Investment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This organization is dedicated to fostering the development aspirations set in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS). The UN-OHRLLS plays a crucial role in supporting the development of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Centre of Excellence (CoE), which is a key initiative under the ABAS aimed at enhancing the capabilities and resilience of SIDS through innovative practices, research, and collaboration. The CoE is located in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, and is designed to support SIDS in addressing challenges and achieving resilient prosperity. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on the unique needs and development goals of small island nations.

Job Overview:
The Investment Specialist position is focused on supporting the implementation of the Island Investment Forum (IIF) as part of the SIDS Centre of Excellence (CoE). The consultant will work under the supervision of the head of the SIDS Team of OHRLLS and will be responsible for delivering across five interrelated workstreams. The role involves strategic planning and operational design, stakeholder engagement, institutional strengthening, development of operational tools, and capacity development. The consultant will draft and finalize various documents, including work plans, presentations, engagement plans, training materials, and operational models. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national governments, development partners, and private investors, to ensure the successful launch and implementation of the IIF. The consultant will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the IIF and ensuring knowledge transfer to CoE staff for sustainable operations beyond the consultancy period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Drafting and finalizing a 12-month workplan for the Consultant and CoE staff to implement the IIF.
• Creating a PowerPoint presentation outlining the IIF vision and implementation workplan for the SIDS-GBN Forum.
• Developing an engagement plan for pilot SIDS, including screening criteria for participating National Focal Points (NFPs).
• Successfully launching the IIF at the SIDS-GBN Forum.
• Preparing training materials for CoE staff on foreign direct investment (FDI) policy and investment promotion.
• Facilitating brainstorming sessions with CoE staff and key stakeholders on the operational model.
• Delivering training and operational brainstorming sessions for CoE staff.
• Drafting the IIF operational model, including governance framework and staff Terms of Reference.
• Creating guidelines for NFPs covering project identification and investor readiness. 1
• Establishing a development partner database informed by pilot SIDS engagement. 1
• Drafting a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework for the IIF. 1
• Planning workshops with CoE staff for implementation preparation. 1
• Training and mobilizing pilot SIDS NFPs on developing an investor-ready project pipeline. 1
• Providing remote training for additional pilot SIDS NFPs. 1
• Configuring an online project planning and client relationship management platform for CoE staff. 1
• Mapping current and anticipated CoE staff roles against various frameworks. 1
• Drafting investment brief templates for priority project types. 1
• Creating a private investor database covering priority investors. 1
• Developing practical tools to support stakeholder mobilization and project pipeline development. 2
• Completing outreach to prospective private investors. 2
• Conducting remote training for pilot SIDS NFPs. 2
• Completing Training-of-Trainers (ToT) programmes for client NFPs. 2
• Ongoing coaching of pilot SIDS NFPs with progressive transfer of responsibilities. 2
• Drafting an end-of-year performance report with recommendations. 2
• Completing coaching and capacity transfer to CoE staff across all aspects of NFP engagement and project development.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Investment Specialist position include an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, policy development, governance, operations management, public finance, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and multi-stakeholder institutional development is required. A strong understanding of investment facilitation and financing mechanisms, particularly in the context of small island developing states or developing economies, is essential. Proven experience in managing development partnerships, governance structures, and blended finance mechanisms is also required. The candidate should have a demonstrated background in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and operational systems design, along with experience working with or advising SIDS governments and development institutions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as economics, policy development, governance, operations management, or public finance. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of investment facilitation and the operational needs of the IIF.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and multi-stakeholder institutional development. Candidates should have a strong understanding of investment facilitation and financing mechanisms, particularly in the context of small island developing states or developing economies. Proven experience in setting up or managing development partnerships, governance structures, and blended finance mechanisms is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a demonstrated background in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and operational systems design, as well as experience working with or advising SIDS governments and development institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, preparation of documentation, and delivery of training materials. While English is the mandatory language, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing stakeholder engagement in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 12 months. The consultant will be engaged in a full-time capacity, focusing on the implementation of the IIF and supporting the SIDS CoE. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and equitable recruitment process.