Program Lead – Finance for Development

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, employing individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Program Lead – Finance for Development will play a crucial role in advancing UN Women’s initiative aimed at increasing women’s employment in the Arab States, particularly in the Green, STEM, and Care Economies. This position involves developing strategic partnerships to secure financing for employment interventions, engaging with financial institutions, and private sector investors to structure and secure investments. The Program Lead will work under the supervision of the Director of Women’s Employment in the Green, STEM, and Care Economy, focusing on building relationships with finance entities and managing the overall public and private partners portfolio of the Flagship Initiative. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with potential investors and to provide technical support in resource mobilization strategies. The incumbent will also contribute to knowledge building and advocacy efforts, ensuring that UN Women is effectively positioned in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will lead and coordinate UN Women’s strategic partnerships in the Arab States region, mapping relevant actors, networks, and initiatives in the private and finance sectors. They will lead innovative partnerships with financial institutions to secure financing for employment initiatives in the Green and Care Economy. The Program Lead will engage with private investors, impact funds, and development finance institutions (DFIs) to secure interest in employment generation initiatives, primarily in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Lebanon. They will manage the implementation of these initiatives, build trust with investors, and provide updates on the Flagship Initiative's progress. The role also includes preparing materials for meetings and consultations with stakeholders, establishing a partnership platform for potential investors, and contributing to the development of knowledge products to enhance UN Women’s position in the region. Additionally, the incumbent will monitor emerging issues that could affect partnerships and resource contributions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financing for sustainable development initiatives, employment generation, or the Green and care sectors, along with substantial managerial experience in multi-stakeholder program management. Experience in the Middle East is desired, and proficiency in office software packages and web-based management systems is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the role, emphasizing economics, business management, social sciences, or related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to financing for sustainable development, employment generation initiatives, or sectors such as Green and care economies. Candidates should have substantial managerial experience in program management involving multiple stakeholders, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex environments and engage effectively with diverse partners. Experience working in or for the Middle East is preferred, as is familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, particularly Oracle Cloud.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic or French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This is an office-based consultancy position. The role involves full-time engagement with responsibilities that may require travel within the region. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and is committed to creating a respectful workplace. Candidates should be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures.