About the opportunity
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeks a Head of Finance for Planet to lead the Finance for Planet pillar within the newly established UNDP Planet Hub. Based in Madrid, Spain, the incumbent will provide substantive leadership, oversee complex portfolios, manage a globally distributed team across Bonn, New York, and other locations, and drive resource mobilization. The role involves coordinating delivery of the Hub’s strategy across policy and programming, fostering strategic partnerships with international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and the private sector, and providing integrated technical support to country offices and regional bureaux.
Salary and benefits
- Fixed-term appointment (FTA) for 2 years with the possibility of extension
- P5 grade level position offering an international UN salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunity to lead global initiatives at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, and finance
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, International Development, Economics, Public Administration, or a closely related field, OR a Bachelor's degree combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience
- Minimum of 10 years (with a Master's degree) or 12 years (with a Bachelor's degree) of progressively responsible experience in finance including environmental and/or climate finance, investment, development finance, public finance and/or private finance at the international level
- Demonstrated experience in designing and managing complex programmes and portfolios related to finance, strategies, and instruments
- Extensive field-level experience in supporting finance-related areas such as public financial management, budgeting, financial planning, investment strategies, and resource mobilization in developing country contexts
- Fluency in English, both written and oral
Required documents
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Completed application form via the UNDP Oracle Recruiting Cloud portal
When to apply
- Date posted: October 7, 2026
- Application deadline: October 22, 2026 at 03:59 UTC
How to apply
- Access the official UNDP recruitment portal via the vacancy link
- Review eligibility requirements and ensure you meet the criteria for the specified tier if applicable
- Complete the online application form and submit your CV by the closing date
Additional information
- This position is a P5 grade level Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) based in Madrid, Spain.
- The role requires mobility and involves supervising a globally distributed team across multiple locations.
- Continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for senior professionals with extensive international experience in climate, environmental, or development finance.
- A strong match for leaders with a proven track record in managing complex global portfolios and multidisciplinary teams.
- Well-suited for candidates with robust networks across international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and the private sector.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Madrid, Spain is required, alongside managing globally distributed teams across different time zones.
- The role involves a fixed-term contract of two years with extension dependent on performance and business needs.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This senior leadership role offers an exceptional platform to shape global sustainable development strategies and mobilize significant financial resources for climate and environmental action, making it a pivotal career step for experienced international development and finance experts.
Our take
Senior professionals with deep expertise in environmental or climate finance and a strong background in international organizational leadership should seriously consider applying before the October 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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