UNICEF Private Fundraising & Partnerships Division, New York

Terms of Reference

UNICEF Private Fundraising & Partnerships Division, New York

Consultancy Assignment

Innovative Financing for Development

Consultancy Assignment: To elaborate an Action Plan supporting the future development of a Pilot Innovative Development Financing mechanism for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Duration: 7 July – 29 August 2014 (8 weeks)

Objective:UNICEF seeks the services of a highly qualified consultant to perform tasks related to the development of an Action Plan for the design of a Pilot Innovative Financing mechanism for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). By the end of August 2014, an Action Plan should be developed detailing the necessary steps, activities, deliverables, resources and timeline necessary for UNICEF to design a Pilot innovative financing mechanism for (WASH). The Action Plan should present concrete Innovative Development Financing (IDF) options to be considered and adapted to UNICEF’s role and capacities.

Purpose:

The eight-weeks consultancy is being established to assist UNICEF, and in particular the Private Fundraising and Partnership Division (PFP), the Programme Partnerships section and the WASH Section of the Programme Division (PD), in the development of an Action Plan for a Pilot Innovative Development Financing mechanism. The Consultant will develop an analysis of current financial gaps and market constraints, analyse existing financing mechanisms in WASH and present concrete recommendations and options - adapted to UNICEF’s capacities and needs - to be considered for the future development of a Pilot innovative financing mechanism for WASH. The recommendations will be presented to the UNICEF Global Management Team in September 2014.

The tasks involved in this consultancy will require close collaboration with various UNICEF Headquarters Divisions and Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) teams – notably the WASH Section and Programme Partnerships Unit of the Programme Division, and Strategic Planning, National Committees Relations, Private Sector Engagement, and Private Sector Fundraising of the Private Fundraising and Partnership Division – as well as with UNICEF National Committees and external partners as needed.

Duty Station and Duration

The consultant will be home-based, preferably in New York City, USA, for a period of eight weeks and 40 working days between 7 July and 29 August 2014. The Consultant may be requested to travel to New-York, USA at the beginning, middle and end of the assignment, as needed.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Programme Innovation (MSPPI) unit of the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP), and in close coordination with the Programme Division WASH Section, and the Programme Division Global Programme Partnership Unit in Geneva, the Consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

1. Conduct an analysis of financial gapsand marketconstraintsin Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in order to identify the most critical funding needsfor UNICEF in one of the following areas: Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply and Environment, WASH in Humanitarian Action and WASH in Schools, complying with “issue first, tool second”.
2. Conduct an analysis of existing financing mechanisms in WASH and of most relevant IDF mechanisms that UNICEF may engage into, given UNICEF’s needs, capacities, and existing experience in IDF mechanisms (on the basis of the landscape Analysis, and a literature review of new IDFs document produced since early 2014 e.g. Financing for development, etc.)
3. With support of the MSPPI/PFP unit, consult UNICEF National Committees and partners (e.g. the U.S. Fund, UNICEF UK) who implemented Innovative Financing models (i.e. UNICEF Bridge Fund) in order to identify lessons learnt from their expertise and experience and take lessons learnt into account when developing the Action Plan.
4. Identify concrete IDF options to be explored for a Pilot, with detailed information on implementation process and capacities (including Human and Financial Resources) needed for each option. Initiate preliminary contact with potential partner organizations/entities to gauge their interest.
5. Seek advice from Financial (DFAM) and Legal colleagues to identify key risks, and determine conditions and principles required for the development of such a mechanism, considering that the Pilot would involve a broad range of actors (government, multilateral, private sector, private investors, civil society etc...)
6. Develop an “Action Plan” with recommended next steps for the first Pilot, including timelines and Human and Financial Resources needed.
7. Any other tasks as assigned by the Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Programme Innovation (MSPPI) unit of the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP).

Timetable and Outputs

1. Conduct an analysis of financial gaps and market constraints in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in order to identify the most critical funding needs for UNICEF in one of the following areas: Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply and Environment, WASH in Humanitarian Action and WASH in Schools, complying with “issue first, tool second”.

• In close collaboration with the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Section of UNICEF Programme Division, identify the existing financial gaps/needs and market constraints for UNICEF in one of the following areas: Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply and Environment, WASH in Humanitarian Action and WASH in Schools;
• In close collaboration with the WASH Section, determine the persistent bottlenecks/challenges hinderingthe ability to leverage financial resources;
• In close collaboration with the WASH Section, develop a preliminary 'business case' for investment into WASH in one of the following areas: Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply and Environment, WASH in Humanitarian Action and WASH in Schools, to determine appetite for the sector and outcomes of interest for investors;

• Short analysis report (and Executive Summary) presenting the current financial gaps and challenges in WASH and in the selected area (Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply and Environment, WASH in Humanitarian Action or WASH in Schools)
• Develop a preliminary 'business case' for investment into WASH

1. Conduct an analysis of existing financing mechanisms in WASH and of most relevant IDF mechanisms that UNICEF may engage into, given UNICEF’s needs, capacities, and existing experience in IDF mechanisms (on the basis of the landscape Analysis, and a literature review of new IDFs document produced since early 2014 e.g. Financing for development, etc.)

