UNFPA is exploring innovative financing modalities that complement traditional ODA for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In line with the EU’s increasing emphasis on blended finance and private capital mobilisation, UNFPA seeks to scale rights-based, evidence-driven programmes in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, maternal health, and youth empowerment. Furthermore, UNFPA is seeking to diversify its funding sources and explore 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 - spanning the European Commission (e.g., DG INTPA, DG ENEST, etc.), flagship instruments and strategies (EFSD+, InvestEU, and Global Gateway), as well as relevant DFIs (e.g., European Investment Bank (EIB)), and private-sector partners under the “Team Europe” approach.

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 the EU-based IFIs, private and philanthropic entities, and the 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 Business units of UNFPA to introduce the European Commission’s approach to innovative financing and to introduce 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 the specific innovative financing models (e.g., blended finance, development impact bonds, catalytic capital, pay-for-success) that would be relevant for UNFPA to pursue with the European Commission in accordance with the EFSD+, Global Gateway, and other relevant EC frameworks.

Identify specific areas of UNFPA’s work that have potential for innovative financing with the European Commission.

Development of investment-ready concept notes

• In collaboration with selected UNFPA Country Offices, relevant corporate business units develop three concise investment-ready concept notes (3–5 pages each) that:
• Demonstrate how UNFPA’s mandate areas can align with the European Commission’s innovative financing modalities and EU instruments.
• Present scalable and measurable pilot project ideas, including the problem statement, proposed intervention, expected impact metrics, indicative financial structures, and potential partners.
• Concept notes should provide detailed, country-specific examples that demonstrate feasibility and ensure that the concept notes are designed in a way that they can be adapted by other UNFPA Country business units.

Capacity-Building

• Prepare a slide deck summarising findings from the opportunity analysis and the concept notes and recommendations for use in internal and external discussions.
• Conduct an online webinar for selected UNFPA country, regional, and HQ offices/units to:
• Introduce the European Commission’s approach to innovative financing, and identify the relevant entry points for engagement at country, regional, and global levels. The in-house UNFPA`s expertise is to be considered and included as relevant.
• In coordination with the specific country offices, introduce the pilot project ideas as examples. 

Timeline - The duration of the consultancy is 40 days

Phase, Activities and Estimate Days

Inception - Kick-off with UNFPA HQ/ROEU, review of background materials, methodology note, and inception report -5 days

Opportunity Analysis - Review and synthesize existing UNFPA analyses (Finance Strategy, PFFB blended finance work, Innovation, etc.) Identification of thematic alignment areas, analysis of financing instruments (EFSD+, InvestEU, EIB, investment institutions, etc.), draft opportunity analysis report -9 days

Development of Investment -Ready Concept Notes- In coordination with selected country offices, develop three investment-ready concept notes for innovative financing with the European Commission -20 days

Validation & Internal Presentation - Preparation presentations, integration of feedback -4 days

Webinar-Preparation of agenda & materials, delivery of webinar -2 days

Education:

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).

Demonstrated experience in the EU’s approach to innovative financing under EFSD+, the Global Gateway, or other relevant EU strategies and frameworks is desirable.

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, etc.) and relevant financing facilities.

Prior experience working with or for international development organizations, UN agencies, or NGOs on financing strategies or partnerships.

Experience engaging with philanthropic foundations and impact investment institutions, preferably in the European context.

Strong understanding of SRHR, gender equality, maternal health, youth empowerment, or related UNFPA mandate areas (a strong asset).

Skills and Competencies:

Strong analytical and research skills, with proven ability to translate findings into practical, investment-ready recommendations.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, including preparation of professional briefs, investment profiles, and slide decks.

Ability to convene and engage stakeholders across public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

Capacity to design and deliver capacity-building workshops in an online setting.

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 (given the Belgium/EU context).

Application Process:

Applicants should submit the following documents to brussels.office@unfpa.org with the subject line “UNFPA Consultancy – Innovative Financing” by 20 October 2025

• CV and cover letter, including examples of similar work (reports, mappings, concept notes)
• Brief technical proposal (max 3 pages) outlining proposed approach
• Availability for the proposed period November to January