Geneva Digital Inclusion: Ecosystem & Portfolio Lead

Giga; Genf; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund in Geneva seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Geneva Digital Inclusion ecosystem development and portfolio planning. You will coordinate partner relationships, assess new organisations and shape catalytic support aligned with UNICEF’s digital inclusion priorities.

The role covers governance, due diligence and external representation with a 12-month renewable contract and opportunities across global partners and funders based in Geneva.

Qualifications

• Diplomacy and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
• Experience building ecosystems or partnerships in technology, connectivity or public-good domains.
• Ability to map ecosystems, assess organisations and articulate value propositions.
• Strong communication and coordination skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Geneva-based international organisations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Geneva ecosystem strategy for mission-driven organisations that can contribute discrete, high-value capabilities towards a fair, safe and inclusive internet for every child.
• Identify, map and cultivate relationships with prospective organisations, founders, funders, technical communities, research institutions and other relevant actors.
• Develop a structured pipeline of potential ecosystem participants, including outreach, initial assessment, relationship management and clear recommendations.
• Lead the substantive assessment of prospective organisations’ strategic relevance and fit, public-good orientation and potential contribution to the portfolio.
• Help define and periodically update the portfolio thesis guiding recruitment and catalytic support.
• Lead the design and implementation of a transparent process for identifying and qualifying prospective Gazelles.
• Prepare concise assessment materials and recommendations for decision-making.
• Collaborate to ensure institutions provide guidance; leadership responsibilities split.
• Shape tailored catalytic support packages combining strategic advice, networks and funding.
• Ensure support reinforces independence and public-good contribution without UNICEF procurement entitlements.
• Serve as the overall programme lead for the ecosystem, translating UNICEF priorities into a fundable proposition.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with partners that strengthen the ecosystem.
• Lead partnerships and resource-mobilisation for the ecosystem and Gazelles Catalytic Fund.
• Develop compelling narratives, investment cases and briefings for funders and stakeholders.
• Convene participants and encourage collaboration.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership on relevance and quality of organisations in the ecosystem.
• Maintain understanding of technology, policy and implementation to guide strategy.
• Facilitate access to expertise without managing operations.
• Represent the ecosystem credibly in high-level forums.
• Capture portfolio-level insights to refine strategy and criteria.
• Establish and maintain a programme-management rhythm with reviews and risk tracking.
• Track progress against outcomes including pipeline quality and partnerships.
• Work with the Manager to enable establishment, governance and operation in Geneva.
• Ensure clear division of responsibilities and external positioning.
• Report to the Deputy on progress, risks and scaling recommendations.

Skills

Diplomacy

Investment Portfolio Management

Project Governance

Relationship Building

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Partnerships

Job description

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund in Geneva seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Geneva Digital Inclusion ecosystem development and portfolio planning. You will coordinate partner relationships, assess new organisations and shape catalytic support aligned with UNICEF’s digital inclusion priorities.

The role covers governance, due diligence and external representation with a 12-month renewable contract and opportunities across global partners and funders based in Geneva.