Innovative Finance Advisor

Background: The GICHD conducted the study “Innovative Finance for Mine Action: Needs and Potential Solutions”, which was published in May 2024 and explores the current funding gap in the mine action sector as well as innovative finance solutions to help close this gap. The frontloading model, already used for global vaccination programmes and which uses long-term donor pledges to raise bonds on the capital market and directs the proceeds to fund humanitarian and development activities immediately, was explored within the study as an option that would respond to the scale of funding needed in the mine action sector, and notably allow for reliable, long-term and flexible funding. To be able to advance with the overall set-up and implementation of a frontloading mechanism or any other long-term funding mechanism for the mine action sector, including its specific governance structures, and pursue other relevant innovative finance areas of work that benefit mine action, the GICHD proposes accordingly to establish an Innovative Finance Secretariat led by an Innovative Finance Advisor.

The overall role of the Innovative Finance Advisor would be to oversee and advance the concrete design, advancement and implementation of frontloading for the mine action sector as well as support the advancement of other relevant innovative finance mechanisms for the mine action sector at a global/multi-country level.

Key responsibilities

A.   Innovative Finance Secretariat

1.    Lead outreach and partnership-building efforts with donors, including donor states, intergovernmental organizations, and private sector entities, to secure high-level political and financial support for a Funding Mechanism for Mine Action (FMMA), with a focus in Frontloading.

2.    Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with development finance experts and other key stakeholders to build support for the design and structuring of the FMMA.

3.    Engage with affected States and international/local mine action organizations to collect input and perspectives throughout the FMMA development process.

4.    Act as a focal point for innovative finance initiatives in the mine action sector, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of existing and planned mechanisms, and coordinating efforts with relevant stakeholders.

5.    Monitor the broader innovative finance landscape in the humanitarian aid and development sectors to identify opportunities for collaboration, alignment, or knowledge exchange.

Support the GICHD Leadership Team—particularly the Director, Chief of Operations, and Head of External Relations, Policy & Cooperation Programme—in preparing for internal and external briefings on innovative finance initiatives.

B.   Innovative Finance Technical Working Group

6.    Develop and maintain a roadmap—with input from key stakeholders (especially experienced frontloading practitioners)—highlighting milestones for securing political buy-in and establishing governance structures for the FMMA.

7.    Coordinate the activities of the Innovative Finance Technical Working Group (IFWG), including planning and convening meetings, setting agendas, preparing meeting content, and following up with members and collaborators.

8.    Work closely with IFWG members to support the technical design and structuring of the FMMA.

Qualifications and professional experience

·      Undergraduate or master’s degree from an accredited university, in business, finance, economics, public policy or other relevant field.

·      Minimum of 10 years of experience in a combination of applied financial modeling or structuring, of which 5 years experience related to innovative finance initiatives in the humanitarian aid and/or development assistance sectors.

Knowledge, skills, and competencies

·      Demonstrated ability to connect and lead partnerships and outreach, focused on innovative finance.

·      Excellent knowledge and understanding of finance and investment concepts and of financial markets.

·      Good knowledge and understanding of various innovative financing mechanisms (frontloading, bonds, equity, public financing, etc.), innovative finance frameworks and taxonomies, and related policy developments.

·      Excellent project management, analytical, planning, and organizational skills.

·      Fluency in English, both written and oral; fluency in an any other language spoken in Explosive Ordnance affected countries an advantage.

·      Effective persuasive verbal, written and skills Effective and persuasive verbal, written and presentation skills.

·      Knowledge of the humanitarian sector is an advantage.

·      Ability to work in multi-cultural settings with a wide range of stakeholders.

·      ability to developing and implementing initiatives.

·      Ability to communicate communicate in writing or verbally technical information to a variety of audiences.

Operating network

·      Development finance experts, including but not limited to those engaged in the immunization frontloading model (IFFIm, the GAVI Alliance, the World Bank).

·      Relevant private sector actors, including financial and investment experts.

·      International (including UN) and regional organizations actively involved in innovative finance, including multilateral and regional development finance institutions.

Travel requirements

Expected to travel up to 10% of the working time including to countries affected by explosive ordnance, with low-medium-high risk environment.