Regional Innovative Finance Officer at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Job Description

UNHCR was created in , during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

Responsibility 

Drive co-creation of new innovative finance projects with RB and COs colleagues from idea stage to implementation, including (but not limited to): Examining feasibility of ideas through analysis and researchEngaging with RB, COs, DFAM, LAS, DRRM, DRS, and other technical and field-based colleagues to co-design each innovative finance mechanismEvaluating and/or crystallizing the business case involved in potential mechanismsIn collaboration and close consultation with colleagues in the Regional Bureau External Engagement team, PSP regional team and in PSP markets, conducting partnership conversations with donors and private sectorWriting business plansConducting financial modellingAssist with deal development and execution Develop recommendations on whether potential innovative financing projects are worth pursuing to Senior Innovative Financing Officer and other senior managers/leaders of UNHCR in RB and COs. In close consultation with the RB, support the expansion of existing global innovative finance initiatives to relevant COs in the region. In collaboration with the Bureau’s External Engagement team and PSP colleagues, stay up-to-date with list of donors potentially interested in supporting innovative finance projects in the region, and cultivate relationships including regular briefings on Innovative Finance projects that match their priorities. Support the Innovative Financing Fundraising Officer to cultivate understanding and conduct capacity-building with UNHCR fundraisers to increase comfort levels and effectiveness in introducing innovative financing projects in EHAGL to potential donors. Help with regular ongoing engagement on innovative financing with all key external partners in the UN and NGO community, multilateral development banks (MDBs), and within the government donor community. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Authority

Engage and coordinate with RB and COs colleagues in the EHAGL region, as well as DFAM, LAS, DRRM, DRS, and other technical and field-based UNHCR staff on the evaluation, design, development, and implementation of innovative finance mechanisms. In coordination and with the involvement of PSP Africa colleagues, engage Africa-based existing and potential new external partners into collaboration on innovative financing for the region. Work with the Innovative Financing Fundraising Officer to support fundraising for innovative financing projects in the region. Advise Senior Innovative Financing Officer and UNHCR management and make recommendations on innovative financing mechanisms and fundraising strategy for East Africa Coordinate all Innovative Finance activities in the EHAGL region.

Qualifications and Experience

Education 

Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development, Finance, Law or related field. A Master’s degree is desirable, but relevant professional experience may substitute.

Work Experience 

At least 6 years’ of demonstrated progressive professional experience (5 years with Graduate degree equivalent of a Masters and 4 years with Doctorate equivalent of a PhD) in business case / investment deal development (e.g., from investment firm, PE firm, management consulting, investment banking, development bank, or other similar institutions) and demonstrated experience in development and/or humanitarian topics

Desirable: 

work experience in Africa, most preferable in the EHAGL region work experience in the private sector and/or financial knowledge work experience with humanitarian or development work based in developing country contexts work experience in fragile/developing country contexts or in field locations

Key Competencies 

Required competencies 

Excellent business analysis/business case development ability, including demonstrated experience doing business case development in development, humanitarian, or social enterprise settings Excellent financial modelling skills, including being able to independently construct an income and cash flow model and run financial sensitivities Knowledge of major trends in the humanitarian/development and private sector on the topics of innovative finance, sustainable financing mechanisms, and mixed private sector & donor-driven programming, as well as familiarity with key stakeholders on these topics in the African market Demonstrated experience in project coordination and management, in particular, in managing complex, multi-stakeholder, and fast-moving projects which are cross-disciplinary and require a certain degree of expert knowledge Proven ability in understanding how to reconcile the needs of the organization with those of a private sector partner, including working with technical units in humanitarian/development organizations and working with private sector Superior ability in understanding and presenting complex/technical issues to external donors, presenting the organisation and innovative finance mechanisms in an appealing and concise manner, and understanding how to reconcile the needs of the organisation with those of the donor Excellent interpersonal skills, including formal and informal influencing skills and ability to connect with a wide variety of actors, including private sector, investors, development and humanitarian actors, technical experts, and field-based staff Knowledge of public-private partnerships in Africa Excellent computer skills (MS Office, SharePoint, PeopleSoft, BI tools, etc.) and awareness of digital technologies Ability to manage a stressful work environment Ability to establish and meet or exceed targets and keep in track with objectives Results-oriented mentality with a commitment to continuous learning Fluency in written and spoken English. Competence in another UN language and/or a language relevant to EHAGL region desirable A certain amount of regional and international travel will be required

Desirable competencies

Knowledge of humanitarian assistance, international development and UN environment preferred Understanding of the complexities of working with an international organization with multiple geographical operational sites Experience in donor programme management and donor relations including engagement with government donors, foundations, corporations, or other private partnerships