UNDP Invites Applications: Finance and Human Rights Specialist to Support the FAST Project (Phase 3)
Location: New York, United States
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA)
Duration: 1 year
Work Arrangement: Office-based (no mobility required)
Language Requirement: Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset
Bureau: Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s principal agency for international development, operating in over 170 countries and territories, including conflict-affected and fragile contexts. UNDP’s mandate includes eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, strengthening institutional resilience, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Housed within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) mobilizes capital and aligns public and private financial flows to accelerate SDG progress. Its strategic pillars include aligning public finance with the SDGs, mobilizing private capital, shifting systems toward impact investing, and providing country-level financing support.
Project Background: Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST)
Since 2024, UNDP’s SFH has been implementing Phase 3 (2024-2030) of the Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST) Project, funded by the Government of Liechtenstein and other donors. This initiative supports the realization of SDG 8.7 by mobilizing the finance sector to help eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and address intersecting SDGs.
Phase 3 is implemented in strong partnership with the Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Global Initiative and the UNDP Anti-Corruption Initiative. It is structured around three primary outputs:
- Developing the business case for sustainable finance to combat modern slavery and human trafficking (MS/HT).
- Enhancing the capacity of financial sector actors globally and in high-risk countries to prevent and address MS/HT.
- Strengthening mechanisms for effective remediation of MS/HT within financial systems.
Role and Responsibilities
Reporting to the SFH Sustainable Finance Impact Manager and coordinating closely with the B+HR Global Policy Advisor, the Finance and Human Rights Specialist will be responsible for:
- Designing and implementing annual workplans, including Results Frameworks (RFs) and expenditure tracking.
- Establishing and coordinating the Advisory Board for the FAST Project.
- Providing ongoing technical assistance and mentoring to country office (CO) focal points through coaching, training, and bi-weekly coordination calls.
- Overseeing the recruitment, performance, and quality assurance of contracted consultants or firms, including TOR development and deliverable monitoring.
- Managing the project’s communication strategy, including website and social media content, and monthly newsletters.
- Producing monthly and annual reports for donors (especially Liechtenstein) and stakeholders.
- Facilitating collaboration with relevant UN agencies (ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UNICEF, UNODC), INGOs, financial sector partners, and survivor-led organizations such as Survivor Alliance and Footprint to Freedom.
- Supporting fundraising through donor engagement and development of new project proposals.
- Contributing to the efficient day-to-day operations of the project, including consultant onboarding and coordination.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Educational Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in International Relations, Finance, Development Economics, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or related field; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus an additional two years of relevant experience.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years (Master’s) or seven (7) years (Bachelor’s) of experience in sustainable finance, human rights, business and human rights, or related project coordination roles.
- Proven experience working with MS/HT organizations or ethical survivor engagement at the global level.
Desirable Experience
- Working experience in Asia-Pacific, Africa, or Latin America with governments, NGOs, and financial institutions.
- Demonstrated expertise in research and policy development for vulnerable populations in fragile contexts.
- At least two years of experience managing globally funded grant projects.
- Familiarity with UN operations, particularly within similar functional roles.
- Experience in organizing global policy and stakeholder events.
Languages
- Fluency in English is mandatory.
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.
Core and Technical Competencies
- Strategic thinking and systems analysis
- Strong negotiation and relationship management
- Advanced project and data management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Proficiency in knowledge facilitation and evidence-based decision-making
Additional Information
UNDP promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based solely on merit and suitability for the role. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, harassment, and abuse of authority.
Applicants should be aware that UNDP does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their application on the official UNDP website by 07 June 2025 (05:59 AM UTC). Applications should include a CV and relevant supporting documentation.
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