Project Coordinator-Systems Finance Facility
Support the operationalization of the Systems Finance Facility in Zambia.
Overview
Support the operationalization of the Systems Finance Facility in Zambia.
You have:
- Demonstrated experience in impact investment, sustainable finance, project coordination and programme management, stakeholder engagement and partnerships.
- Relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level in project or programme coordination, impact investment, sustainable finance, climate or environmental programming, or related areas.
- Proven ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives, including partnerships involving government, private sector, investors, development partners, and technical service providers.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to support planning, tracking of deliverables, investment pipeline coordination, and preparation of progress reports and briefing materials.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimum supervision, manage multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated interest in impact investing, sustainable development, climate action, green growth, and innovative financing mechanisms.
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet-based tools; familiarity with basic project tracking or investment pipeline tools is an asset.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
This United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment is hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia Country Office, which has been operating in Zambia since 1964. UNDP Zambia works in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to support inclusive growth, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and systems transformation.
The assignment is anchored within UNDP Zambia’s portfolio approach, which supports Zambia’s Green Growth Strategy through integrated, multi-sectoral interventions that advance a just, low-carbon, and climate-resilient economic transition. Within this portfolio, the Zambia Systems Finance Facility has been developed as a key financing instrument to mobilize and coordinate private investment in support of the green transition.
The Facility is designed as a blended finance platform that strengthens project pipelines, enhances investment readiness, and crowds in private capital for climate- and nature-positive investments, with an initial focus on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. It complements policy and technical interventions by addressing critical financing gaps and translating strategic priorities into investable opportunities.
Key stakeholders include the Government of Zambia (notably the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning), financial regulators, financial institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and technical partners. The Project Coordinator will support the operationalization of the Facility through stakeholder coordination, pipeline development, and facilitation of investment mobilization.
Under the overall supervision of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia, the Project Coordinator - Systems Finance Facility will support the implementation of the Zambia Systems Finance Facility by undertaking the following duties:
• Coordinate day-to-day implementation of Facility activities in line with approved workplans, UNDP Zambia's portfolio approach, and the Green Growth Strategy. • Support the identification and coordination of a pipeline of green and climate-resilient investment opportunities, working with government counterparts, financial institutions, and private sector actors. • Facilitate engagement and coordination among key stakeholders, including government institutions, regulators, development partners, and technical service providers. • Support the organization of meetings, workshops, and consultations, and ensure timely follow-up on agreed actions. • Contribute to the preparation of briefs, presentations, progress updates, and donor-facing materials related to the Facility. • Track implementation progress against milestones and support preparation of periodic progress reports. • Support documentation of lessons learned and good practices to inform scaling and replication of the Facility's approach. • Carry out any other related tasks as required and assigned, in support of UNDP Zambia's programme delivery and operational priorities within the local context.
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
• Demonstrated experience in impact investment, sustainable finance, project coordination and programme management, stakeholder engagement and partnerships. • Relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level in project or programme coordination, impact investment, sustainable finance, climate or environmental programming, or related areas; experience working with government institutions, financial institutions, or private sector actors is an asset, as is experience working with the UN or other international development organizations. • Demonstrated experience supporting or engaging with impact investment initiatives, blended finance programmes, investment readiness support, or project pipelines aimed at mobilising private capital for development outcomes. • Proven ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives, including partnerships involving government, private sector, investors, development partners, and technical service providers. • Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to support planning, tracking of deliverables, investment pipeline coordination, and preparation of progress reports and briefing materials. • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities. • Accuracy and professionalism in document preparation, review, and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a wide range of partners, including government counterparts, private sector actors, investors, development partners, and civil society. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment; ability to work effectively within a multicultural team of national and international personnel. • Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet-based tools; familiarity with basic project tracking or investment pipeline tools is an asset. • Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimum supervision, manage multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Demonstrated interest in impact investing, sustainable development, climate action, green growth, and innovative financing mechanisms, as well as affinity with the values of the United Nations and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development.
Zambia is a land-linked, resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the centre of Southern Africa. It shares its border with eight countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) that serve as an expanded market for its goods.
Lusaka is the capital of the Republic of Zambia. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold during few months, with freezing temperature at times especially during the night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and other heating options when necessary. As the commercial and cultural centre of Zambia, Lusaka has seen rapid development in recent decades, with reasonable transportation connections and widely spoken English making the city highly attractive to vacationers and experts alike. Unemployment and poverty are issues in the city, and beyond. Key industries for the region and Zambia as a whole, include mining, agriculture, and tourism. Like most Southern African cities, life in Lusaka will require some adjustments for a person moving from outside the region, but the potential rewards and opportunities for experiences are well worth the effort.
Lusaka hosts several international organization and embassies/diplomatic missions, therefore there is a very large community of expatriates from around the world. Housing is most of the time readily available and of good standard options are available. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from South Africa, Europe, and China while some ranges of local brands are available at a competitive price to imports. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced and abundantly available.
The basic infrastructures roads, utilities, and telecommunications are of reasonable standard, although the city experiences power outages from time to time. Medical facilities are still largely inadequate, although several private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Lusaka city limits. For more information, please visit http://zambiatourism.com.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to coordinate a project involving multiple stakeholders? | The interviewer wants to assess your experience with stakeholder management and coordination. | Provide a specific example, highlighting your role, the stakeholders involved, and the outcome. |
| How do you ensure that project deliverables are met on time? | The interviewer is looking to understand your project management and organizational skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with sustainable finance or impact investments. What challenges did you face? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you've facilitated stakeholder engagement? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What tools or methods do you use for tracking project progress? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you adapt your work style when faced with challenges in a multicultural team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain how you would contribute to the scaling of the Systems Finance Facility's approach. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What interests you in impact investing and sustainable development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |