About the opportunity
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is hiring a Project Portfolio Specialist to support its expanding portfolio of projects in West and Central Africa (WCA) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The incumbent will lead project management functions for new initiatives, including joint programs under the Joint SDG Fund and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund. The role involves coordinating project launches, developing workplans, ensuring operational readiness, monitoring progress, and managing stakeholder relationships with donors, government counterparts, and private-sector partners. The specialist will work in a multilingual environment and provide flexible support across diverse thematic areas such as clean energy, food systems, and digital finance. This position is based in Dakar, Senegal, and may require travel to project implementation countries.
Salary and benefits
- International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA) contract
- 1-year contract duration with the possibility of extension
- Professional experience within a UN agency
- Travel costs for project-related site visits are covered by UNCDF
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master’s) in International Cooperation, Economics, Finance, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field
- Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus 2 additional years of qualifying experience
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience with a Master’s degree, or 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree, in project formulation and management
- Experience in local development finance, blended finance, or related development sectors with the UN or other large donor-funded international organizations
- Fluency in English, French, and Spanish is required
- Fluency in Portuguese is highly desirable
Required documents
- Updated CV
- Academic credentials
- Proof of relevant professional experience
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 2026-10-03
How to apply
- Review the full vacancy details on the official UNCDF/UNDP Oracle portal
- Ensure eligibility based on the tiered application process if applicable
- Submit the application through the official online portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The position is graded as IPSA10
- The role reports to the Regional Team Lead and is matrixed to the Regional Investment Specialists for WCA and LAC
- UNCDF reserves the right to select one or more candidates and may retain applications for similar future positions
- UNCDF does not charge any fees at any stage of the 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…
- Professionals with extensive experience in project management within international development or donor-funded organizations
- Candidates who are trilingual in English, French, and Spanish, as this is a core requirement for the multilingual WCA/LAC portfolio
- Individuals with a strong background in blended finance, digital finance, or sustainable development who can navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a fixed-term contract (IPSA) rather than a permanent staff position, which may impact long-term job security
- The position requires significant coordination across geographically dispersed teams and multiple time zones
- Applicants must be prepared to travel to various project sites in the WCA and LAC regions as part of their duties
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced development professional to take on a high-impact, regional coordination role within the UN system. It is particularly well-suited for someone looking to deepen their expertise in blended finance and project portfolio management while working in a dynamic, cross-regional environment. The position offers a platform to influence development outcomes in least developed countries and emerging markets, making it a strong career move for those focused on international development, project leadership, and sustainable finance.
Our take
This is a highly specialized role for experienced project managers with a strong track record in international development. Candidates who possess the required trilingual proficiency and have experience managing donor-funded projects in emerging markets should seriously consider applying. Those without the specific language requirements or the required years of experience in the specified development sectors will likely find this role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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