Investment Specialist – UNCDF Nairobi

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 – from pipeline development to transaction closing – for blended‑finance initiatives across the East and Southern Africa region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage a pipeline of investment opportunities aligned with UNCDF priorities and country programmes.
• Lead appraisal and execution of guarantees, concessional loans and grants, including financial analysis, due diligence, risk and ESG assessments, and KYC/AML/CFT reviews.
• Prepare investment assessment reports, memoranda and committee documentation to support investment decisions.
• Coordinate transaction structuring, legal documentation and fulfilment of conditions precedent through to disbursement.
• Build and maintain relationships with commercial banks, DFIs, impact investors and other financing partners to structure blended‑finance solutions.

Required profile

• Experience in investment analysis, transaction underwriting and blended‑finance structuring.
• Strong understanding of risk assessment, ESG screening and compliance requirements (KYC/AML/CFT).
• Ability to prepare high‑quality investment notes, memoranda and presentation materials for senior decision‑makers.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills, with a focus on partnership development.

Required skills

• Financial modeling and analysis
• Due diligence and risk assessment
• ESG and compliance screening (KYC/AML/CFT)
• Blended‑finance structuring