Partnerships and Innovative Finance Associate

Host entity: PNUD

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Community development, Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods

Application deadline: 16/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in over 170 countries and territories, providing assistance to develop policies, leadership skills and partnerships, institutional capacities, and resilience building, fostering development. In Colombia, it operates in 28 departments and 319 municipalities.

UNDP is one of the 26 United Nations Agencies, Funds, and Programmes in Colombia contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The UNDP Country Programme Document 2021–2024 aims to support the Government of Colombia’s efforts in transitioning toward peace and consolidating its status as an upper-middle-income country, with three work priorities: 1) Stabilization: 'Peace with Legality'; 2) Migration as a development driver; and 3) Technical assistance as an accelerator for achieving catalytic Sustainable Development Goals.

At the programmatic level, UNDP Colombia is organized into 2 Clusters and 5 Portfolios: The Inclusive Sustainable Development Cluster, which includes the Sustainable Development and Poverty and Inequality Reduction portfolios; and the Peacebuilding and Inclusive Governance Cluster, which brings together the Democratic Governance, Peacebuilding, and Crisis Response and Rule of Law collections.

Assignment context

The United Nations Development Programme in Colombia supports national and territorial efforts to advance sustainable peace, inclusive governance, rule of law, social cohesion, and resilient development. Within the Peace, Justice and Crisis Response Area, UNDP works with government institutions, civil society organizations, international partners, communities, and the private sector to address the structural drivers of conflict and inequality while promoting innovative solutions for sustainable development.

As part of its strategic positioning, UNDP Colombia is strengthening its engagement with two key stakeholder groups: (i) the private sector, as a partner for innovation, investment, and sustainable development solutions; and (ii) International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), as strategic partners for scaling development impact and supporting transformative operations in peacebuilding, territorial development, governance, and resilience.

The UN Volunteer will contribute to advancing these strategic priorities by supporting partnership development and stakeholder engagement. The assignment offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in partnership building, innovative financing approaches, development cooperation, and strategic positioning within UNDP Country Office of Colombia.

The volunteer will work closely with programme teams across the Peace, Justice and Crisis Response Area, while engaging with colleagues from other UNDP units. Through this role, the volunteer will contribute to strengthening collaborative approaches that help mobilize resources, foster innovation, and generate sustainable development impact in Colombia.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist of the Peace, Justice and Crisis Response Area, UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

- Supports the preparation of quantitative, economic, and territorial analyses to identify development trends, financing gaps, and investment opportunities, generating evi-dence and insights on the impact of the programme’s initiatives and projects. The analysis will contribute to partnership development, strategic positioning, and re-source mobilization efforts.

- Supports the mapping, analysis, and monitoring of private sector actors, business as-sociations, foundations, impact investors, and other relevant stakeholders whose mandates and initiatives may contribute to peacebuilding, territorial development, ac-cess to justice, and crisis response priorities in Colombia.

- Contributes to the monitoring of trends, policies, initiatives, and emerging opportunities related to private sector engagement, impact investment, blended finance, and sus-tainable development that are relevant to the priorities of the Peace, Justice and Crisis Response Area.

- Participates in the documentation of lessons learned, innovative practices, and knowledge products related to private sector engagement, sustainable development partnerships, and innovative financing approaches across the Peace, Justice and Crisis Response Area.

- Supports coordination and information exchange among UNDP teams involved in partnerships, resource mobilization, programme implementation, and external rela-tions, particularly between the Peace, Justice and Crisis Response Area and the Strategic Support Unit of the Country Office.

- Performs other related tasks, as required, to support the effective implementation of the Area’s partnership development, resource mobilization, and strategic positioning agenda.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:

• Partnership development and stakeholder engagement involving public, private, and development sector actors.
• Private sector engagement, innovative financing, impact investment, blended finance, development finance, or resource mobilization.
• Quantitative and economic analyses related to peacebuilding, sustainable develop-ment, access to justice, international cooperation, or related thematic areas.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:

• Written and verbal communication
• Solid quantitative, analytical and research skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks

Competencies and values

- Accountability
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Building Trust
- Commitment and Motivation
- Communication
- Knowledge Sharing
- Planning and Organizing
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
- Technological Awareness
- Vision
- Working in Teams

Living conditions

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Located at approximately 2,600 metres above sea level, the city has a mild climate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 8°C and 20°C. Bogotá offers a wide range of services and amenities, including international-standard healthcare facilities, reliable telecommunications, educational institutions, cultural venues, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.

According to an assessment by UNDSS, Bogotá D.C. is rated as “low” risk for living and working, offering favourable and relatively safe conditions for staff. As a large capital city, it still faces security challenges associated with urban growth, including risks affecting both national and international personnel. The city provides a variety of activities, such as tourism, theatre, cinema, cultural and sports events, as well as a diverse gastronomic offer featuring local, regional, and international cuisine.
Medical services are available in major cities, particularly through private clinics and hospitals, although some facilities may require upfront payment prior to admission, even in emergency situations. Visitors are advised to take appropriate medical precautions and seek guidance before travelling

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.