Director, Innovative Finance

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a leading global humanitarian and development agency that has been operational since 194

• With a mission to transform individual lives and entire societies, CRS reaches over 190 million people across more than 110 countries. The organization has built strong partnerships with local communities, governments, and organizations worldwide, creating renowned programming and operations that yield tangible results. CRS recognizes the need for innovative finance to engage with new markets and investors to achieve humanitarian and development outcomes at scale. The agency is currently focusing on multiple new funding streams, including blended investment approaches, social impact bonds, debt swaps, and climate financing, to drive programmatic impact. The organization is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring that its processes reflect a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Director, Innovative Finance, will spearhead CRS's efforts to develop and implement innovative finance strategies and mechanisms aimed at mobilizing capital for impactful projects that align with the agency's strategic goals. This position requires a visionary leader with extensive expertise in innovative finance, investment strategies, results-based financing, and public-private partnerships. The Director will be responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive innovative finance strategy for the agency, which encompasses blended finance, impact investing, and other related financial vehicles. The role involves business development, technical assistance, and operational support for innovative finance mechanisms, necessitating close collaboration with country, regional, and headquarters teams, as well as partners, to devise and implement catalytic capital mobilization strategies that maximize both social and financial returns. The ideal candidate will be socially driven, detail-oriented, flexible, and a self-starter, capable of leading a team of experts in providing complex technical advice in various areas of innovative financing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Director, Innovative Finance, include:

• Strategic Direction and Leadership: Develop and execute innovative finance strategies that align with CRS's mission and goals, and lead change management processes to prepare the organization for innovative finance options.
• Capital Mobilization and Partnership Development: Identify and pursue diverse funding sources, cultivate relationships with donors and investors, and contribute to writing and reviewing funding proposals that incorporate innovative finance components.
• Technical Expertise and Program Support: Provide thought leadership and technical support to CRS programs globally, ensuring alignment and co-creation of innovative financing models with country, regional, and headquarters teams.
• Portfolio and Risk Management: Monitor existing investment portfolios to ensure alignment with impact objectives and financial performance, oversee current and future investments, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and organizational policies.
• Team Building and Development: Lead and mentor a team of innovative finance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Develop a framework for measuring the effectiveness and impact of innovative finance initiatives and ensure that learning from these activities is documented and applied to enhance future efforts.
• Representation: Represent CRS externally to donors, partners, and peers in innovative finance, and report to CRS executives and interact with the CRS Board as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The basic qualifications for this position include:

• An advanced degree in finance, economics, international development, business administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in finance, international development, investment management, or a related field, with a significant focus on innovative finance.
• A proven track record of mobilizing capital and managing innovative finance portfolios in the social sector.
• Strong understanding of impact measurement and reporting frameworks, exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with international donors, development banks, and both public and private sectors, along with strong analytical skills to assess financial risks and design sustainable financial models.
• Excellent listening skills and adaptability, with experience working on projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and/or the Middle East.
• A commitment to the values and mission of a faith-based organization and the ability to work effectively in a diverse and dynamic environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in finance, economics, international development, business administration, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of innovative finance and investment strategies that the role demands.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in finance, international development, investment management, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on innovative finance. Candidates should have a proven track record of mobilizing capital and managing innovative finance portfolios, particularly in the social sector, demonstrating their capability to lead and innovate in this area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French or Spanish is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaboration in various regions where CRS operates.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 25%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor globally. CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States and operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on relief and development work across various sectors. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding efforts to protect vulnerable populations.