Innovative Financing Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• UNHCR's mission is to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. UNHCR aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, as well as to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization is committed to providing life-saving assistance and long-term solutions for refugees and displaced individuals, focusing on their protection, empowerment, and self-reliance.

Job Overview:
The Innovative Financing Fellow will play a crucial role in supporting the donation and donor-engagement efforts for the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund and the broader Innovative Finance portfolio. This position is designed to provide analytical, strategic, and coordination support to enhance donor outreach and resource mobilization efforts. The fellow will be involved in various activities, including conducting donor research, preparing engagement materials, and coordinating outreach activities. The role offers an opportunity to gain practical exposure to resource mobilization within a global organization and develop an understanding of innovative financing approaches, such as blended finance and carbon-linked funding models. The fellow will also strengthen their skills in donor research, briefing preparation, and strategic communications, while building experience at the intersection of climate, environment, and humanitarian programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The fellow will have a diverse set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the preparation of donor-facing materials related to the REP Fund, such as briefing notes, concept summaries, and tailored pitch materials.
• Assisting with donor profiling and background research to inform prioritization and outreach strategies.
• Maintaining and updating internal tracking of donor engagements, follow-ups, and fundraising milestones.
• Preparing talking points, background notes, and briefing packages for donor meetings and senior-level engagements.
• Contributing to the organization and maintenance of documentation and materials for the REP Fund.
• Drafting and refining concise, donor-oriented content that explains the REP Fund’s objectives, pipeline, and use of funds.
• Supporting the development of factsheets, narratives, and visual materials tailored to donor audiences.
• Assisting in adapting technical content into accessible language suitable for fundraising contexts.
• Preparing slide decks and background materials for donor outreach and campaign activities. 1
• Conducting desk research on prospective donors, foundations, and corporate philanthropic entities relevant to the REP Fund. 1
• Analyzing donor trends, contribution patterns, and alignment with the REP Fund’s long-term financing model. 1
• Drafting concise internal notes summarizing donor interactions, outreach activities, or fundraising progress. 1
• Supporting coordination with Private Sector Partnerships colleagues and other relevant teams to ensure alignment and information flow. 1
• Tracking donation-related activities and supporting basic reporting needs. The fellow will report to the REP Fund Manager and work closely with other members of the Innovative Finance team, ensuring that their work aligns with the overall objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong set of qualifications, including excellent analytical and research skills, the ability to communicate effectively in writing, and a keen understanding of donor engagement strategies. The fellow should possess strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Proficiency in using various software tools for research and presentation purposes is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to the mission of UNHCR and an understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Innovative Financing Fellow position should have a background in fields such as international relations, finance, environmental studies, or a related discipline. A graduate degree or equivalent experience in these areas is preferred, as it will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of innovative financing and resource mobilization in the context of humanitarian efforts.

Experience:
The position is designed for individuals who may have limited professional experience but possess a strong academic background and a passion for humanitarian work. Previous internships or volunteer experiences in related fields, such as non-profit organizations, international development, or environmental finance, will be considered an asset. The fellow should be eager to learn and develop their skills in resource mobilization and donor engagement.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the primary language of communication within UNHCR and for donor engagement. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, would be considered a valuable asset, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and donors.

Additional Notes:
This fellowship is a full-time, on-site position based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is expected to last for a duration of 8 weeks, from June to August 202

• The fellow will not be required to travel as part of this role. The position does not require a functional clearance, and it is not open for remote work. The fellow will receive supervision and guidance from the REP Fund Manager, with regular check-ins to monitor progress and ensure alignment with the organization's objectives.