• Swahili: Fluent (Desirable)

Education Required Level:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Relevant Fields:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Investments
• Business-related disciplines

Competencies and Values / Core Competencies:

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Ethics and values
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Teamwork

Skills and Experience

Proven experience in:

• Structuring and financing commercially viable investments
• Developing investment recommendations for review and approval by investment committees
• Preparing financial analyses and creating/evaluating advanced financial models
• Evaluating project proposals, including assessing economic and technical feasibility for private sector funding
• Developing investment projects through SPVs and financing stages
• Strong engagement skills with stakeholders such as project sponsors, government partners, and financial institutions.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• Best practices in investment and management
• Developments in development finance, public infrastructure, and project management
• Information technology relevant to assignments

Areas of Expertise

• Administration
• Energy and Environment
• Social Work

Driving License

• Not required