Consultancy- Innovative Finance Specialist, Sustainable WASH Hub at UNICEF

Your main responsibilities will be:

Task 1: Strategic Planning and Financial Innovation Support

• This task will involve:
• Contribute to the execution of the Hub’s strategic vision for integrating IF into WASH programming with a focus on supporting programming in ESAR.
• Support the creation of KPIs for financial innovation projects in ESAR, ensuring alignment with overall WASH and sustainability objectives, and regularly report on progress.
• Regular coordination with the Senior Advisor on the Hub on projects strategic direction

Task 2: Provide technical support in the implementation, scaling, and replication of IF solutions.

• This task will involve:
• Technical advice on IF to country offices in a variety of contexts in ESAR, including but not limited to, blended finance, results-based financing mechanisms, outcomes-based contracts, impact funds, and credits, including groundwater mapping and carbon credit solutions
• Technical support to develop feasibility studies on the establishment of IF mechanisms for WASH in ESAR

Task 3: Financial Analysis and Modelling & Financial reporting and development

• This task will involve:
• Conduct detailed financial analysis and modeling to assess the viability of innovative financing solutions for WASH in ESAR.
• Support the development of business models that attract investment into climate-resilient WASH solutions, ensuring they are scalable and sustainable.
• Conduct financial risk assessments to ensure the long-term success of WASH financing projects in ESAR.
• Design and/or support feasibility studies into project viability in countries in ESAR
• Develop financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, summarizing the performance of IF initiatives and their impact on WASH outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and identification of financing mechanisms that address gaps in funding for WASH innovations, focusing on bottom-of-the-pyramid households in ESAR.

Task 4: Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

This task will involve:

• Provide technical support and guidance to regional and country offices on innovative financing strategies that can enhance WASH programs in ESAR.
• Lead workshops and training sessions to build internal capacity on IF approaches, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.
• Work with the Hub’s continuous learning pillar to document and share best practices in IF, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into future project designs.
• For more details on the deliverables expected during this consultancy please refer to the TORs: Download File TOR IF ESARO.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A Master's degree (or higher) in Finance, Economics, accounting, or a related field.
• A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

Essential

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in finance, with a strong understanding of climate finance, impact investing, and/or sustainable and blended finance, ideally within the public sector, international organizations, or the private sector.
• At least 2 years' experience working with or understanding international development organizations, particularly in emerging markets or developing countries is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in financial analysis, project management, and a demonstrated ability to design and implement financial models that support development goals
• Knowledge and/or experience of working modalities for regional and international development banks and other IFIs
• Ability to explain complex technical information and concepts to UNICEF country staff and partners so they can understand the implications for their projects