• Conduct a mapping of existing multi-stakeholder initiatives/platforms/mechanisms raising funds in WASH (and their impact, results, challenges etc...)
• Identify relevant IDF mechanisms that UNICEF may engage into, given UNICEF needs, capacities, and existing experience in IDF mechanisms.

• Short Analysis report (and Executive Summary) presenting the existing mechanisms to leverage financial funding in WASH and relevant IDF mechanisms that UNICEF may engage into.

1. With support of the MSPPI/PFP unit, consult UNICEF National Committees and partners (e.g. the U.S. Fund, UNICEF UK for instance) who implemented Innovative Financing models (e.g. UNICEF Bridge Fund) in order to identify lessons learnt from their expertise and experience and take lessons learnt into account when developing the Action Plan.

• Consult UNICEF National Committees and partners (e.g. the U.S. Fund, UNICEF UK) who established Innovative Financing models (i.e. UNICEF Bridge Fund) in order to capitalize from their expertise, experience, perspective and lessons learned.

• Meetings with key UNICEF National Committees to learn about their experience designing and implementing innovative financing mechanisms.

1. Identify concrete IDF mechanisms “options” to be explored for a Pilot, with detailed information on implementation process and capacities needed for each option.

• Look at current financial gaps and existing mechanisms and explore a few options to be considered for a Pilot for WASH.
• Conduct a quick analysis vis-à-vis potential investors to gauge their interest in financing the WASH sector.
• Identify and contact potential partners to gauge their interest in supporting the development of a Pilot IDF mechanism for WASH.
• Develop a solid rationale for investment in the selected WASH area.

• Analysis report (including Executive Summary) including a solid rationale for investment in the selected WASH area, presenting potential opportunities, options of IF mechanisms for WASH to be explored, as well as potential partner organizations
• PowerPoint presentation highlighting the key outcomes from the consultancy and options to be presented to the UNICEF Senior Management team in September 2014

1. Seek advice from Financial (DFAM) and Legal colleagues to identify key risks, and determine conditions and principles required for the development of such a mechanism, considering that the Pilot would involve a broad range of actors (government, multilateral, private sector, private investors, civil society etc...)

• Initiate a discussion with Financial (DFAM) and Legal colleagues to identify key risks, and determine conditions and principles required for the development of such a mechanism, considering that the Pilot would involve a broad range of actors (government, multilateral, private sector, private investors, civil society etc...)

• Report indicating potential risks and pre-requisites (financial and legal) to consider for the development of the Pilot.

1. Develop an “Action Plan” with recommended next steps for the first Pilot, including timelines and Human and Financial Resources needed.

• The key activities to be implemented from the date the idea of a Pilot is approved by UNICEF Senior Management Team and throughout the development and implementation of the Pilot;
• The timeline (what will be the key milestones, when and how long these activities will take place, who will be involved etc…);
• The human capacity needed to develop the project (how many staff members/consultant) and with what specific expertise. The report should indicate precisely the kind of expertise and experience UNICEF needs to put in place;
• The financial resources required for the development of the Pilot for each of the activities and deliverables.

• Action plan detailing the key steps, activities, timeline, deliverables, resources (human and financial) necessary for the development of the Pilot.
• PowerPoint presentation highlighting the key results from the different analyses to be presented to the UNICEF Senior Management Team in September 2014.

Reporting

The Consultant will be working under the supervision of the Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Programme Innovation (MSPPI) unit of the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division and in close collaboration of the Programme Division Global Programme Partnerships unit and WASH section. The Consultant will directly report to the Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Programme Innovation (MSPPI) unit.

Qualifications and Experience of Successful Candidate

Education:

• Advanced university degree in development studies, public administration, business administration, finance or other relevant social science.

Experience:

• 10 years or more of relevant professional experience in development or financial management systems;
• Strong experience working in resource mobilization and financing instruments. Experience in leading/supporting the development of Innovative Financing mechanisms an asset;
• Strong experience in developing, implementing, and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects/programmes;
• Experience working for/with multi-lateral organizations (including IFIs), the United Nations, private sector and investors;
• Experience leading and working with a range of clients, colleagues, consultants, and other partners with a broad exposure to private and public stakeholders;
• Investment experience in a combination of developed and emerging market an asset;
• Experience of working in or with developing countries an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate:

• Strong ability to think strategically and creatively, and analyse and synthetize information to provide well-structured and high quality products (feasibility studies, options and action plans);
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of resource mobilization strategies and innovative sources of financing;
• Strong organizational skills and readiness to work flexible hours to ensure that the agreed upon timeline is adhered to;
• Ability to build consensus with a broad range of partners (including multilateral organizations, UN agencies, government officials, private sector);
• Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proven capacity to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural settings, while taking responsibility for individual deadlines and deliverables;
• Solid team player who can operate independently, with a demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy in a fast-paced environment.

Applications

If you have experience working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, please send a cover letter, a brief curriculum vitae in English, a daily rate, and a completed United Nations Personal History form to by 30 June 2014, making reference to ‘PFP-Consultancy IDF’. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.