Adviser – Private Sector & Philanthropic Partnerships

Result of ServiceUnder the guidance of the Head of the UNRSF Secretariat (P5), the Adviser will: Support the effective implementation of the UNRSF Fundraising Strategy, with emphasis on, but not limited to, private sector and philanthropic outreach. Contribute to expanding and diversifying the Fund’s partner base, strengthening the pipeline of quality funding opportunities. Enhance UNRSF’s visibility and positioning within the global philanthropic and private capital ecosystem. Support efficient internal coordination to ensure a balanced and well-organized fundraising and partnerships workload across the Secretariat. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Every year, an estimated 1.3 million people are killed and around 50 million injured in road traffic crashes. This makes poor road safety one of the most pressing social, economic, and development challenges of our time. Beyond the human impact, road traffic deaths and injuries impose significant economic and financial losses on individuals and societies, estimated at USD 1.85 trillion annually. Road safety is embedded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, notably under targets 3.6 and 11.2. Despite progress, the world remains off track to meet these targets, in part because road safety has not been adequately funded at national, regional, or global levels In recognition of these challenges, the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) was established in April 2018 as a multi-partner trust fund to facilitate concrete action towards achievement of the road safety targets of Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 11. In response, the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) was established in April 2018 as a UN multi-partner trust fund to catalyse concrete action towards achieving the road safety targets under SDGs 3 and 11. The Fund’s goal is to leverage the collective knowledge and capabilities of its participating UN organizations and partners to deliver global impact and long-term developmental change, notably through a substantial reduction in road traffic injuries and fatalities, and the associated economic loss. Drawing from the Fund’s Global Framework Plan of Action for Road Safety, Terms of Reference, Fundraising Strategy and Policy, Communications Plan, and other founding documents, there is a continued need to develop further the Fund’s communications and advocacy in order to support and elevate the positioning of its work and objectives. To achieve these objectives, and to realise its next generation of funding growth, the UNRSF must significantly expand and diversify its donor base. Mobilizing high-value support from private sector partners, philanthropic foundations, family offices, high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, and impact investors is a critical pillar of the Fund’s resource mobilization strategy, alongside close collaboration with Member States and traditional donors. The Fund seeks creative, catalytic partnerships that bring not only financial resources but also innovation, influence, and technical expertise to road safety. Objective The objective of the assignment is to strengthen and expand the UNRSF’s private sector and philanthropic partnerships and mobilize high-value, diversified funding in support of the Fund’s mandate. Duties Under the supervision of the Head of the UNRSF Secretariat (P5), the Consultant will perform the following duties: 1. Donor Prospecting & Pipeline Development Identify and research potential private sector and philanthropic donors (corporations, foundations, family offices, HNW individuals, impact investors) and member states as needed. Map relevant sectors and potential donors and maintain an updated donor pipeline. Assess donor interests and priorities to inform tailored engagement approaches. 2. Partnership Development & Coordination Support the development and cultivation of partnerships from initial contact through agreement. Help shape clear value propositions and partnership models that align with UNRSF needs. Coordinate with the Advisory Board, participating UN organizations, and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and identify joint fundraising opportunities. Contribute to internal planning related to resource mobilization and partnerships. 3. Philanthropic & Innovative Financing Support Identify catalytic opportunities with philanthropic actors, including family offices and HNW individuals and member states as needed. Contribute to the exploration of financing approaches (e.g., impact investing, blended finance) that could unlock new resources for road safety. Monitor trends in philanthropy and private capital to inform UNRSF positioning. 4. Donor Outreach, Engagement & Materials Prepare donor-facing materials including proposals, concept notes, presentations, and briefs. Translate technical information into clear, compelling content tailored to donor audiences. Support donor outreach, meetings, webinars, and events, including scheduling and follow-up. Ensure timely stewardship and maintain quality donor communication in alignment with UNRSF branding. 5. Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge Sharing Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, proposals, and agreements. Support simple tracking of key fundraising metrics and progress. Contribute inputs to donor reports and internal updates on resource mobilization. Share lessons learned and good practices to strengthen team capacity. Perform other duties as required. Success Criteria: Performance and Behaviour Expectations The Consultant is expected to demonstrate the following behaviours throughout the assignment, ensuring proactive, accountable, and independent delivery of results: 1. Take Initiative and Act Independently • Identify tasks, opportunities, and challenges without waiting for detailed instructions. Example: Propose a new approach to streamline reporting before being asked. • Generate and contribute original ideas and solutions. Example: Suggest innovative ways to engage stakeholders during project planning. • Consult management only when decisions have significant strategic implications. Example: Resolve minor operational issues independently, escalating only major risks. 2. Accountability for Results • Deliver results that make a positive impact, not just complete tasks. Example: Ensure outputs contribute to project objectives rather than focusing on quantity. • Take personal responsibility for quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of outputs. Example: Meet deadlines without reminders and verify accuracy before submission. • Align actions and deliverables with agreed objectives and priorities. Example: Adjust activities to stay aligned with evolving project goals. 3. Proactive Problem-Solving • Anticipate risks, needs, and challenges and act promptly. Example: Flag potential delays early and propose mitigation strategies. • Gather and analyze relevant data to inform decisions. Example: Use stakeholder feedback to refine project deliverables. • Adapt plans and priorities based on emerging situations and new information. Example: Reallocate resources when unexpected constraints arise. 4. Operate with Limited Supervision • Manage workload effectively and make informed decisions within scope. Example: Prioritize tasks without waiting for daily check-ins. • Maintain open communication and escalate issues only when essential. Example: Provide concise progress updates weekly, not hourly. • Uphold integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times. Example: Respect confidentiality and adhere to UN standards of conduct. Qualifications/special skillsFirst university degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Business/Finance, Public Administration, Economics, Marketing, Philanthropy, or a related field is required. Proven track record in securing high-value donations, grants, or investments from diverse donors (e.g. corporations, foundations, HNW individuals, institutional philanthropies) is required. Experience in developing and implementing fundraising or partnership strategies, including proposal development and donor stewardship, is required. Experience in the philanthropic and impact investing ecosystem, including impact investing, blended finance, and innovative financing, is highly desirable. Experience engaging private sector partners (e.g. corporate foundations, CSR/ESG teams, financial institutions) is highly desirable. Experience organizing or supporting donor events or high-level meetings is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.