Senior Manager, Geneva Digital Inclusion Ecosystem and Portfolio Development
Organizational Context
UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) in Geneva supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs by providing quality services and management support to partners. GPO leads multi-regional initiatives advancing sustainable development and climate action. The Geneva office hosts high-profile initiatives focusing on various sectors, acting as a key resource for the UN system in Geneva, including providing operational support and hosting solutions for global initiatives.
Job Purpose
The Senior Manager will lead the technical development, coordination, and quality assurance of a Geneva-based ecosystem of mission-driven partners focused on digital inclusion. This role is crucial for aligning specialized capabilities with UNICEF's digital inclusion priorities, ensuring a fair, safe, and inclusive internet for every child. The position involves representing the cluster publicly and working under the supervision of the Deputy, Digital Inclusion, in close cooperation with the Manager of Ecosystem Building and Governance. The purpose is to cultivate a network of organizations that can contribute high-value capabilities, thereby accelerating UNICEF's mission to harness digital technologies for children's benefit.
Responsibilities
The role involves leading the development and implementation of the Geneva ecosystem strategy, identifying and cultivating relationships with prospective organizations, funders, and technical communities aligned with UNICEF's digital inclusion priorities. Responsibilities include developing a structured pipeline of potential participants, leading substantive assessments of their strategic relevance and technical fit, and defining the portfolio thesis. The Senior Manager will design and implement transparent processes for selection and due diligence, prepare assessment materials, and shape tailored catalytic support packages. Additionally, the role serves as the overall program lead, building senior relationships with diverse partners for ecosystem strengthening and resource mobilization, developing compelling program narratives, and representing the ecosystem in high-level forums.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in building and scaling multi-stakeholder initiatives, partnership platforms, accelerators, or catalytic funds within international development, technology policy, or venture building. Proven success in identifying, evaluating, and securing strategic relationships, and mobilizing resources is essential. Technical knowledge of digital public infrastructure or digital public goods is also required.
Skills
Portfolio Management, Project Governance, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Partnerships, Diplomacy, Technical Quality Assurance, Resource Mobilization, Programme Leadership.