Project Portfolio Specialist (International Development)

About the role

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is seeking a Project Portfolio Specialist to lead the launch and early implementation of several new initiatives across West and Central Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean. Based in Dakar, the specialist will coordinate multi‑country projects on food systems, clean energy, digital finance and private‑sector development, ensuring they are set up efficiently and aligned with UNCDF’s investment mandate.

Key responsibilities

• Organise and facilitate launch and kick‑off meetings for projects in Mali, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Colombia.
• Develop detailed work plans, timelines and monitoring frameworks that reflect project objectives and national strategies.
• Oversee operational readiness, including team recruitment, procurement, logistics and office arrangements.
• Support the establishment of governance structures such as steering committees and working groups.
• Act as the primary liaison with donors, UN partners, government counterparts, private‑sector partners and development finance institutions.
• Provide cross‑language coordination (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese) and ensure timely reporting to regional and headquarters teams.

Required profile

• Proven experience in managing international development projects, preferably in finance, energy or food‑system sectors.
• Strong ability to work in a multilingual environment and to coordinate stakeholders across several countries.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with a track record of delivering project set‑up activities on schedule.