Conduct Philanthropic Research & Analysis

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Philanthropy can play a vital role in the shift to a low-carbon, nature-positive regenerative and resilient economy. Representing around $1 trillion in assets under management, foundations can have a significant impact in a variety of ways. First, they are critical to kickstarting new markets: targeted grant support can help demonstrate the viability of early stage/nascent business models to help them become investable.  Second, foundations can use capital, expertise, and networks to support high-impact pipeline development by funding technical assistance, project preparation, advisory and seed funding. Third, foundations can streamline their grant making processes to reduce the administrative burden on grantees (from application to impact reporting).  Fourth, foundations can be deeply catalytic by pooling resources with other foundations to give their investments greater impact and deploying tools such as first loss capital alongside grants. Finally, by coordinating their endowment, programme-related and grant-making strategies, leading foundations can maximise their impact across the financial system by investing in line with their mission.  

Philanthropic funding is proving the viability of nature-positive business models, particularly in emerging markets. One way to facilitate this leveraging effect is for philanthropies to join in scaling existing best-in-class blended finance approaches. Through blended finance vehicles like the GFCR, philanthropic partners are now joining the global effort to attract and de-risk private capital for ocean-based solutions.

Partnerships are developed in accordance with portfolio needs and GFCR's global objectives. The GFCR works closely with global coalition of partners, as well as local partner consortiums in each programming location. In collaboration with key team members, these assignments supports individual philanthropic and corporate CSR fundraising ambitions.

Under the overall supervision of the Strategic Engagement Lead and Deputy Head of UN Global Team, the Online Volunteers will substantively support the UN Global Team's institutional partnerships and external liaison functions. These assignments will have a support function for helping to progressively increase GFCR income from the private sector through the development of strong philanthropic background knowledge and strategic tools with a focus on foundations and corporates. In accordance with GFCR's Engagement Strategy, tasked deliverables are as follows:

(1) Mapping report of relevant philanthropic and corporate foundations/entities in priority geographies (including giving history, connectivity, relevant mandate/priorities, KOLs); (2) Internal recommendation report including prioritisation, outreach approach and pitch alignment points to selected corporate foundations/entities; (3) Five background briefs on top-tier philanthropic/corporate partner prospects; and (4) Contribution to the drafting of philanthropic and corporate foundations/entities outreach deck text.

• Applicable understanding of fundraising research and how to reconcile the needs of the organization with those of prospective donors.
• Good understanding of SDG priorities.
• Collaborative and characterized by thoughtful action and decision-making, discretion and tact.
• Excellent communication and writing skills with good interpersonal skills; well-able to explain complex issues to others and present the organization in an engaging and concise manner.
• Experience in producing quality content, including mapping reports and presentations, for high value audiences.