Programme Manager (Infrastructure Finance)

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. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager (Infrastructure Finance) position is crucial for operationalizing Giga’s financing strategy, which aims to enhance digital infrastructure for children and communities. This role involves leading and coordinating engagements with international financial institutions (IFIs), development finance institutions (DFIs), and private sector partners. The Programme Manager will contribute to structuring financing solutions and developing investment pipelines for digital infrastructure projects. The position is part of the Digital Impact Division (DID), which focuses on leveraging emerging digital technologies to advance UNICEF’s mission. The role requires a strong understanding of financial management and infrastructure project finance, as well as the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders to promote digital inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Manager include:

• Resource Mobilization and Portfolio Growth with IFIs: Develop strategies to mobilize resources and grow the portfolio of digital infrastructure projects.
• Digital Infrastructure Project Financing: Oversee the financing of digital infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s goals.
• Funding Tracker/CRM System of Connectivity Projects and Key Donor Accounts: Maintain a comprehensive system to track funding sources and donor engagement related to connectivity projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Engage with stakeholders, including government entities and private sector partners, to build capacity and foster collaboration.
• Financing Strategy Development: Contribute to the development of innovative financing strategies that support the expansion of digital infrastructure for children and communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Development, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The role requires at least 8 years of relevant work experience in financial management, infrastructure project finance, financial advisory, investment, or strategy consulting, particularly in engaging with development finance institutions and government stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or International Development. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, combined with additional work experience, may also be considered acceptable. Advanced professional education in finance and investments, such as a CFA, is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in areas such as financial management, infrastructure project finance, and financial advisory. Candidates should have experience engaging with development finance institutions and government stakeholders, as well as a strong background in project-level analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and deal structuring.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. This multilingual capability can enhance communication and collaboration in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international mobility as part of UNICEF's commitment to humanitarian action. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance requirements.