About the opportunity
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. The Investment Specialist sits within UNCDF’s Investment & Implementation Division (IID), reporting to the Region-Based Investment Specialist. IID’s mandate is to mobilize and deploy catalytic blended-finance instruments to de-risk investments, strengthen local capital markets, and crowd in private capital toward climate-resilient, job-creating growth and financial inclusion across the East and Southern African region. The incumbent provides the analytical and coordination backbone that converts pipeline opportunities into bankable, impact-aligned transactions by conducting market and borrower analysis, building financial models, supporting risk and ESG screening, and executing full-cycle investment transaction activities.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive remuneration package under the UN National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-11) framework.
- Professional growth through managing high-impact blended-finance transactions and partnerships within an international financial environment.
- Opportunity to lead resource mobilization and design innovative development finance initiatives.
- Leadership responsibility including supervision of project personnel and multidisciplinary teams.
Who can apply?
- Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants in line with UNDP/UNCDF/UNV internal sourcing policies.
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Finance and Investments, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in Actuarial Science, Investments, or Finance with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.
- Progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in investment analysis, private equity, development finance, or impact investment.
- Experience working in venture capital and/or banking within an international financial environment, preferably in a development finance institution, impact investor, or similar.
- Experience in private credit, debt, and/or equity for investments with a social mission in emerging or frontier markets.
- Experience with advanced financial modelling and/or preparing project finance transactions.
- Fluency in English and Swahili is required.
Required documents
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- Completed application form demonstrating meeting of educational and professional experience requirements
When to apply
- Date posted: September 29, 2026
- Application deadline: October 7, 2026 (closing at 03:59 UTC)
How to apply
- Access the official Oracle Recruiting Cloud portal via the provided vacancy link.
- Verify eligibility under the applicable Tier system (Tier 1 & 2 applicants).
- Submit your online application including a detailed CV and required credentials before the deadline.
Additional information
- Contract duration is 1 year with regular National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) terms.
- The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will require periodic travel for stakeholder engagement, due diligence, and project monitoring.
- The incumbent will hold supervisory responsibilities for one non-staff project personnel and provide guidance to other project personnel and consultants.
- UNCDF does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
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…
- A strong fit for mid-to-senior finance professionals with substantial experience in private equity, impact investing, or development finance.
- Ideal for candidates who possess advanced financial modeling skills and practical expertise in executing private credit, debt, or equity transactions in emerging markets.
- Well-suited for professionals looking to apply their competencies in resource mobilization, partnership management, and catalytic blended finance within the UN system.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must strictly verify their eligibility status under the designated Tier 1 and Tier 2 hiring policies.
- The role is offered as a 1-year fixed contract under the NPSA framework rather than a permanent staff position.
- The position requires proficiency in both English and Swahili alongside regular travel across the East and Southern African region.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role provides a direct pathway for experienced financial specialists to spearhead high-impact development finance projects and scale capital mobilization in emerging markets. It aligns well with career goals focused on sustainable finance, institutional relationship management, and leadership within multilateral organizations.
Our take
Experienced investment and finance professionals who meet the specific tier eligibility, educational qualifications, and language requirements should apply promptly before the October 2026 deadline. Candidates lacking relevant emerging market finance experience or required tier status should look for alternative openings.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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