Consultancy, UNICEF Global Zakat Fund Project Specialist, PFP/Geneva, (9 months)

Currently UNICEF is undertaking the exploration of new partnerships and financial vehicles in the area of Islamic finance and Muslim philanthropy. The consultant will facilitate and drive this process working with internal and external partners. In particular, the successful candidate will serve as Project Specialist for the exploration, design, and implementation of the UNICEF Global Zakat Fund to be launched by the first half of May 2018.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Background

UNICEF works for a world in which every child has a fair chance in life. It has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization – over 90 million since 1990 – and is the world’s largest provider of ready-to-use therapeutic food, a high-protein paste that can bring a malnourished child back to health within weeks. UNICEF also immunizes nearly 40% of the world’s children and when a natural disaster strikes, is already on the ground and ready to act.  UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose

The consultant will be responsible for establishing a Global Zakat Fund to permit Shariah compliant contributions from Muslims in a number of key countries (potentially including the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Malaysia among others) and across fundraising channels including digital fundraising. Partnerships with institutional Zakat funding organizations in designated countries will be explored as well.

Under the guidance of the Chief of Global Philanthropy and the Financial Innovation Lab Manager within the Global Philanthropy team, and working closely with key regional and country offices and other headquarters divisions, the consultant will develop and manage the design and implementation of the UNICEF Zakat Fund to attract key audiences such as individuals, philanthropists and corporations in order to maximize resources and support for UNICEF programmes to achieve results for children.  The consultant will also, under direction, support the exploration of other Islamic financing and philanthropy mechanisms.

Expected results (measurable results):

• Desk review of existing Zakat mechanisms in Muslim countries to better make informed decisions on modalities for future engagement.
• Help define the concept, strategy and implementation plan of UNICEF’s Zakat Fund.
• Identify any UN agencies and /or international NGOs raising funds for Zakat in a structured way, provide a brief overview and tabulate lessons learned that might be applicable to UNICEF
• Establish an internal Steering Committee to provide programme and technical advice and direction
• Establish and coordinate the external reference group to provide advice on Islamic Financing
• Act as the focal point for the UNICEF Zakat Fund and coordinate a core group committed to work on this project
• Through a consultative process, identify the best programmatic parameters for the Zakat fund within UNICEF’s broader activities, consistent with the beneficiary requirements for Zakat giving.
• Liaise with internal and external partners to identify and secure appropriate religious authorization for the Zakat fund.
• Cooperate with UNICEF offices to explore potential approvals for eligibility of the Zakat fund for institutional Zakat funds within designated jurisdictions.
• Cooperate with UNICEF Finance and internal and external partners and stakeholders to create an appropriate financial framework for the management and disbursement of Zakat funds raised.
• Manage and coordinate the development  of a tailored fundraising strategy to maximize this opportunity.
• Develop and initiate a communication and marketing strategy and its implementation, to support all fundraising efforts and partnerships for the Zakat Fund.
• Keep up to date with latest political, economic, social and technological developments in the key markets where the Zakat Fund will focus on, and develop / adjust strategies and action plans accordingly. Conduct risk analysis and mitigating mechanisms (both internal and external)

Skills, technical background and experience required:

• Advanced university degree in international development, public or business administration or closely related fields required. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• The successful candidate will have at least five years of professional, relevant and progressively work experience, in Islamic Financing and/or Muslim Philanthropy through relationships with Islamic financial institutions, foundations and / or high net worth Muslim philanthropists.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of fundraising and philanthropy is required, as is an understanding of international development.
• Knowledge and experience of the Gulf Area, Malaysia, Indonesia or other launch countries and regions for the Zakat fund is desired.
• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility theory and practice, and experience of working in international organizations, are additional assets.
• Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is required, and fluency in Arabic, Malay or Bahasa Indonesia is considered an asset. 

Core Values

Commitment
Diversity and Inclusion
Integrity

Core Competencies (II)

Communication  (Level II)
Working with People  (Level II)
Drive for Results  (Level II)

Functional Competencies (II)

Planning and Organizing (Level II)
Relating and Networking (Level II)
Formulating Strategies and Concepts (Level II)
Persuading and Influencing (Level II)
Adapting and Responding to Change (Level II)
Coping with Pressure and Setbacks (Level II)

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Location and expected travel

The consultant will be based in Geneva. Travel may be required. Specific travel plans will be defined as needed.

A physician’s certificate of good health and proof of health insurance coverage must be provided by the selected candidate prior to commencement of work.

How To Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and CV.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.