Dutystation: Geneva, Switzerland
Functional responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Giga Finance Lead, the Finance Specialist will be responsible for:
1- Financial Analysis and the Development of Innovative Financing Mechanisms
Support the design and implementation of innovative financing mechanisms to mobilize capital for school and health connectivity by:
Identifying and assessing new financial instruments and capital market opportunities aligned with Giga’s objectives to unlock project-level financing
Contributing to resource mobilization strategies, including donor mapping, and assisting in the creation of compelling investment cases
Supporting financing workstreams, including instrument structuring, negotiations with IFIs and DFIs, and project pipeline refinement
Assisting in the design and deployment of blended and innovative financing solutions tailored to digital infrastructure investments
2- Finance Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Deepen and operationalize Giga’s financial partnerships by strengthening relationships at the multilateral, regional, and national levels through:     
Maintaining a Funding Tracker and Capital Provider database to monitor donor and investor activity in connectivity-related sectors
Tracking funding flows, commitments, and emerging opportunities from IFIs, development banks, and private/public donors and other relevant capital providers, while supporting country teams in pursuing aligned financing streams
Monitoring and reviewing IFI-supported portfolios and preparing strategic updates for senior management
Collaborating with UNICEF’s Public Partnerships Division (PPD) and Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) to align engagement strategies with donor priorities
Expanding relationships with key stakeholders, including development banks and institutional investors, to co-develop and advance investment opportunities that align with Giga’s strategic objectives
3- Project-Level Financing Solutions
Support the development of a bankable project pipeline and provide country-level financing assistance by:
Developing and managing a robust pipeline of eligible connectivity projects in emerging and developing countries
Building economic and business cases and evaluating connectivity cost estimate scenarios to support investment in digital infrastructure
Supporting project preparation, including cost estimation, cost-benefit analyses, and financing strategies
Assisting Country Offices in resource mobilization, and connectivity cost evaluations
Supporting preparation of project documentation and investment proposals for stakeholder approval
4- Support the commercialization of Giga services into sellable products
Assist the expert in the development and execution of the following:
Coordinating product positioning and aligning it with market demands to ensure successful adoption.
Conducting competitive analysis to identify market trends, customer needs, and product differentiation.
Developing and preparing product launch plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and execution strategies.
Collaborating with the expert to ensure the seamless execution of the go-to-market strategy.
5- Knowledge Sharing and Event Management
Enhance the visibility and positioning of Giga’s financing efforts through targeted events and knowledge exchange by:
Coordinating Giga’s participation in key finance and infrastructure events—such as investment forums and donor roundtables—to position school and health connectivity as priority investment areas
Organizing knowledge-sharing sessions, side events, and stakeholder convenings to share best practices and strengthen partnerships with the finance and development community
Supporting trainings, webinars, and briefings to update both internal and external stakeholders on Giga’s financing strategy, innovative instruments, and project progress
Documenting and disseminating lessons learned, best practices, and financing models to inform future strategies
Supporting regular coordination and review meetings with stakeholders, ensuring knowledge systems are updated and maintained
Education/Experience/Language requirements
An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree of equivalent) preferably in Finance, audits, business administration, economics or a related field is required.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor`s degree or equivalent) preferably in the related fields with an additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
b. Work Experience
Experience in the telecommunication infrastructure sector is an asset.
c. Language requirements :
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.