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 on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM, which focused exclusively on gender equality. 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 of mutual respect, and it recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Job Overview:
The Program Lead – Finance for Development will play a crucial role in advancing UN Women’s flagship 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 with stakeholders and managing partnerships effectively to ensure the success of the initiative.

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. They will be responsible for leading innovative partnerships with financial institutions to secure financing for employment initiatives in the Green and Care Economy. The Program Lead will engage with potential private investors, impact funds, and development finance institutions (DFIs) to secure their interest in employment generation initiatives. Additionally, they will manage the overall Public and Private Partners Portfolio of the Flagship Initiative, providing comprehensive updates to partners on progress. The role also includes providing technical support to the Director in preparing for missions and meetings, establishing a partnership platform for potential investors, and contributing to knowledge building and sharing within UN Women.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, or a related field. 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. Substantial managerial experience in multi-stakeholder program management is essential, along with proficiency in using computers and office software packages. Experience in the Middle East is desired, and familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is a plus.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, or women's studies is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financing for sustainable development initiatives, employment generation initiatives, or the Green or Care sector. 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 computers and office software packages is necessary, along with experience in handling web-based management systems.

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, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. 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.