Global Innovation Catalyst

About UNICEF

UNICEF is a global organization that works to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. With operations in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF is committed to promoting the rights of every child, everywhere.

The Venture Fund

UNICEF's Venture Fund is a financing mechanism that supports early-stage, open-source technology projects that can benefit children. The fund invests in solutions that can impact the lives of vulnerable children, focusing on frontier technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and nanosatellites.

About the Role

We are seeking an Innovation Officer to coordinate new calls for applications, develop the selection strategy, and conduct research on emerging technologies and potential investment areas. The successful candidate will work closely with the Programme Specialist to ensure that the Venture Fund's portfolio is diverse and equitable, with a strong focus on gender and geographic representation.

Main Responsibilities

• ">
• Coordinate new calls for applications and develop the selection strategy">
• Conduct research on emerging technologies and potential investment areas">
• Support the sourcing strategy to ensure a diverse and high-quality pipeline of solutions">
• Coordinate the investment assessment process">
• Track and monitor metrics from Venture Fund alumni">
• Generate insights and support reporting of learnings and successes of portfolio solutions">

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• ">
• A university degree in finance, economics, entrepreneurship, business administration, or a related field">
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in a related field, including international settings">
• Demonstrated experience in collecting and managing data and information from various sources">
• Knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems and networks, especially in UNICEF programme countries">
• Experience in managing large-scale application, selection, and contracting processes for projects, investments, or grants">
• Strong verbal and written communication skills">
• Familiarity with international development, technology for development, and key challenges affecting children in developing countries">
• Fluency in English, with knowledge of another official UN language an asset">

Benefits and Compensation

This position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 - $110,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. Other benefits include comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Location

This position is based in [location], with regular travel required to other locations as needed.