Innovative Finance 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 professional and personal development. With over 100 staff members in China, UNICEF collaborates with the Government of China and other partners to ensure that the benefits of the country's development reach the most impoverished children. The organization emphasizes a culture of belonging and growth, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Innovative Finance Specialist position at UNICEF China is focused on enhancing the function of alternative and innovative finance for children. This role involves developing effective strategies and work plans to drive innovative financing solutions by engaging with China-based private sector partners. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Chief Private Sector and Fundraising and will coordinate with various teams to implement financing approaches that leverage additional resources for children. The position aims to unlock and align capital from innovative financing transactions that contribute to child outcomes, particularly in areas such as climate change and disaster risk reduction. The specialist will lead the design and implementation of innovative financing solutions, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently in the interest of children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Innovative Finance Specialist include:

• Spearheading the initiation, design, and implementation of innovative financing solutions, including sovereign debt, impact investing, and climate risk financing.
• Leading a team to develop overall strategies, engagement modalities, and pipelines for innovative finance opportunities.
• Analyzing UNICEF China's portfolio to identify potential innovative finance opportunities and coordinating with private sector partners and policy banks.
• Conducting assessments and feasibility analyses of prospective innovative finance instruments.
• Managing project planning and coordination to ensure timely delivery of key deliverables.
• Enhancing partnerships and resource mobilization efforts with private sector partners and advising on technical inputs for innovative financing initiatives.
• Producing high-quality knowledge products and impact reports to showcase achievements and build visibility for innovative financing efforts.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as international development, finance, economics, public or business administration, or law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of innovative finance and its application in the context of child outcomes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as international development, finance, economics, public or business administration, or law. A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) may be accepted with additional professional experience.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional work experience in development, innovative finance, ESG/impact investing, investment banking, risk, and market analysis is required for this position. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing innovative financing projects and partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Chinese and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international collaboration. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements.