About UNICEF

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives and defend their rights. To do so, we pursue a unique set of goals: build a world where every child survives, grows and thrives.

The UNICEF Innovation Fund is a global, agile, inclusive, and ambitious venture fund. It invests in open-source technology solutions that aim to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Fund supports early-stage, open-source technology prototypes and existing solutions that have the potential for impact at scale. The Fund is backed by governments, foundations, and private sector donors.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic advisory services to the UNICEF Innovation Fund, focusing on identifying, evaluating, and supporting innovative solutions that can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The advisor will play a key role in shaping the Fund’s investment strategy, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the effective implementation of its portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the investment strategy of the UNICEF Innovation Fund, aligning it with UNICEF’s global priorities and the SDGs.
• Identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities, conducting due diligence and assessing the viability and scalability of innovative solutions.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to the teams of companies and organizations receiving investments from the Fund.
• Foster partnerships with governments, private sector entities, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise.
• Monitor the progress and impact of the Fund’s portfolio, ensuring that investments are on track to achieve their intended outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and best practices related to innovation and impact investing in the development sector.
• Represent the UNICEF Innovation Fund at relevant conferences, workshops, and other events.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, economics, public policy, international development, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in innovation, venture capital, impact investing, or strategic advisory roles, preferably within the development sector.
• Proven track record of identifying, evaluating, and supporting innovative projects or companies.
• Strong understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges and opportunities in achieving them.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Additional Information

This is a consultancy position. The contract duration will be for 11 months. The advisor will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

• Develop and refine the investment strategy of the UNICEF Innovation Fund, aligning it with UNICEF’s global priorities and the SDGs.
• Identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities, conducting due diligence and assessing the viability and scalability of innovative solutions.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to the teams of companies and organizations receiving investments from the Fund.
• Foster partnerships with governments, private sector entities, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise.
• Monitor the progress and impact of the Fund’s portfolio, ensuring that investments are on track to achieve their intended outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and best practices related to innovation and impact investing in the development sector.
• Represent the UNICEF Innovation Fund at relevant conferences, workshops, and other events.

• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, economics, public policy, international development, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in innovation, venture capital, impact investing, or strategic advisory roles, preferably within the development sector.
• Proven track record of identifying, evaluating, and supporting innovative projects or companies.
• Strong understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges and opportunities in achieving them.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.