Apply before 27 March 2026, 11:59 PM, Geneva time
Background The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund established by WMO, UNDP and UNEP. The purpose of SOFF is to effectively support developing countries, in particular Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, in generating and internationally exchanging basic weather and climate observations to achieve compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON).
The SOFF Secretariat is hosted by WMO in Geneva and follows WMO regulations and rules with respect to all administrative policies and procedures. It comprises a team of professional staff and operates under the overall guidance of the Steering Committee and is accountable to it. The SOFF Secretariat administratively reports to the WMO Assistant Secretary General.
This position is located in the Partnerships Section of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility and will report to the Deputy Director/Head of Partnerships. The focus of this position is to support SOFF resource mobilization, including the diversification of the funding sources through the development of innovative finance mechanisms and engagement at global events.
Duties and Responsibilities Under the leadership of the SOFF Director and the direct supervision of the SOFF Deputy Director/Head of Partnerships, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Contribute to the further development and activation of the SOFF Resource Mobilization Strategy, including public and private donor acquisition, diversification and retention efforts.
Conduct mapping and analysis of prospect public and private donors with a particular focus on philanthropies, financial institutions and corporates, and identify priority engagement opportunities.
Develop and maintain current and prospect donor profiles, outreach pipelines and engagement databases.
Prepare tailored proposals, funding requests and partnership briefs, including for corporate and philanthropic partners.
Organize meetings, events, presentations and partnership dialogues with public and private sector stakeholders.
Monitor and track resource mobilization progress, maintain pipeline reporting tools, and contribute to regular updates for senior management and relevant governance platforms.
Contribute to communication, visibility and outreach materials, with a particular focus on targeting corporate and philanthropic audiences.
Contribute to the SOFF Secretariat engagement and coordination with SOFF Steering Committee including SOFF funders, SOFF Advisory Board, and other partners and stakeholders.
Contribute to the design, coordination and stakeholder engagement related to innovative finance mechanisms, in particular the Systematic Observation Impact Bond.
Support analytical, technical and coordination work associated with the development and implementation of innovative financing instruments.
Assist in the preparation of investment briefs, financial concept notes, outreach materials and knowledge products to engage prospective investors, donors and partners.
Support contracting and liaise with financial, legal and technical experts to ensure alignment with SOFF’s governance, fiduciary standards and strategic objectives.
Support engagement and follow-up with relevant high-level stakeholders and institutional partners related to innovative finance initiatives.
Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned and good practices in innovative finance and private sector engagement.
Support the preparation and dissemination of communication materials and knowledge products for internal and external audiences.
Assist in organizing internal learning sessions and external events related to innovative finance mechanisms and partnerships.
Global Events Identify and assess strategic engagement opportunities for SOFF within major global events (e.g. UNFCCC COPs and other high-level international forums), in consultation with senior management.
Coordinate preparations for SOFF’s participation in global events, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and messaging.
Develop event workplans and timelines, and coordinate substantive and logistical inputs across SOFF Secretariat, funders, founders and partners.
Coordinate the organization of side events, bilateral meetings, and partnership dialogues in the margins of global events.
Prepare concept notes, agendas, briefing packages, talking points, and presentations for senior leadership.
Liaise with host country representatives, UN entities and event organizers to secure participation opportunities and ensure effective visibility.
Facilitate internal coordination meetings in advance of events and ensure timely follow-up on agreed actions.
Track engagement outcomes and support post-event follow-up on partnerships, funding discussions and collaboration opportunities.
Contribute to post-event reporting and visibility materials.
Required Skills and Experience Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, economics, business administration, development studies, international relations, law or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization, climate finance and private sector partnerships with proven track record of successful fundraising results.
Experience in innovative finance, such as supporting or structuring impact bonds, blended-finance mechanisms, or results-based finance instruments is an asset.
Experience engaging with private foundations, corporates, or investors on sustainability or climate related issues is desirable.
Prior exposure to work within or with the United Nations system, international financial institutions, or development organizations is an advantage.
Experience in a developing country is an advantage.
Other Requirements Strong analytical skills; capacity to synthesize and present complex financial or strategic information clearly.
Knowledge of climate finance and, public and private-sector engagement mechanisms relevant to development and resilience.
Strong drafting, presentation and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively within multicultural, multi-institutional teams.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with private-sector and philanthropic stakeholders.
Proactive attitude and creativity in identifying new engagement opportunities.
Languages Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.
The Partnerships Officer must demonstrate individual-level proficiency in the following competencies:
Communication & Influence
Decision Making & Problem Solving
Integrity & Accountability
WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified candidates of all genders, including those with disabilities.
WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
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