UN-Private Sector Partnerships for SDG Financing

Result of ServiceThe incumbent will be responsible to develop a UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy with Private Sector in Bahrain. Work LocationRCO Bahrain Expected duration4 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Bahrain’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is at a pivotal stage. As a high-income country pursuing economic diversification under its national Vision 2030, Bahrain has embraced a new UN–Bahrain Cooperation Framework 2025–2029 that emphasizes inclusive, sustainable growth and resilience. Achieving the SDGs in Bahrain requires unlocking additional resources and innovation, especially through the private sector, which is recognized as critical to the SDGs by creating jobs, spurring innovation, providing infrastructure, and investing capital. Globally, there is an annual SDG financing gap of around $4 trillion, and countries must tap into alternative sources of finance – from private investment to capital markets and philanthropy – to bridge this gap. The UN Secretary-General’s recent report underscores six transformative “SDG investment pathways” (food, energy, digital, education, jobs/social protection, and climate/environment) as focal areas for action. In Bahrain, greater private sector engagement in these areas – for example, in renewable energy, digital innovation, sustainable food and agriculture, quality education and skills, and inclusive social programs – will be vital for accelerating SDG progress. The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system has been mobilizing diverse partnerships and innovative financing globally to accelerate the SDGs. Bahrain’s private sector – from large financial institutions to emerging startups – offers significant potential to contribute to the SDGs through investment, innovation and responsible business practices. The Government of Bahrain itself recognizes this; the UNSDCF was developed through consultations that included private sector stakeholders and reflects a “Bahrain-led endeavour” where all partners are brought together to achieve national development aspirations. Within the UN’s reform and Funding Compact context, RCOs worldwide are strengthening their capacity to engage financiers and businesses for sustainable development. The Funding Compact – an agreement between UN member states and the UN development system – aims to improve both the quantity and quality of funding for the UN’s SDG activities, emphasizing more predictable, aligned and transparent investments. In practice, Resident Coordinators have been convening country-level dialogues to align donor and partner funds with national SDG priorities, improve funding predictability, and leverage co-financing opportunities. For Bahrain, aligning private sector contributions with the UNSDCF outcomes (e.g. social well-being, sustainable economic transformation, environmental stewardship) is essential. The Private Sector Partnerships Consultant will therefore play a catalytic role in Bahrain by crafting and driving a strategy to harness private sector resources, expertise, and networks for SDG financing. This includes working closely with companies, investors, industry groups, and philanthropic entities to generate new partnerships and investments towards the SDGs and Bahrain’s key transition areas. The consultant will be embedded in the RCO team, working under the direct supervision of the Head of RCO and in coordination with the RCO Partnership Officer, the Public Sector Engagement consultant, RCO Economist and UNCT (United Nations Country Team). Ultimately, the consultant’s efforts will contribute to a cohesive SDG financing framework for Bahrain that mobilizes “all sources of finance – public, private, domestic and international – to achieve the SDGs” in line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and Bahrain’s national priorities. The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Bahrain is seeking two highly qualified international consultants to enhance strategic engagement and financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bahrain. One consultant will focus on Private Sector Partnerships, and the other on Public Sector Engagement. Both roles will work in tandem under the supervision of the Head of the RCO, in close coordination with the RCO Partnership Officer and Economist, to support implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 for Bahrain and the global UN Funding Compact commitments. These consultancies are aligned with Bahrain’s UNSDCF priorities – People, Prosperity, Peace, Planet – where partnerships are mainstreamed across all strategic priorities. This consultancy will aim to contribute to developing the UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy for an effective UNSDCF implementation. 1. Objective Develop a UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy with Private Sector in Bahrain, more specifically to: • Strengthen UN-Bahrain private sector engagement for SDG financing: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to partner with private sector actors (businesses, financial institutions, investors, philanthropic organizations) in mobilizing resources and innovative solutions for the SDGs and UNSDCF priorities. • Mobilize private investments and expertise for SDG transitions: Identify and facilitate opportunities for private sector contributions – including innovative financing mechanisms (e.g. blended finance, green bonds, impact investing, Islamic finance) – particularly in the six key transition areas of climate action, clean energy, digital transformation, sustainable food systems, quality education, and social protection. • Enhance coordination and mutual value creation: Work closely with the Public Sector Engagement consultant to ensure that private sector efforts complement public financing initiatives (e.g. aligning corporate social responsibility with national SDG programs, fostering public-private partnerships). Provide expert advice to both the UN Country Team and external private stakeholders on building impactful, long-term partnerships that advance SDG outcomes. 2. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Head of the RCO, and in coordination with the RCO Partnership Officer and/or Economist, the Private Sector Partnerships Consultant will undertake the following tasks: • Private Sector SDG Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy: Develop a UN-Bahrain Private Sector Engagement and SDG Financing Strategy, in alignment with the UNSDCF 2025–2029 and the Funding Compact principles. This strategy should map key private sector stakeholders (major companies, banks, investment funds, SMEs, business councils, family businesses, etc.) and identify entry points to leverage their assets for SDGs. It will outline approaches to engage these stakeholders in priority areas such as sustainable finance, climate/energy, digital economy, and social investments, ensuring synergy with Bahrain’s national development plans. • Outreach and Relationship Management including though the UN Week: Proactively engage private sector leaders and institutions to foster partnerships for sustainable development. This includes organizing high-level roundtables, networking events, or an “SDG Investment Forum” in Bahrain to showcase SDG investment opportunities. The consultant will liaise with entities like the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain Economic Development Board, banks and fintech companies, and regional investors (including in the GCC) to promote impact investment and corporate contributions to SDG projects. Special attention will be given to encouraging commitments toward climate neutrality, green economy and social impact, learning from examples. • Innovative Financing Solutions: Identify and advise on new financing mechanisms to channel private capital into SDG sectors. The consultant will analyze trends and opportunities in Bahrain’s context – such as blended finance instruments, public-private partnerships, green sukuks (Islamic bonds), social impact bonds, and ESG-aligned investment funds – and recommend viable models. In collaboration with UN agencies (e.g. UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO) and national counterparts, design at least one pilot initiative (or pipeline of projects) that could utilize such innovative financing. The consultant will support packaging “bankable” SDG projects and matchmaking them with potential investors, thereby turning global SDG commitments into investable opportunities in Bahrain. • Partnership Development and Due Diligence: Serve as a technical expert to facilitate the negotiation and formalization of partnerships/MoUs between the UN (or government/UN joint initiatives) and private entities. Ensure that any potential partnership undergoes proper due diligence in line with UN standards (integrity checks, alignment with UN values). Mitigate risks and address barriers that may hinder collaboration, providing solutions to incentivize private sector participation (such as recognition programs, co-funding arrangements, or policy advocacy for enabling environments). • Capacity Building and Advisory: Provide expert advisory services to the UN Country Team and RCO on private sector engagement. This includes conducting briefings or trainings on best practices for partnering with businesses and investors, advice on integrating private sector perspectives into UN programming, and guidance on how UN can support companies in adopting sustainable business practices. Likewise, offer guidance to private sector partners on “influencing the adoption of inclusive and sustainable business practices” in Bahrain’s private sector. • Resource Mobilization and Marketing: Support the development of resource mobilization strategy. Coordinate with UN communications especially the UN Information Center (UNIC) based in Bahrain to highlight partnership successes and promote stories of private sector contributions to Bahrain’s SDGs, building momentum and goodwill. • Inter-Consultant Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with the Public Sector Engagement Consultant to ensure a unified approach to SDG financing. This includes sharing analyses, coordinating stakeholder engagements, and jointly contributing to frameworks such as an Integrated National Financing Framework if developed. For example, private sector insights will feed into national SDG financing strategies, while public policies (identified by the public sector consultant) can create incentives for private investment. Regular coordination meetings will be held to align activities and co-organize public-private dialogues on financing for development. • Mapping the Private Sector initiatives, Knowledge Management and Reporting: Track the progress of private sector engagement activities and partnerships. Document lessons learned, case studies, and best practices emerging from Bahrain’s experience and from global UN initiatives (e.g. outcomes of partnership dialogues, investment leveraged, challenges faced). Contribute to RCO reports (such as UNSDCF progress reports or briefing notes to senior UN leadership) with up-to-date information on partnership outcomes and SDG financing trends. Maintain a repository of contacts and knowledge resources (including relevant global tools or networks like the Joint SDG Fund, SDG Investor Maps, etc.) to inform ongoing work. At the end of the assignment, produce a final report with recommendations for sustaining and scaling private sector engagement for the SDGs in Bahrain. 