Innovative Financing for Children Specialist

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Position Title: Innovative Financing for Children Specialist
Location: Panama City
Country: Panama
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Innovative Financing for Children Specialist role is crucial for UNICEF's efforts to maximize sustainable revenue through innovative financing mechanisms. This position will explore, design, and implement various financing solutions in collaboration with key divisions within the LACRO Regional Office, Headquarters Divisions, and Country Offices in Latin America and the Caribbean. The specialist will contribute to innovative finance structuring, product development, and the execution of financing strategies aimed at mobilizing resources to support UNICEF’s mission. The role includes managing the LAC IF4C portfolio in alignment with the strategic direction for IF4C and UNICEF’s global strategy, ensuring that financing solutions effectively address critical issues such as climate change and disaster risk reduction, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized children and adolescents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Explore and design innovative financing solutions in collaboration with various divisions and country offices.
• Contribute to the structuring of innovative finance products, including sustainability-linked bonds and impact bonds.
• Execute financing strategies to mobilize resources effectively.
• Manage the LAC IF4C portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with public and private sector partners to enhance financing mechanisms.
• Conduct analysis and provide recommendations on innovative finance opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of financing initiatives on children's welfare.
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders on financing strategies and outcomes.
• Stay updated on trends and developments in innovative finance and related fields.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in international development, finance, economics, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with an additional 2 years of relevant experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in international development, innovative finance, ESG/impact investing, or related areas.
• Proven experience in innovative finance and a deep understanding of the landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with experience in strategy development preferred.
• Prior experience in structuring innovative finance products is a significant advantage.
• Experience with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) is highly valued.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in international development, finance, economics, public or business administration, or a closely related field is required. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, combined with an additional 2 years of relevant experience, may be considered in place of an advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of professional experience at national and international levels in the Latin America and Caribbean region, specifically in international development, innovative finance, ESG/impact investing, project management, consulting, or related areas is required. Experience in structuring innovative finance products and familiarity with the UN system and UNICEF’s mission is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates to apply. The organization offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process.