Consultancy- Innovative Finance Specialist, Sustainable WASH Hub

UNICEF is seeking a Consultancy- Innovative Finance Specialist for its Sustainable WASH Hub in Nairobi, Kenya. Candidates should have a Master's degree in Finance or a related field, with at least 7 years of relevant experience in finance, particularly in climate finance and international development. Responsibilities include strategic planning, providing technical support for innovative finance solutions, conducting financial analysis, and developing business models to enhance WASH funding.
ABOUT THE COMPANY

UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future

JOB SUMMARY

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.EssentialAt 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 goalsKnowledge and/or experience of working modalities for regional and international development banks and other IFIsAbility to explain complex technical information and concepts to UNICEF country staff and partners so they can understand the implications for their projects

RESPONSIBILITIES

Task 1: Strategic Planning and Financial Innovation SupportThis 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 directionTask 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 solutionsTechnical support to develop feasibility studies on the establishment of IF mechanisms for WASH in ESARTask 3: Financial Analysis and Modelling & Financial reporting and developmentThis 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 ESARDevelop 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 SharingThis 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.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Accounting, Financial analysis, Economics and business, Research planning, Reporting, Budgeting, financial planning

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree