Innovation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that supports staff growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. The organization is focused on achieving ambitious goals outlined in its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, particularly through its Division of Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP), which aims to maximize private sector fundraising and partnerships to benefit children.

Job Overview:
The Innovation Specialist will play a strategic and project management role within the PFP’s Innovative and Alternative Finance for Children unit. This position is crucial for developing and implementing innovative finance frameworks and initiatives that leverage financial instruments to accelerate results for children. The specialist will focus on sovereign debt solutions that free up fiscal space for children, coordinating with partners involved in debt reform and restructuring. The role requires analyzing UNICEF’s portfolio to identify innovative finance opportunities, supporting the design and implementation of financing solutions, and ensuring effective project management to meet deliverables on time.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development of Financial Models, Structures and Concepts: Analyze existing innovative finance mechanisms and identify opportunities with the private sector, focusing on sovereign debt dynamics. Support the initiation and implementation of innovative financing solutions, conduct feasibility analyses, and document strategic decisions for transparency.
• Planning and Project Management: Ensure the PFP IF4C team’s work plan is executed effectively, maintaining tracking mechanisms to monitor progress against objectives.
• Partnerships and Engagement: Develop and manage partnerships with private sector entities and stakeholders, producing high-quality content for communication and fundraising efforts. Draft content for newsletters and reports to showcase achievements in innovative financing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international development, finance, economics, public or business administration, or closely related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of professional experience in development, innovative finance, ESG/impact investing, project management, or related fields is required, with prior experience in sovereign debt solutions and partnership building considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as international development, finance, economics, or public administration is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional work experience in relevant fields is required. Experience in innovative finance, project management, and partnership building is essential, with a solid understanding of the innovative finance landscape being an asset. Familiarity with sovereign debt solutions and developing country work experience is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract is estimated to last until December 31, 202

• The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and candidates must adhere to UNICEF’s core values and competencies. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Background checks and medical clearance are required for selected candidates, and UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.