Digital Transformation Fundraising Consultant

Result of ServiceThe consultant will generate a series of output components that will be delivered in instalments. An indicative list of deliverables is as follows. This is subject to further revision and refinement based on the initial donor mapping: Month 1 - Submit detailed workplan outlining methodology, deliverables, and timeline. - Rapid preliminary mapping of existing and new donors (first draft). - Identify an initial list of at least 10–15 priority donor prospects for immediate outreach, outlining the low hanging fruits. - Start outreach to at least 5 initial donor prospects (contact initiated, introductory materials shared). - Develop first draft templates for fundraising materials (basic pitch deck, concept note outline). Month 2 - Submit full donor mapping and strategic engagement plan for both existing and new donors, as well as initiatives such as potential funding calls with timelines for future engagement. - Finalize first batch of tailored fundraising materials (customized pitch decks, proposals, playbook draft). - Continue outreach: at least 5–7 additional prospects contacted with tailored messaging. - Develop and deliver operational fundraising knowledge management system (tracking donor interactions and intelligence). Month 3 - Intensify outreach: follow up with initial contacts and expand to new prospects based on responses and leads. - Update and refine fundraising materials based on donor feedback. - Submit interim fundraising progress report (overview of outreach outcomes, prospects engaged, proposals submitted, and initial results). Month 4 - Continue targeted donor engagement based on emerging opportunities and donor responses. - Finalize fundraising toolkit for handover (updated pitch decks, proposal templates, engagement playbook). - Submit final comprehensive report summarizing donor mapping, outreach and proposals, results achieved, lessons learned, and recommendations for future fundraising efforts. - Finalize and hand over updated donor knowledge management system. - Deliver final presentation to the team, highlighting key achievements, ongoing opportunities, and strategic next steps. Work LocationRemote Expected duration90 Days Duties and Responsibilities1. Assess and Map Funding Opportunities from Existing Donors: Undertake a comprehensive analysis of UNEP’s current donor portfolio and funding mechanisms to identify opportunities aligned with digital transformation priorities. This includes mapping existing donors’ thematic interests, funding cycles, and preferred modalities. Based on the findings, provide strategic recommendations to enhance engagement with current donors, including proposals for thematic alignment and optimal timing. The consultant will also map and advise on opportunities to engage with regular funding calls from key sources, such as the United Nations Partnership Development Framework (UNPDF), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and similar initiatives. 2. Assess and Map Funding Opportunities from New Donors: Identify and assess potential new donors with an interest in digital transformation, evaluating their strategic priorities, funding interests, and alignment with UNEP’s mandate. Analyse opportunities across a broad range of sectors, including governments, foundations, private sector entities, and innovative funding mechanisms. Based on this analysis, develop a structured outreach and engagement plan to build strategic relationships and maximize funding opportunities. The consultant is expected to think creatively and proactively identify emerging and unconventional funding sources to support UNEP’s digital transformation agenda. 3. Develop Fundraising Materials: Develop compelling and tailored fundraising materials, including pitch decks, concept notes, and proposals aligned with donor priorities. Work closely with team members to refine narratives and strategically package the team's work across key thematic areas — such as environmental data, digital innovation, capacity building, and artificial intelligence — to maximize funding opportunities. 4. Reaching out to Potential Donors: A Proactively identify and reach out to potential donors with a focus on securing financial support for UNEP’s digital transformation priorities. Target funding sources including public sector funding mechanisms, foundations, high net worth individuals (HNWIs), among others. Work closely with team members to develop and maintain donor engagement, ensuring continuity throughout the fundraising process. Draft and submit tailored proposals and funding requests that align UNEP’s priorities with donor interests and maximize chances of success. 5. Strengthen Donor Relationships and Fundraising Knowledge Management: Develop a simple and practical system to document, track, and extract key insights from donor interactions, ensuring institutional memory and continuity in fundraising efforts. This includes maintaining records of outreach, funding history, engagement strategies, and donor intelligence to inform future approaches. 6. Reporting to the Team on Progress and Insights: Provide regular updates to the team on fundraising activities, including progress made, challenges encountered, and emerging opportunities. Ensure reporting is solution-oriented, highlighting successes, lessons learned, and areas for continuous improvement. Reporting should support strategic decision-making. Qualifications/special skills● Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in International Development, Business Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or another related discipline. ● At least 10 years of proven experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, or donor relations within international organizations, NGOs, or public/private sector entities. ● Demonstrated success in securing funds from a variety of sources. ● Experience in building long-term partnerships for transformational projects in alignment with an organization’s strategic goals. ● Proven track record in managing complex donor relations and engaging with diverse stakeholders across sectors. ● Experience in coordinating fundraising initiatives across multiple regions or global settings. ● Experience working in or collaborating with UN agencies or other large international development organizations is an advantage. ● Familiarity with environmental issues and digital transformation is highly desirable, particularly experience with projects focused on climate action, biodiversity, or environmental policy. LanguagesFor this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of any other UN language will be an advantage. 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.