Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is a global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Managed by a Secretariat based in Brussels, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership which has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader with a strong track record in grant-making, which supports strategic city planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Global Programmes, and in coordination with the Head of Strategy, the incumbent will work to maintain a responsive and proactive dialogue with donor governments and global, regional, and local development institutions pursuing and identifying opportunities to strengthen and leverage Cities Alliance’s track record and existing portfolio on Climate Change. As part of this work, the incumbent shall also identify and fund-raise for new portfolio streams. S/he will provide support the Head of Global Programs to cross-fertilize
other portfolios with components on Climate Change (especially gender, migration, conflict-prone areas, and youth) through applying a holistic approach. The incumbent’s primary role is pursuing opportunities for donor and stakeholder engagement, strengthening partnerships, sustaining support, and fundraising opportunities.
S/He will work with the Head of the Global Programs on the conceptualization of projects and programs that result from business development. S/he will also provide substantive inputs, advice on how other portfolios of Cities Alliance can grow their climate change components, particularly in relation to urban governance, informality in cities, adaptation and to climate change, and gender equality in accordance with the priorities of the Strategic Plan 2022-25.
This position is offered as a retainer contract, with an estimated workload of approximately 150 working days per year. Services will be provided on an on-demand basis, and while the total number of days is indicative, it is not guaranteed.
Fund-raising with donors partners.
Establish targeted donor engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships, sustain support and leverage additional fundraising opportunities. with the Head of Global Programmes to develop and drive an ambitious, multi-year strategy to increase and diversify funding in line with the principles of locally-led adaptation and mitigation.
Provide technical support to the Head of Global Programs on climate change in drafting position papers and leading policy work.
Oversee the development of a portfolio of donors on climate change through strategic contacts to identify, conceptualize and design new projects and programs.
Align fundraising efforts to key priorities of the Cities Alliance with a focus on integrating youth and gender to Climate Change.
Maintain responsive and proactive dialogue with donor governments to build relationships, ensure regular communication, manage substantive consultations with donor governments, and raise awareness and support for Cities Alliance portfolio on Climate Change.
Provide technical and managerial support for Cities Alliance advocacy and programmatic work on Climate Change and informality and other key themes relevant to Climate Adaptation in informal settlements.
In collaboration with the Head of Global Programs and other members of staff, develop appropriate, high-quality funding submissions, information papers and donor reports.
Identify and access new funding opportunities and sources. Draft internal and external correspondence, including talking points and briefing notes for senior management and to support them in advocacy efforts.
