The WHO Foundation is an independent grant-making entity, based in Geneva, that sets out to protect the health and well-being of everyone in every part of the world, working alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global health community.
The Foundation strives to complement and strengthen WHO’s efforts by acting as a platform for new types of public-private engagement, while protecting WHO’s neutrality and independence as the world’s leading international health authority. To do so, it aims to speak directly to donors in a language they understand, establishing collaborations that increase visibility and engagement with High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI), launching innovative campaigns to the general public and engaging in an array of partnerships with corporate actors.
The WHO Foundation is seeking an Innovative Finance Consultant to help grow and scale the WHO Foundation.
Purpose of Role **
The role of the Consultant is to support the engagement with individual donors, the general public, corporate partners, co-investors, advisors and other partners to catalyse and structure the diversity of the private financing of the Foundation.
Management
The Senior Consultant will report to the CEO of Philanthropy Advisors, actual interim COO of the WHO Foundation under the leadership of the CEO of the Foundation and in close collaboration with appointed external service providers (fundraising firm, communication firm, etc.). They will work for an initial period of six to nine months, with the possibility to extend if jointly agreed by the CEO and the Foundation Board. The consultancy position will be remote, working in close coordination with the WHO Foundation/ Philanthropy Advisors teams based in Geneva and Paris.
This post can be based anywhere in the world, candidates must have the right to work in the country in which they are applying from.
Key Responsibilities
● Designing and implementing financial solutions and mechanisms that create scalable and effective ways of channelling private resources from the global financial markets.
● Developing the Foundation’s impact and programme related investing strategy and portfolio construction process aligned with the Foundation’s mission of funding high-impact initiatives with the purpose to strengthen health systems globally, in coordination with WHO and other stakeholders.
● Leading discussions with WHO teams and other stakeholders to the strategy.
● Identifying innovative and creative ways for donors and partners to contribute to WHO Foundation’s mission by structuring both mobilized and deployed money and in-kind contributions through different forms such as donations, equity investments, debt investments, guarantees, co-financing, and other forms.
● Remaining up to date on the trends, debates, and innovations in the fields of the global health ecosystem and social impact investing and building relationships with the individuals and organizations that play significant roles in those fields.
● Participate in professional organizations and activities, where such service advances the Foundation’s vision and agenda as well as develop professional relationships with the broader public health world.
Profile
● At least 5 years of professional experience in the innovative finance, social finance and/or impact investing sectors, in a financial institution, foundation, impact investment fund, or similar organization.
● A track record in structuring capital coming in: Setting up of new funds, establishing new ways of bringing in capital or other types of contributions, experience discussing with investors and investees on structuring.
● Previous experience working with and through partners in uncertain stakeholder environments, ideally in the Global South.
● Understanding of different ways of channelling money, whether that is through grants, guarantees, debt investments, capital investments, in kind contributions, or other mechanisms.
● Strong leadership skills and aptitude to work with autonomy and entrepreneurship, both individually and as part of a complex team effort.
● Superior interpersonal and communications skills and capacity to build excellent relationships with key stakeholders.
● Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, value for money, risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption.
● Strong diplomatic skills, sensitivity to political issues.
● Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in finance, international development, international relations or related fields.
● Fluency in English, French an advantage.
Contract type: 6-9 months (with possibility for renewal or fix term contract)
Salary: Competitive salary
How to apply:
Please send a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to the post with your CV/resume (no photos) in strict confidence by email only to: Karem Armstrong to karem@darylupsall.com
Please ensure that they are sent with the titles “*your name* cover letter” and “*your name* CV” Please put “*WHO Foundation- Sr Innovative Finance Consultant*” in the email subject line.
This is a rolling process; applications will be revised as they arrive.