Innovative Finance and Impact Investment Lead

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Position Title: Innovative Finance and Impact Investment Lead
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to improve health outcomes and ensure access to essential health services globally. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others.

Job Overview:
The Innovative Finance and Impact Investment Lead will be responsible for developing and leading the Innovative Finance and Impact Investment Agenda within WHO. This role involves coordinating the New Health Impact Investment Platform, engaging with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and ensuring the implementation of concrete investment projects. The position requires providing senior-level advice to the Assistant Director General (ADG) on technical and programmatic content related to impact investment and innovative finance. The lead will also represent WHO in high-level meetings and develop innovative financial instruments to support Global Health and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The successful candidate will work across WHO's three levels and technical divisions to identify and implement new financial opportunities with high impact, while also building capacity within the Innovative Finance team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop the Innovative Finance and Impact Investment Agenda within WHO.
• Lead the innovative finance and impact investment team.
• Coordinate the New Health Impact Investment Platform with MDBs and WHO at all organizational levels.
• Identify opportunities for innovative finance to support WHO's General Programme of Work.
• Provide senior-level advice to the ADG on impact investment and innovative finance.
• Make recommendations on innovative finance instruments for the Investment round.
• Provide technical advice and leadership to ensure effective advocacy efforts with critical partners.
• Prepare data, analysis, and documentation to support ADG agenda items.
• Represent the ADG in technical meetings with UN agencies, Member States, and stakeholders. 1
• Organize high-level meetings with heads of MDBs and government representatives to promote health investment. 1
• Develop innovative financial instruments using blended finance solutions. 1
• Engage with senior leadership to promote financial instruments. 1
• Work across WHO levels to implement new financial opportunities. 1
• Build capacity within the Innovative Finance team. 1
• Act as an Innovative Finance focal point for WHO. 1
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the ADG.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced level university degree in international relations with a qualification in international finance.
• At least ten years of experience focusing on Impact Investments.
• Strong experience engaging with Multilateral Development Banks.
• Considerable experience in developing partnerships with MDBs.
• Experience in developing and implementing innovative financing instruments for low and middle-income countries.
• Strong experience in organizing and leading high-level dialogues and events.
• Experience in writing and editing advocacy materials such as briefing notes and talking points.
• Excellent networking and negotiation skills with MDBs.
• Knowledge of MDBs landscape and financial instruments applicable to Global Health.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced level university degree in international relations, complemented by a qualification in international finance. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of global health financing and the role of MDBs in supporting health initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least ten years of relevant experience, particularly in Impact Investments. This includes strong engagement with Multilateral Development Banks and considerable experience in developing partnerships and innovative financing instruments. Experience in leading high-level dialogues and organizing events involving government representatives and MDBs is also crucial. The role demands a proven track record in writing and editing advocacy materials, showcasing the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication within the organization and with French-speaking stakeholders. Familiarity with WHO's official languages is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is a time-limited parental coverage role, with a maximum duration until June 27, 202

• There is no expectation of extension beyond this date. The role may be offered as a continuing appointment or fixed-term appointment, subject to release by the supervisor for a loan period. Temporary appointments will require resignation from the current role with no expectation of renewal. The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 92,731, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, and an education grant for dependent children. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.