Investment Specialist – Blended Finance

About the role

The Investment Specialist will be based in Nairobi and work within UNCDF’s Investment & Implementation Division. Reporting to the Region‑Based Investment Specialist, the role supports the full investment cycle for blended‑finance transactions across the East and Southern Africa region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage a pipeline of investment initiatives aligned with UNCDF priorities and country programmes.
• Lead appraisal, due‑diligence and execution of guarantees, concessional loans and grants from origination to investment‑committee approval.
• Conduct financial analysis, risk assessments, ESG screening and KYC/AML/CFT reviews in line with UNCDF policies.
• Prepare investment assessment reports, memoranda and committee documentation.
• Structure blended‑finance solutions, build relationships with commercial banks, DFIs and impact investors, and facilitate co‑financing partnerships.
• Support internal approvals, legal closing, covenant monitoring, impact tracking and portfolio performance reporting.

Required profile

• Experience in investment underwriting, financial modelling and due‑diligence for development‑finance transactions.
• Strong understanding of blended‑finance mechanisms, risk‑sharing structures and ESG considerations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including UN partners, private sector and donors.

Required skills

• Financial analysis
• Financial modelling
• Due‑diligence
• Risk assessment
• ESG screening
• KYC/AML/CFT compliance