Change Management and Business Innovation - Innovative Finance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions globally. WFP's mission is centered around the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, WFP is recognized for its commitment to humanitarian efforts and innovation in addressing global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security challenges. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.

Job Overview:
The Change Management and Business Innovation - Innovative Finance Consultant position is a consultancy role within the Change Management and Business Innovation Unit (BIU) of WFP. This unit was established to manage change and promote innovation within the organization, particularly in response to the increasing demand for humanitarian assistance. The consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative financing instruments that can unlock new funding flows, alternative to traditional Official Development Assistance (ODA). The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including donors, investors, and implementing partners, to develop and validate financing structures that align with WFP's strategic priorities. The consultant will also support the operationalization of selected mechanisms and provide strategic advisory support to senior leadership on financing innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will execute Business Innovation projects in Innovative Finance, which includes a range of responsibilities such as supporting the design and structuring of innovative financing mechanisms, conducting landscape reviews of existing financing models, developing investment theses and financial models, engaging with stakeholders to co-develop financing structures, and preparing high-quality reports and presentations. Additional responsibilities may include contributing to internal capacity-building efforts, guiding junior staff, and providing project support based on pipeline and new projects contracted during the consultancy period. The consultant will be expected to deliver specific workstreams that may involve defining innovative financing strategies and launching new financing instruments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in finance, economics, business administration, public policy, or a related field. They should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in innovative finance, impact investing, or development finance. Experience in a top-tier management consulting firm or investment bank is preferred, along with familiarity working with multilateral organizations, development banks, or philanthropic investors. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in designing and implementing innovative financing instruments, strong financial modeling capabilities, and good analytical abilities, both quantitative and qualitative.

Educational Background:
A degree in finance, economics, business administration, public policy, or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of innovative finance and the development finance ecosystem.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience in fields such as innovative finance, impact investing, or development finance. Candidates with experience in top-tier management consulting firms or investment banks will be given preference. Additionally, experience working with multilateral organizations, development banks, or philanthropic investors is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the operational and strategic challenges faced in these sectors.

Languages:
A high proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a second UN language is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to WFP's global mission.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is for a duration of 6 months and is classified at the Junior Consultant level. The position can be based in Rome, Italy, or performed remotely. WFP supports visa applications for candidates who may require it. The organization emphasizes an inclusive work environment and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. WFP does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.