Market Development & Nature Finance Consultant

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a consultant to lead market development and finance mobilisation for the ProCongo project. The role focuses on unlocking blended finance for nature‑positive MSMEs in the Congo Basin, creating tailored financial products and building a coalition of investment stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the market development and MSME finance mobilisation workstreams for the ProCongo initiative.
• Establish and coordinate a coalition of investment stakeholders to mobilise blended finance.
• Deepen market intelligence and design up to five tailored financial and market products for the local context.
• Develop a feasibility evaluation and prioritisation framework based on case studies and scalable precedents.
• Co‑develop recommendation action plans with financial institutions and investment partners.
• Produce public‑facing outputs such as a position paper, interactive database, website and knowledge pieces.
• Report to the Programme Management Officer and work under the supervision of the Head of the UNEP Climate and Nature Finance Unit.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in natural resource management, international development, economics, finance or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in private equity, venture capital or financial/market analysis focused on emerging markets.
• Demonstrated experience in finance for nature‑positive, climate‑resilient SMEs and research on green economic growth.
• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent networking abilities with governments, NGOs, think‑tanks and international organisations (desirable).

Required skills

• Computer literate in standard software applications.