The Director’s role involves providing strategic direction and overseeing the Innovative Financing Solutions unit. They ensure the creation and effective implementation of innovative financing solutions and partnerships. These endeavors are in line with the OPEC Fund’s sectoral or thematic strategies. The main objective is to acquire external resources, facilitate operational growth, and strengthen the OPEC Fund’s position as a Project Developer and Catalyst.
Job Outline
- Company: The OPEC Fund for International Development
- Department/Unit: Strategy Department / Unit for Innovative Financing Solutions
- Location: Austria
- Date of Issuance: March 11, 2024
- Deadline for Applications: April 10, 2024
- Languages: English
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- Category: Management
- Grade Level: H
- Location: AT
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership and Development of Innovative Financing Solutions
- Guides the Innovative Financing Solutions Unit strategically, including the creation of implementation plans and annual activity plans aligning with the organization’s objectives and the OPEC Fund Strategic Framework 2030.
- Drives the formulation and execution of thematic or sectoral innovative financing solutions, including grant-based initiatives, to mobilize external resources for organizational operations and program outcomes.
- Contributes to the design of innovative financing mechanisms in collaboration with the Private and Public Sector Departments and other internal stakeholders.
Functional Strategy
- Coordinates efforts within the Strategy Department to develop innovative financing strategies that match the long-term strategic objectives of the OPEC Fund.
- Assesses the progress in implementing innovative financing plans and evaluates their strategic implications.
- Devises a plan for capacity building to enhance the knowledge of OPEC Fund employees on innovative finance approaches for sectoral, regional, or thematic activities.
Horizon Planning
- Leads the analysis of external trends to ascertain their impact on the organization’s innovative financing strategies.
- Assists the Vice-President, Strategy, in addressing emerging international issues within the context of Innovative Financing Solutions.
Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement
- Shapes the OPEC Fund’s relationships with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), international organizations, philanthropic institutions, and bilateral agencies at an institutional level, with a focus on innovative financing collaborations.
- Establishes partnerships with MDBs, UN agencies, philanthropies, and other institutions, expanding collaborations for innovative financing.
- Represents the Innovative Financing Solutions Unit at external events, meetings, and on missions, enhancing institutional knowledge management aligned with strategic objectives, and building relationships with counterparts from potential partner institutions.
Portfolio Management and Oversight
- Supervises the origination, development, and management of innovative financing solutions, ensuring compliance with agreements and the Strategic Framework 2030.
- Manages partner and internal reporting processes, ensuring quality and timeliness.
- Coordinates resource allocation in collaboration with Operations departments.
Advice
- Provides advice, recommendations, and suggestions for improving the efficiency and productivity of the Innovative Financing Solutions Unit.
- Executes tasks assigned by the Vice-President, Strategy.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s degree in economics, finance, strategy, business management, or a related field.
- A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in the finance sector with large international development finance institutions or international organizations, including at least 5 years at a managerial level developing innovative finance or blended finance solutions for projects in emerging market economies.
- Strong understanding of the development finance space.
- Fluent in English; working knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is advantageous.
Core Competencies
- Subject Matter Knowledge – Comprehensive understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund’s operations and the individual’s role.
- Collaboration and Teamwork – Effective collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners to achieve shared goals.
- Communication – Effective relay of ideas, information, and messages to diverse audiences.
- Cross-Cultural Sensitivity – Consideration of the diversity of human experiences and viewpoints in the workplace.
- Decision Making – Comprehensive analysis of information to make well-informed decisions; assessment of both immediate and long-term ramifications.
- Problem-Solving Ability – Identification of issues, exploration of root causes, and creation of practical solutions; demonstration of resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
- Sense of Responsibility – Ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.
Technical Competencies
- Client/Partner Relationship Management – Identification of opportunities to cultivate and manage relationships with potential financial and knowledge partners.
- Project Management – Proficiency in leading projects from inception to completion, including planning, execution, and monitoring.