Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP/UNCDF: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP/UNCDF including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP/UNCDF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The UN Capital Development Fund assists developing countries in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans and guarantees, first and foremost for the least developed among the developing countries. As a Flagship Catalytic Blended Financing platform of the UN, UNCDF utilizes its unique capability to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact where the needs are greatest—a capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate—to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.
UNCDF builds partnerships with other UN organisations, as well as private and public sector actors, to achieve greater impact in development; specifically, by unlocking additional resources and strengthening financing mechanisms and systems contributing to transformation pathways, focusing on such development themes as green economy, digitalization, urbanisation, inclusive economies, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
UNCDF is seeking to enhance the capacity of its strategic and technical support function in order to scale-up resource mobilisation, pipeline building, and portfolio synergies at the Trust Fund level. To support its roles in the hosting and development of trust funds, UNCDF is seeking a Strategic Engagement & Development Analyst to be part of the Global Trust Funds team located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Duties and Responsibilities
Resource Mobilisation Support
- Contribute and support the development of the resource mobilisation vision, design and execution of Resource Mobilisation Strategies related to organisational priorities, including Trust Funds and strategic initiatives;
- Support the design and execution of proposals that respond to the specific needs of interested contributors. (Pitch decks, needs presentations, etc.);
- Support coordination and execution of priority engagements with donors and partners, including through tracking, drafting of correspondence and speaking points, scheduling of calls, development of presentations and webinars, production of meeting minutes, etc.
- Support development of needs-based concept notes and proposals.
- Support drafting of responses to queries and information requests from donors and strategic partners.
Strategic Relations
- Work with team members and strategic partners representatives to cultivate relationships, engagement opportunities, and innovative ways to fundraise with state and non-institutional actors (private sector, foundations, philanthropists).
- Support the facilitation and coordination of in-person donor engagement meetings through strategic engagement missions and field missions, supporting scheduling, drafting of briefs, outcome reports, etc.
- Support relationship building and coordination of activities with celebrity advocates, renowned experts, government representatives, and other key opinion leaders.
Strategic & technical support
- Coordinate consultations with internal and external focal points to understand gaps and tailor strategic guidance to support scaling of UNCDF initiatives;
- Support the development of UNCDF strategic guidance notes for scaling and pooling project portfolios;
- Support and monitor UNCDF’s relationship-building systems with UN agencies and external partners to leverage technical knowledge and synergies at trust fund- and country-level.
- Coordinate strategic and technical workshops to bolster knowledge-sharing and communication of blended finance vehicle design and portfolio building.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Strategic Engagement & Development Analyst will work under the supervision of the UNCDF NAT-GFCR Director.
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management – Communication
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
- Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Business Development – Knowledge Generation
- Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
General (across the functions)
Event Planning and Execution
- Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives
Partnership Management – Partnership
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with strategic priorities.
Partnership Management – Relationship management
- Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
2030 Agenda: Planet – Nature Climate and Energy
- Green Economy: Green economy and green growth.
Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Education requirements:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, environmental management, or a closely related field, is required or
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with additional two years of experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.
Minimum years of relevant work experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with Master´s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of proven expertise in sustainable development finance, resource mobilisation, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in supporting the design and operations of blended finance vehicles is required.
Required skills
- International experience with developing countries is required;
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Excellent understanding of international development issues and knowledge of the UN system;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN, and partner organizations;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
- Experience with UNDP policies, procedures and practices particularly in relation to project development and implementation and/or working experience in an international organization is highly desirable.
- Prior experience in designing or implementing environmental finance mechanisms is an advantage.
- Prior experience in project management;
- Prior experience in the development of technical knowledge materials related to biodiversity conservation or biodiversity finance.
Required Language(s)
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of French is an asset.
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
a) Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
b) A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
c) Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP/UNCDF, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP/UNCDF advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP/UNCDF is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP/UNCDF rosters
Note: UNDP/UNCDF reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP/UNCDF at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP/UNCDF has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP/UNCDF is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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