Overview
UNFPA is exploring innovative financing modalities that complement traditional ODA to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In line with the EU's emphasis on blended finance and private capital mobilisation, UNFPA seeks to scale rights-based, evidence-driven programmes in SRHR, gender equality, maternal health, and youth empowerment, and to diversify funding sources with innovative financing mechanisms aligned with its mandate.
The European Union hosts a dynamic ecosystem of impact investors, philanthropic foundations, blended finance platforms, and development finance institutions. By assessing opportunities within this ecosystem, developing investment-ready pilot proposals, and engaging relevant partners, UNFPA aims to engage in innovative financing and impact investment with EU-based financial institutions, private and philanthropic entities, and EU institutions. This multiplier effect strengthens UNFPA as an innovative partner and helps ensure that SRHR and gender equality attract innovative financing.
Objective
The objective of this consultancy is to strengthen UNFPA's engagement in innovative financing and impact investment by :
- Developing 3 investment-ready concept notes for innovative financing from the European Commission. These concept notes should showcase scalable and measurable solutions, align with the EU's strategic priorities, and be attractive to impact investors, relevant private sector partners, and the European Commission.
- Building internal capacity through a targeted workshop with selected Country, Regional Offices, and other relevant UNFPA business units to introduce the European Commission's approach to innovative financing and the developed concept notes.
Scope of Work / Key Tasks
Opportunity Analysis
Review existing UNFPA analyses (Finance Strategy, PFFB blended finance work, etc.) to identify country-level opportunities with EU instruments (EFSD+, Global Gateway, InvestEU, etc.).Identify and map innovative financing models (e.g., blended finance, development impact bonds, catalytic capital, pay-for-success) relevant for UNFPA with European Commission frameworks.Identify areas of UNFPA work with potential for innovative financing with the European Commission.Development of Investment-Ready Concept Notes
In collaboration with selected UNFPA Country Offices and relevant corporate units, develop three concise investment-ready concept notes (3–5 pages each) that :Demonstrate alignment of UNFPA's mandate areas with EU innovative financing modalities and instruments.Present scalable and measurable pilot project ideas, including problem statement, proposed intervention, expected impact metrics, indicative financial structures, and potential partners.Provide detailed, country-specific examples that show feasibility and adaptability for other UNFPA Country offices.Capacity-Building
Prepare a slide deck summarising findings from the opportunity analysis and concept notes for internal and external discussions.Conduct an online webinar for selected UNFPA country, regional, and HQ offices / units to introduce the EC's approach to innovative financing and identify relevant entry points for engagement; include in-house UNFPA expertise where relevant. In coordination with country offices, introduce pilot project ideas as examples.Timeline
The duration of the consultancy is 40 days.
Phases, Activities and Estimate Days
Inception – Kick-off with UNFPA HQ / ROEU, review of background materials, methodology note, and inception report - 5 daysOpportunity Analysis – Review and synthesize existing UNFPA analyses, identify thematic alignment areas, analyze financing instruments, draft opportunity analysis report - 9 daysDevelopment of Investment-Ready Concept Notes – In coordination with selected country offices, develop three investment-ready concept notes - 20 daysValidation & Internal Presentation – Prepare presentations and integrate feedback - 4 daysWebinar – Prepare agenda & materials, deliver webinar - 2 daysEducation
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in finance, economics, development studies, business administration, public policy, or related field.Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in impact investment, blended finance, innovative financing, or development finance.Demonstrated expertise in structuring investment vehicles and financial instruments (e.g., Development Impact Bonds, blended finance, catalytic capital).Desirable : familiarity with EU approaches to innovative financing under EFSD+, Global Gateway, or other EU strategies / frameworks.Proven track record of mapping investment ecosystems and engaging with impact investors, philanthropic foundations, DFIs, and / or EU financial institutions.Familiarity with the EU institutional landscape (DG INTPA, DG NEAR, EFSD+, InvestEU, EIB) and related facilities.Prior experience with international development organizations, UN agencies, or NGOs on financing strategies or partnerships.Experience engaging with philanthropic foundations and impact investors, preferably in the European context.Strong understanding of SRHR, gender equality, maternal health, and youth empowerment (asset).Skills and Competencies
Strong analytical and research skills with ability to translate findings into practical, investment-ready recommendations.Excellent communication and presentation skills, including briefs, investment profiles, and slide decks.Ability to convene and engage stakeholders across public, private, and philanthropic sectors.Capacity to design and deliver online capacity-building workshops.Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work in a diverse environment.Languages
Fluency in English (written and spoken) required.Good knowledge of French is an asset (Belgium / EU context).Application Process
Applicants should submit CV and cover letter, including examples of similar work, to brussels.office@unfpa.org with the subject line "UNFPA Consultancy – Innovative Financing" by 20 October 2025.Brief technical proposal (max 3 pages) outlining proposed approach.Availability for the proposed period November to January.About UNFPA
We promote gender equality and empower women, girls and young people to take control of their bodies and their futures.
Notes
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