3. Deliverables: The Private Sector Partnerships Consultant will directly report to the Head of the UN RCO in Bahrain working in coordination with the UN RCO Partnership Officer and Economist. S/he will provide regular updates to the Resident Coordinator, and will coordinate closely with the Public Sector Engagement Consultant to ensure unified planning and execution of SDG financing initiatives. - Work plan with agenda - Mapping Private Sector initiatives for SDGs and identifying potential Partnerships and Investment Pipeline – A portfolio or pipeline of at least 4 SDG-aligned partnership initiatives or investment opportunities identified and actively being pursued (one per Strategic Priority as an average). For each, a brief concept note or pitch deck should be prepared, detailing the opportunity (e.g. a proposed blended finance project, public-private partnership, or corporate contribution), the stakeholders involved, estimated resource mobilization potential, and current status (e.g. under discussion, agreement drafted, funding committed). - Workshop/Dialogue Outcomes – Documentation from at least 3 engagement events facilitated (such as workshops, roundtables, or meetings with business leaders). This includes agendas, participant lists, and outcome reports or minutes capturing key discussions, commitments, and follow-up actions. (For example, a summary of an SDG Investment Forum highlighting pledges or interest from private investors, or minutes from a UN-private sector working group meeting outlining next steps.) - UN-Private Sector Engagement Strategy & Action Plan – A comprehensive strategy document (within the first 2 months) outlining how the UN RCO/UNCT will engage the private sector for SDG financing in Bahrain, including stakeholder mapping, priority engagement areas (aligned to UNSDCF and the six transitions), and a time-bound action plan. This strategy should be validated through consultation with key UNCT members and select private stakeholders. - Advisory Notes and Toolkits – A set of advisory notes or briefings produced for both UNCT and private sector audiences. This should include: (a) at least 2 policy briefs or presentations for UNCT/Government on how to enhance private sector contribution to specific SDG areas (e.g. a brief on incentivizing renewable energy investments, another on financing social protection through Islamic finance instruments), and (b) at least 1 practical toolkit or guidance note for companies on integrating SDGs into their business (e.g. guidance on measuring SDG impact or aligning corporate CSR with national SDG targets). - Final Consultancy Report – A comprehensive report (end of assignment) detailing all activities undertaken, results achieved (e.g. partnerships formed, funds mobilized or in pipeline), challenges encountered, and strategic recommendations. The recommendations should provide a roadmap for the UN RCO and partners to continue strengthening private sector engagement for SDG financing beyond the consultancy. This report should annex any knowledge products developed (strategy, concept notes, briefs, etc.) and reference global best practices to inform future actions. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in business administration, finance, economics, development studies, or a related field is required. Specialized training or certifications in sustainable finance, corporate sustainability, or project finance is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in areas related to private sector partnerships, finance, and development is required. Substantial experience in mobilizing private sector resources and establishing partnerships for development or CSR programs. Proven track record in innovative financing (e.g. PPPs, impact investing, blended finance) and engaging with senior corporate executives or investors is required. Deep familiarity with the UN development system and the Resident Coordinator (RC) system is essential. The candidate should understand UN frameworks like the UNSDCF and global initiatives such as the UN Funding Compact, as well as international commitments on financing for development (Addis Ababa Action Agenda) is required. Excellent partnership-building and networking skills – able to engage and influence stakeholders across the corporate, finance, and nonprofit spectrum. Strong analytical skills in finance and business models, capable of identifying viable investment opportunities and conducting due diligence. Exceptional communication and presentation skills to articulate the business case for SDG investments and to negotiate agreements. Ability to think strategically and innovatively about financing solutions, while also being detail-oriented in follow-through is required. Experience working in or with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s private sector – understanding the business environment, culture, and key industries in Bahrain/GCC is desirable. Prior experience collaborating with the UN or multilateral organizations on private sector initiatives is an asset. (Knowledge of how RCs act as “brokers” to align investments with SDGs, as seen globally, will enable the consultant to effectively bridge UN and business efforts.) is desirable. Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and driving results. Diplomacy and cultural sensitivity, especially in engaging local and regional partners. Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural team and coordinate activities across different organizations is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. 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.