Fellow - Innovative Finance team

Finance & Economy

Overview

Support donor engagement efforts for the REP Fund and innovative finance portfolio.

You have:

• Minimum 1 year experience in donor engagement or resource mobilization.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience in data analysis and donor research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with the concepts of innovative financing and environmental protection.
• Fluency in English is required.

Deadline for Applications

April 17, 2026Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

FamilyStaff Member / Affiliate Type

FellowTarget Start Date

2026-06-01Terms of Reference

Division: DER GPS – Innovative Financing Unit: Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund & Innovative Finance Title: Innovative Financing Fellow Location: UNHCR Geneva Work modality: On-site, full-time Duration: June to August 2026 (8 weeks)

1. Background UNHCR’s Innovative Finance team develops and manages mechanisms that diversify funding sources, strengthen strategic partnerships, and introduce new models for financing protection and environmental outcomes. Over recent years, the team has mobilised significant new resources and launched flagship initiatives, including the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund—UNHCR’s carbon-financing facility supporting reforestation and clean cooking programmes in refugee-hosting areas.

As the REP Fund enters a phase of active resource mobilisation, the team requires enhanced analytical, coordination, and content support to strengthen donor outreach, preparedness, and follow-up, in close alignment with UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnerships and Innovative Finance strategies.

2. Purpose of the fellowship To support donation and donor-engagement efforts for the REP Fund and the broader Innovative Finance portfolio, with a focus on analytical, strategic, and coordination support. The fellow will contribute to donor research, preparation of engagement materials, internal briefing, and coordination of outreach activities, supporting evidence-based resource mobilisation and strategic decision-making. Specific duties and responsibilities are as follows:

A. REP Fund donation and donor-engagement support • Support the preparation of donor-facing materials related to the REP Fund, including briefing notes, short concept summaries, and tailored pitch materials. • Assist with donor profiling and background research to support prioritisation and outreach strategies. • Help maintain and update internal tracking of donor engagements, follow-ups, and fundraising milestones. • Support the preparation of talking points, background notes, and briefing packages for donor meetings and senior-level engagements. • Contribute to the organisation and maintenance of documentation and materials for the REP Fund.

B. Content and materials supporting resource mobilisation • Draft and refine concise, donor-oriented content explaining the REP Fund’s objectives, pipeline, and use of funds. • Support the development of factsheets, short narratives, and visual materials tailored to donor audiences. • Assist in adapting technical content (e.g. carbon finance, clean cooking, nature-based solutions) into accessible language suitable for fundraising contexts. • Support preparation of slide decks and background materials used in donor outreach and campaign activities.

C. Research and analytical support • Conduct desk research on prospective donors, foundations, and corporate philanthropic entities relevant to the REP Fund. • Support analysis of donor trends, contribution patterns, and alignment with the REP Fund’s long-term financing model. • Assist in consolidating lessons learned

D. Coordination and internal reporting • Draft concise internal notes summarising donor interactions, outreach activities, or fundraising progress. • Support coordination with Private Sector Partnerships colleagues and other relevant teams to ensure alignment and information flow. • Assist in tracking donation-related activities and supporting basic reporting needs.

The fellow will: • Gain practical exposure to resource mobilisation and donor engagement within a global organisation. • Develop an understanding of innovative financing approaches, including blended finance and carbon-linked funding models. • Strengthen skills in donor research, briefing preparation, and strategic communications. • Build experience working at the intersection of climate, environment, and humanitarian programming.

6. Supervision The fellow will report to the REP Fund Manager and work in close coordination with the other members of the Innovative Finance team.

7. Work Modalities • Full-time, on-site in Geneva. • Travel not applicable

8. Monitor and Progress Controls The fellow’s work will be monitored through a combination of task-based deliverables and regular supervision, including: • Clear workplan and priorities agreed at the start of the fellowship • Regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly) with the supervisor to review progress and adjust priorities • Defined outputs, including: o donor research briefs and profiles o draft briefing notes and background documents o internal summaries of outreach or fundraising activities • Quality review of written outputs by the supervisor prior to circulation or use • End-of-fellow review, including a short reflection on deliverables achieved and skills developed

Performance will be assessed based on the quality, timeliness, and relevance of outputs, as well as the fellow’s ability to work independently, respond to feedback, and contribute constructively to team objectives.Standard Job Description

Required Languages

English,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote

No

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unhcr.org