Head, Impact Measurement, Verification, and Learning (IMVL)

UN Atlas; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

UNCDF in New York seeks a Head of Impact Measurement, Verification, and Learning (IMVL) to lead the unit responsible for impact intelligence, portfolio insights, and knowledge management. You will shape investment strategy, advance impact verification, and drive learning across the organization.

The role requires a Master’s in a relevant field, 10+ years in international finance and development, and proven experience in impact investing and MEL.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of international finance and development experience, including senior roles.
• At least 5 years in impact investing, blended finance, or sustainable finance.
• Experience partnering with private sector for development outcomes and implementing impact management frameworks.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other UN languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IMVL unit and oversee strategic impact intelligence and portfolio insights.
• Develop forward-looking intelligence for investment strategy and impact products.
• Oversee data systems, reporting, and knowledge management; ensure data quality.
• Support due diligence, risk identification, and learning through MEL functions.
• Provide leadership, staff supervision, and coordination for the IMVL team.

Skills

System Thinking

Portfolio Management

Working with Evidence and Data

Blended Finance for the SDGs

SDG Impact Management and Finance

Data Analysis

Developmental Evaluation

Education

Master's degree in Finance, Economics, International Development

Job description

Organizational context

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is an autonomous UN organization that assists developing countries, particularly LDCs, by supplementing capital assistance through grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDF's vision is to mobilize and catalyze capital flows for SDG-impactful investments, addressing development challenges and promoting sustainable economic growth. It operates as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution, focusing on SME Finance, Sub-National Finance, and Digital Finance.

Job purpose

The Head of Impact Measurement, Verification, and Learning (IMVL) plays a crucial role in generating, verifying, and utilizing high-quality impact intelligence to guide UNCDF's investment decisions, manage portfolio performance, ensure stakeholder accountability, and foster organizational learning. This position is key to assessing the effectiveness of UNCDF's programming in areas like digital finance and SME finance, particularly in challenging markets. The role contributes significantly to strategic areas such as transaction structuring, pipeline development, risk analysis, and knowledge sharing, aiming to scale development impact and transform markets in developing countries.

Responsibilities

The Head of IMVL will lead the Impact Measurement, Verification, and Learning Unit, overseeing strategic impact intelligence, portfolio insights, knowledge management, and data systems. This includes developing forward-looking intelligence for investment strategy, creating impact intelligence products, analyzing market trends, and establishing impact theories aligned with UNCDF's Strategic Framework. The role involves leading the development and dissemination of portfolio-level impact insights, institutionalizing learning, and managing repositories of best practices. Additionally, the Head will lead the impact verification function, ensuring robust measurement, data quality, and credibility of reported results, including due diligence support and risk identification. The position also encompasses leading the Evaluation and Learning (MEL) function, developing evaluation frameworks, and translating findings into actionable recommendations. Furthermore, the Head will ensure accurate reporting to stakeholders, manage relationships with partners, and provide effective leadership and coordination for the IMVL team, including staff supervision and work plan management.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, International Development, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be considered. Fluency in English is essential, with proficiency in other UN languages being an asset.

Work experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international finance and development, including at a senior level, is required. At least 5 years of experience in impact investing, blended finance, private equity, or sustainable finance is necessary. Experience partnering with the private sector for development outcomes and implementing impact management frameworks is also required.

Skills

Key competencies include System Thinking, Portfolio Management, Working with Evidence and Data, Blended Finance for the SDGs, SDG Impact Management and Finance Tracking, and Data Analysis. Experience with Developmental Evaluation, focusing on learning and adaptation in complex systems, is also highlighted.

Required languages

English