Catalytic Finance Specialist at UNOPS

Role Purpose


Reporting to the MH Markets Specialist, and working closely with the wider team, the role will support SHF's Capital M initiative and its goal of advancing country - and regional-level - pipeline opportunities for catalytic financing in the menstrual health (MH) market by identifying and analysing high-impact enterprises and strategic partners to unlock additional investment.
The role of the Catalytic Finance Specialist will be to assist the SHF technical team with scoping of potential pipeline opportunities/targets (in particular enterprises in a first step) and partners for catalytic financing in SHF's priority countries (with an initial focus on Anglophone West Africa) by drawing on relevant experience in the private sector, impact investing and/or development finance space.
The Catalytic Finance Specialist will help map out key private sector players, potential SHF/Capital M partners, investors and other relevant organisations in the market. The role also includes meeting with enterprises and potential partners to explore opportunities, understand challenges and assess financing needs - supporting strategy and efforts to unlock more investment through catalytic finance.
The role will support Capital M to identify, assess and advance catalytic financing opportunities for market-based menstrual health solutions. The initial focus will be Nigeria, with broader support across Anglophone West Africa as the programme grows.


Functions / Key Results Expected

Market and pipeline assessment


Identify and assess enterprises, financial institutions, investors and strategic partners that could support catalytic financing for market-based menstrual health solutions.
Assess enterprises across the menstrual health value chain, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and e-commerce platforms.
Review their development stage, geographic presence, business model, market position, financial performance, fundraising status, financing needs and investment readiness, subject to data availability.
Identify relevant incubation and acceleration programmes supporting menstrual health enterprises.


Financing ecosystem mapping


Map local financial institutions and intermediaries that provide, or could provide, local-currency financing for menstrual health enterprises.
Identify relevant blended finance funds, impact investors, development finance institutions and other financing partners.
Assess their mandates, investment criteria, financing instruments, sector priorities and alignment with Capital M.


Pipeline analysis and prioritisation


Develop and apply criteria to screen and prioritise direct and indirect pipeline opportunities, including enterprises, financial institutions and investment vehicles.
Assess opportunities based on their potential impact, feasibility, scalability, financing needs and alignment with SHF objectives.
Recommend priority opportunities for technical assistance, catalytic financing, partnership development or further assessment.
Support the development of suitable catalytic financing instruments, structures and partnership models.


Stakeholder engagement and partnerships


Contribute market intelligence and technical content to Capital M's engagement strategy.
Build and maintain relationships with potential Capital M partners and pipeline opportunities.
Prepare technical briefs, presentations, assessment profiles and other agreed outputs.
Represent SHF at selected meetings, conferences and sector events, as agreed with the technical team.


Geographic Focus


The assignment will initially focus on Nigeria. As the programme grows, the role may provide broader support across Anglophone West Africa, including Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The specific countries and sequencing of activities will be agreed with the SHF technical team.


Key Deliverables


The detailed work packages and timelines will be agreed during onboarding. Key deliverables will include:
An agreed workplan setting out the methodology, activities, timelines and expected outputs.
A desk review of existing SHF work, relevant documentation and market intelligence, using the MH Market Maturity Assessment Tool as a baseline.
A stakeholder and financing ecosystem map covering enterprises, financial institutions, investors, funds, accelerators and other potential partners.
A regularly updated pipeline database covering identified opportunities, financing needs, investment readiness, potential SHF support and recommended next steps.
A summary of stakeholder consultations and key market insights.
Recommendations on priority pipeline opportunities, partnerships and catalytic financing approaches.
Technical inputs to Capital M's engagement strategy with finance and investment partners.


Skills


Market Analysis, Project Coordination, Research, Stakeholder Engagement, Prioritization


Competencies


Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.


Education Requirements

Required


Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in development finance, corporate finance, economics, business administration, international development or a related field
A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree


Experience Requirements

Required


Minimum of 5 years work experience in the private sector/development finance/corporate finance related area is required
Experience in programme financing (related to development finance/impact investing in LMIC) is required


Desired


Experience in working in menstrual health (MH) related to markets and value chain concepts from the perspective of the industry, enterprises, investors and/or development finance actors is desirable
Knowledge of regional (Anglophone West Africa) sector specific enterprise environment and financial actors is desirable