DUTY STATION
Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
1 December 2025
or as soon as possible thereafter NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Short-term
6 months
Organizational Unit
Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF Secretariat) WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a United Nations multi-partner trust fund established to close the weather and climate data gap that undermines effective climate action and sustainable development. With a Secretariat hosted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and co-sponsored by UNDP and UNEP, SOFF provides long-term, predictable support for the generation and international sharing of essential weather and climate observations, with a particular focus on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
SOFF supports countries in meeting the requirements of the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON), ensuring that all nations can both contribute to and benefit from improved global weather and climate data. By strengthening systematic observations, SOFF enhances early-warning systems, climate services, and resilience to climate risks.
To broaden its impact and secure sustainable financing, SOFF is expanding its engagement with the private sector. The Facility seeks to leverage private capital, innovation, and expertise through innovative finance mechanisms, including for the new Systematic Observation Impact Bond.
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director/Head of Partnerships, the Innovative Finance Officer will support the resource mobilization from the private sector with a focus on innovative finance, contributing to a USD 200 million target by 2027.
This temporary assignment is intended to provide focused technical and coordination support during the preparatory and early implementation phase of SOFFโs private sector and innovative-finance work stream.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
(a) Innovative Finance
- Contribute to the design, coordination and engagement for the new Systematic Observation Impact Bond, including the establishment of a coalition with committed partners.
- Support analytical and coordination work related to other innovative financing mechanisms.
- Assist in the preparation of investment briefs, financial concept notes, and outreach materials to engage prospect investors and donors.
- Liaise with financial, legal and technical experts to ensure consistency with SOFFโs governance and fiduciary standards.
- Liaise with the COP30 Presidency to follow-up on the new Impact Bond.
(b) Private Sector Engagement
- Support the development and implementation of the broader SOFFโs Private Sector Engagement Strategy.
- Conduct mapping of relevant corporate and philanthropic actors (corporates, financial institutions, data and technology companies, insurers, and foundations) and identify priority engagement opportunities in coordination with WMO, UNEP and UNDP.
- Draft and maintain partner profiles and outreach databases.
- Develop tailored proposals and funding requests.
- Organize meetings, events, presentations, and partnership dialogues with private sector representatives.
- Contribute to communication and visibility materials targeting corporate and philanthropic audiences.
(c) Knowledge and Thought Leadership
- Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned and good practices in innovative finance and private sector engagement.
- Support preparation of knowledge products and communication materials for external dissemination.
- Assist in organizing internal learning sessions or external events on innovative finance and partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Masterโs degree or equivalent in finance, economics, business administration, development studies, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in innovative finance, climate finance, private sector partnerships, or resource mobilization.
- Experience supporting or structuring impact bonds, blended-finance mechanisms, or results-based finance instruments is an asset.
- Experience engaging with private foundations, corporates, or investors on sustainability or climate related issues is desirable.
- Prior exposure to work within or with the United Nations system, international financial institutions, or development organizations is an advantage.
- Experience in a developing country is an advantage.
Other requirements
-Strong analytical skills; capacity to synthesize and present complex financial or strategic information clearly.
- Knowledge of climate finance and private-sector engagement mechanisms relevant to development and resilience.
- Strong drafting, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within multicultural, multi-institutional teams.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with private-sector and philanthropic stakeholders.
- Proactive attitude and creativity in identifying new engagement opportunities.
COMPETENCIES
The Innovative Finance Officer must demonstrate individual contributor proficiency in the following competencies:
- Communication & Influence
- Collaboration & Team Dynamics
- Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Integrity & Accountability
- Innovation & Digital Agility
- Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of any other UN language is an asset.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) The position is funded from extra-budgetary resources. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 70212
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 62278 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 29 October 2025