Senior Nutrition Financing Advisor

Contract

This is a IICA-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-4 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Since 2010, the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement has inspired a new way of working collaboratively to end malnutrition, in all its forms. With the governments of SUN Countries in the lead, it unites people—from civil society, the United Nations, donors, businesses and researchers—in a collective effort to improve nutrition. The SUN Strategy 2021–2025 (SUN 3.0) prioritizes country leadership and focuses on supporting systemic change at the country level. It seeks to capture the ambition of SUN countries and guide the work of all actors at all levels aligning concerted action behind and responding to commonly agreed national priorities set out by governments in SUN countries.

SUN 3.0 is committed to fundamental, non-negotiable aspects of effective nutrition action, including equity and the principle of leaving no one behind. For its third phase, the SUN Movement will drive forward gender equality and enshrine youth leadership across the Movement. SUN 3.0 will strengthen partnerships to achieve greater impact on nutrition through food systems, health systems, social protection systems, actions by the private sector and humanitarian and development actors, and through education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and climate change adaptation.

The SUN Movement Secretariat plays a central role in enabling the multiple members and structures of the Movement to work together to advance progress on country-level priorities and the global positioning of nutrition.

The SUN Movement Secretariat comprises personnel, based in Geneva and in various regions globally. All parts of the Movement – member governments, the SUN Global Support System - the GSS, consisting of four SUN networks (Civil Society, United Nations, Business, Donors) and the SUN Movement Secretariat, together with the SUN Movement Coordinator, work together to align and focus efforts on priorities within countries.

Role of the Senior Finance Advisor

Financing for Nutrition is a key priority for the SUN Movement in its third phase. Reporting to the SMS Head of Partnerships, Financing and Network Relations (PFN) and working in close collaboration with the SMS Regional Hubs, the purpose of this role is to lead strategic positioning and advocacy for nutrition in the development, climate and innovative financing space as well as developing and facilitating targeted initiatives for increased financing for nutrition in SUN countries.

Functional Responsibilities

1. National Implementation of Financing for Nutrition Working in close collaboration with the SMS Regional Hubs and SUN finance stakeholders:

• Facilitate nutrition financing support by the SMS and wider SUN Movement to SUN countries through stronger domestic and external resource mobilization and innovative financing solutions, including private sector financingStrengthen multi-stakeholder and multisector approaches at the local and national level through strong partnerships and alliances on financing between in-country SUN members and other national, regional and global partners.
• Broker and support the development of and resource mobilization for bankable projects for nutrition in SUN countries
• Provide policy advice and technical support to SUN Countries for the integration of nutrition in national development budgets.

• Act as the liaison point for the SUN Finance Capacity Building Platform.

  2. Global Policy, Partnerships and Advocacy

• Advise and implement strategic engagement and positioning of nutrition in intergovernmental processes
• Lead engagement with IFIs, MDBs, global funds and private sector investors for enhanced engagement and funding for nutrition .
• Facilitate the development and implementation of targeted initiatives and projects with SUN finance partners to support and accelerate financing for nutrition.
• Lead and support the preparation of finance related meetings, conferences, workshops etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and resource mobilization
• Provide strategic advice on financing related matters to the SUN Coordinator and SMS senior management

• Provide substantive inputs for finance related advocacy, including engagement of SUN governance bodies, advocates and champions

  3. Knowledge management, reporting and innovation - Support the development and maintenance of a SUN repository on nutrition finance related tools and information

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure the SMS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
• Lead the preparation of nutrition financing technical reports, policy papers, annual reports and other written outputs including for SMS senior management and SUN governance bodies.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education: - A Master degree in financing, business administration or economics, development finance or related fields is required

• A Bachelor degree in the above relevant fields with two additional years of relevant experience may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree

B. Work Experience:- Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in development financing, resource mobilization and/or international donor relations is required. - Within these 10 years, a minimum three (3) years in a development agency, IFI or other relevant public or private financing organization is required. - Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing development or climate finance projects is required - Demonstrated experience in facilitating and managing external stakeholder relationships is required. - Work experience in the nutrition or health or food or agriculture field is an advantage. - Work experience in an international setting, with experience working in developing countries or a field setting desired. - Experience in managing relations with governance bodies of international organizations and international financial institutions is desired.

C. Language: - Fluency in English Language ( Writing, Reading and Speaking) is required. - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: ICS-12 (International ICA - IICA 4 ) Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance. The incumbent will be required to pay taxes, social security and any other legal requirements under Swiss laws.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• Geneva , Switzerland is a UN family duty station

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.