Innovative Financing and Resource Mobilization Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and population data. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to promote gender equality and empower women, girls, and young people. The organization aims to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is articulated through its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which outlines its response to a complex global environment and aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA's transformative goals include ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and civil society, to provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services. UNFPA also works closely with UNICEF on joint programmes aimed at 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 the Division of External Relations (DER) at UNFPA HQ in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will report directly to the Administrative Agent of the FGM Joint Programme and will work closely with the JPFGM Global Coordinator. The Specialist will be responsible for applying an integrated approach to building opportunities with key existing and emerging donors, providing strategic guidance to the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. This includes navigating an increasingly diverse partnership environment that spans public, philanthropic, and private markets. The Specialist will cultivate close relationships with the programme’s stakeholders, financial institutions, and civil society partners to advance innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and private capital mobilization. Additionally, the Specialist will provide strategic guidance to amplify evidence-driven messaging and corporate resource mobilization strategies through diverse advocacy channels to close persistent funding gaps and secure greater, sustainable investment for ending harmful practices by 2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designing Financial Deals & Bringing in New Funding: Strengthen fundraising from bilateral and emerging donors by mapping opportunities and finding innovative ways to fundraise. Create new funding models, such as shared-investment agreements and matching-fund structures. Connect with market-driven investors and secure funding from new partners, including private investors and corporate foundations. Design clear and compelling pitch packages to attract new investors. Lead the entire deal-making process from initial pitch to final legal agreement to ensure new funding models are launched effectively.
• Mapping Out Opportunities & Tracking Trends: Research the global market to identify the best opportunities for attracting private money and government co-financing. Monitor global donor policies and budget changes to assess potential funding shortages early.
• Supporting Regional & Country Teams: Provide direct support and advice to country and regional offices to secure local private sector investments and domestic government funding. Monitor the success of focus countries in diversifying FGM financing.
• Manage the AECID Partnership: Maintain a close relationship with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) to ensure they are engaged and updated on the Joint Programme's impact. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet deliverables and launch promising financing models for the JPFGM.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 work experience in complex partnership management involving resource mobilization and/or innovative financing is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a proven capacity to innovate in a professional context, resulting in net gains for their organization. Significant competencies in financial innovation within a development context are required, along with strong public and private advocacy experience. A strong track record of effective negotiation and advocacy at high levels is necessary, as well as experience in convening valuable networks with senior stakeholders. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and knowledge of UNFPA/UNICEF or other international aid organizations is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as development studies, global health, international relations, business administration, economics, or development financing. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of resource mobilization and innovative financing in the context of global health and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience in complex partnership management, particularly in resource mobilization and innovative financing. Candidates should have a proven ability to innovate and experiment in a professional context, leading to tangible benefits for their organization. Experience in advocacy and negotiation at high levels, as well as the ability to convene networks of stakeholders, is essential. Familiarity with UNFPA/UNICEF or other international aid organizations is highly desirable, and experience working with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) is an added advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

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 women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination.