Role purpose

The Resource Mobilization & Business Development (RM&BD) unit is responsible for driving strategic initiatives to engage with new and existing funders, secure sustainable funding, and diversify funding sources across the CGIAR. This involves identifying and cultivating both traditional and innovative funding opportunities, as well as managing and enhancing existing funding mechanisms critical in ensuring a reliable and continuous flow of financial resources that support CGIAR's research, enabling the system to sustain its programs and operations.

The Manager, Innovative Finance and New Frontiers, reporting to the Practice Lead, Finance & Innovation Hub, oversees the development and execution of engagement strategies to secure sustainable and innovative financing for global programs and initiatives across CGIAR. The role is responsible for adapting frameworks and approaches for shaping and maintaining relationships with existing and potential funders, identifying funding opportunities and leveraging financial instruments. Advice on evolving approaches and addressing emerging trends is critical in ensuring that CGIAR effectively advances its research and innovation mission to address global development challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities

ADAPT

• Lead the development and implementation of new approaches, strategies and mechanisms that leverage new or existing innovative financial instruments, in order to attract and secure financing that sustain the evolving needs of emerging CGIAR programs/initiatives.
• Develop strategies to identify and secure investment and funding opportunities beyond CGIAR's traditional donors and areas of focus, shifting to emerging sectors such as health, climate, water supply, sanitation, disaster prevention, preparedness, and security.
• Oversee the integration of new financial solutions and approaches in managing funding resources to align the interests of investors and stakeholders, ensuring the effective implementation of cutting-edge financing strategies to sustain CGIAR funding.

PERSUADE

• Advise management on effective ways to utilize innovative finance strategies and instruments and broaden funding base to non-traditional sources, ensuring that donor intelligence informs the development of funding strategies and donor relations/outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with CGIAR centers to align strategies and communication narratives with emerging funding opportunities, donor interests, and the expanding research and innovation landscape to strengthen capacity for securing funding for new/upcoming areas of research.
• Nurture relationships with philanthropic organizations, governments, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, international financial institutions, regional development banks and other potential sources of funding to secure opportunities for innovative and blended finance and impact investment.
• Network with advisory groups, think tanks, and research institutions specialized in acquiring valuable insights on donor and financing trends to enhance CGIAR’s innovative financing strategies.

ADAPT THE PROJECT CYCLE

• Align engagement strategies with potential program cycles and workplans to ensure coordinated outreach aimed at securing and managing funding opportunities.
• Develop metrics, tools, and processes to monitor and assess engagement to determine the efficacy of financing initiatives.
• Consolidate learning and data on innovative finance practices across the System to build a knowledge base that supports strategic development and capacity building.

Profile

• Master’s Degree in public policy, social sciences, finance, international relations, or a related discipline.
• Specialized experience in external/donor relations, fundraising, and resource mobilization for a non-profit organization, philanthropic, financial, or international organization.
• Proven track record designing and implementing novel strategies across public and private sector channels.  
• Fluency in English – essential to communicate in writing and speaking. Knowledge of a second language desirable.

Target Skills Profile

• Demonstrated capacity gained through experience in innovative finance mechanisms and blended finance initiatives, and stewarding working groups / commissions towards shared outcomes.
• Understand the program framework and the integration of different programmatic elements into the project/service portfolio.
• Develop and execute program plans across a range of well-defined and established programmatic elements aligned with broader organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated skill gained through exposure/experience in relationship management.
• Advise team on possible impediments to sustaining delivery standards to develop strategies.
• Engage stakeholders proactively to define expectations/needs and builds an informed framework for increased funding.
• Demonstrated achievement in the consistent delivery of programs/services through adaptation.
• Meet consistently the program delivery standards on timing and the deployment of resources.
• Meet consistently program delivery standards in terms of quality/relevance.

Terms of Appointment

• 3 years renewable contract.
• Benefits
  • The selected staff member will be offered terms and conditions commensurate with the grade of the position.

Role Location

Montpellier, France

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 06 February 2025 (23:59 hrs, GMT +1). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx).

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by CGIAR to undertake this assignment.