Innovative Financing and Resource Mobilization Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead agency for sexual and reproductive health and population data, operating in over 150 countries and territories. Established to promote gender equality and empower women, girls, and young people, UNFPA aims to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, focusing on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and civil society, to provide access to sexual and reproductive health services and to drive systemic progress in eliminating harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage (CM).

Job Overview:
The Innovative Financing and Resource Mobilization Specialist will play a crucial role in expanding and guiding efforts to coordinate relationships with a diverse array of traditional and non-traditional donors, financial institutions, and private sector actors. This position is housed within the Public Funding and Financing Branch of UNFPA's Division of External Relations and integrates expertise in external relations, innovative financing, and donor engagement with corporate-wide resource mobilization strategies. The incumbent will work to secure sustained and expanded funding necessary to scale the FGM Joint Programme, build consensus among stakeholders, and successfully deliver the global mandate of eliminating gender-based violence by 203

• The role requires a strategic approach to building opportunities with key existing and emerging donors, providing guidance to navigate a diverse partnership environment, and amplifying evidence-driven messaging to close funding gaps.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designing Financial Deals & Bringing in New Funding: Strengthen fundraising from bilateral and emerging donors by mapping opportunities and creating innovative funding models. Connect with market-driven investors and secure funding from new partners. Design compelling pitch packages to attract investment and lead the deal-making process from pitch to legal agreement.
• Mapping Out Opportunities & Tracking Trends: Research the global market to identify funding entry points and monitor donor policies to assess potential funding shortages.
• Supporting Regional & Country Teams: Provide guidance and support to local teams on securing private sector investments and monitor the success of funding diversification efforts.
• Manage the AECID Partnership: Maintain a close relationship with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) to ensure engagement and communication regarding the Joint Programme's impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in development studies, global health, international relations, business administration, economics, development financing, or related fields. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in complex partnership management involving resource mobilization and/or innovative financing is required. Candidates should demonstrate significant competencies in financial innovation within a development context, proven public and private advocacy experience, and a strong track record of effective negotiation and advocacy at high levels. Knowledge of and experience within UNFPA/UNICEF or other international aid organizations is highly desirable, as is experience working with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as development studies, global health, international relations, business administration, economics, or development financing is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, and innovative financing. Proven capacity to innovate and experiment in a professional context, resulting in net gains for the organization, is essential. Experience in convening valuable networks and effective communication with senior stakeholders is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ community members, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.