Strategic Financing and Partnership Framework Support for UNFPA Sri Lanka

Organizational Context

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming for a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. In Sri Lanka, UNFPA advocates for rights-based policies to ensure the full realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. The current initiative addresses shrinking donor funding by seeking to strengthen sustainable financing for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Job Purpose

This assignment supports UNFPA Sri Lanka's 10th Country Programme Cycle (2023-2027) by strengthening sustainable financing for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). The role involves identifying new donor opportunities, International Financial Institution (IFI) pipelines, and innovative financing approaches to sustain progress towards UNFPA's Three Transformative Results. The volunteer will contribute to transitioning from short-term funding to long-term financing strategies, including blended finance and private sector engagement. The objective is to position SRHR and GEWE as investment priorities by synthesizing complex information into clear narratives for diverse stakeholders, ensuring continued funding through resilient, non-traditional capital streams.

Responsibilities

The Online Volunteer will support the development of a strategic financing framework for sustainable resource mobilization for GEWE and SRHR. This involves conducting research and analysis on emerging trends in development financing, gender equality financing, blended finance, private sector engagement, and IFI partnership models relevant to Sri Lanka and the region. The volunteer will assist in drafting a strategic "Funding to Financing" framework document, outlining potential approaches, partnership models, and financing pathways. Contributions will include research on opportunities with IFIs, development banks, philanthropic actors, and private sector financing models. The role also requires synthesizing complex financing concepts into actionable recommendations and participating in regular online check-ins for progress alignment and feedback.

Work Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in financing for development, gender equality financing, private sector engagement, impact investment, blended finance, sustainable development financing, or donor partnerships is needed. Familiarity with International Financial Institutions (IFIs), multilateral development banks, donor ecosystems, philanthropic financing, or private sector partnership approaches is desirable. Experience supporting strategic reports, policy papers, financing frameworks, or partnership documents is considered an asset.

Skills

Strong analytical, research, and writing skills are essential, with the ability to synthesize complex concepts into clear and structured strategic documents. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required. An interest or experience in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), or SDG-related programming is advantageous. Fluency in English is desirable.

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