Program Lead – Finance for Development

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Program Lead – Finance for Development will play a crucial role in advancing UN Women’s initiative aimed at increasing women's employment in the Arab States, particularly in the Green, STEM, and Care Economies. This position involves developing strategic partnerships and securing financing from various financial institutions, including global, regional, and national banks, as well as private sector investors. The Program Lead will work under the supervision of the Director of Women’s Employment in the Green, STEM, and Care Economy, engaging with finance entities and private investors to structure and secure investments for employment-generating enterprises and initiatives. The role requires a proactive approach to building relationships and managing partnerships that will facilitate the successful implementation of employment initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will lead and coordinate UN Women’s strategic partnerships in the Arab States region, mapping relevant actors, networks, and initiatives in the private and finance sectors. The responsibilities include leading innovative partnerships with financial institutions to secure financing for employment initiatives in the Green and Care Economy, engaging with potential private investors, impact funds, and development finance institutions (DFIs). The Program Lead will manage the overall Public and Private Partners Portfolio of the Flagship Initiative, providing comprehensive updates to partners on progress and offering technical support to the Director in preparing for missions and meetings. Additionally, the role involves establishing and managing a partnership platform for potential private sector investors, contributing to knowledge building and sharing, and monitoring emerging issues that could affect partnerships and resource contributions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financing for sustainable development initiatives, employment generation initiatives, or the Green or care sector, along with substantial managerial experience in multi-stakeholder program management. Experience working in or for the Middle East is desired, and proficiency in using computers and office software packages is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree along with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include studies related to economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, or women's studies.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to financing for sustainable development, employment generation, or the Green and care sectors. Candidates should have substantial managerial experience in multi-stakeholder program management and experience working in or for the Middle East is preferred. Proficiency in using office software packages and web-based management systems is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic or French, is desirable and would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is an office-based consultancy position. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.