Senior Manager, Geneva Digital Inclusion Ecosystem Building and Governance
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) in Geneva supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs by providing services to governments, UN agencies, and partners. It hosts high-profile initiatives focusing on sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding. This role supports UNICEF's Digital Inclusion team, acting as a UN Partner for recruitment and administrative support.
Job Purpose
This role serves as the strategic advisory and institutional development lead for building a digital inclusion ecosystem in Geneva. It provides guidance to mission-aligned foundations and partner organizations on establishment, governance, funding, and operations. The position oversees the development of systems for transparent selection, due diligence, support, reporting, and learning, without directly managing the ecosystem entities. The core function is to incubate and advise nascent organizations, helping them mature and contribute to UNICEF's digital inclusion priorities.
Responsibilities
The role focuses on incubating and advising the development of portfolio entities from their inception to maturity within the Geneva ecosystem. Key responsibilities include providing strategic oversight for the end-to-end establishment of new entities, covering legal statutes, capital, registration, tax exemption, banking, and governance calendars. It involves mapping assets, advising boards on risks, and overseeing secretariat functions, including minutes and filings. The position also oversees compliance frameworks, advising on regulatory obligations and risks, and coordinating with external fiduciaries. Strategic oversight of the funder cycle, including proposals, grant agreements, and donor compliance, is crucial. Financial oversight includes budgets, forecasts, and board-level reporting, with advice on financial sustainability. Engagement with Swiss authorities, the international organization ecosystem, and local networks is required. The role also directs communications strategy and oversees convenings, workshops, and events.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in institutional leadership, governance, business operations, administration, and strategic management within foundations, associations, non-profits, or international organizations is required. Demonstrated knowledge of Swiss foundation law, the Geneva institutional environment, and experience advising multiple organizations simultaneously are essential.
Skills
Board Governance, Diplomacy, Executive Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Oversight, Institutional Development, Financial Oversight, Fundraising Strategy, Host-Country Engagement, Communications Strategy.