The objective of this consultancy assignment is to support IWMI by conceptualizing a program of work on financing for water and feeding into the Scaling and Finance (Sc-FI) R4D strategy/hub for water innovations. The assignment will include tasks to:

1. Work across RG/SP/teams to create a pathway for IWMI to develop a portfolio of work on financing water in line with its 2030 strategy (including the water systems roadmap of the One CG).
2. Identify IWMI’s competitive advantage (research and development), impact areas, and map them against wider regional and global priorities on financing.
3. Develop two high-profile reports: (a) white paper in consultation with a core advisory group, and (b) a high-profile position piece – ‘a transformative agenda for financing water’ delivered in consultation with a coalition of partners/agencies to be launched at COP or alongside the FCDO and IWMI-led Wilton Park event in early 2025.
4. Identify horizon follow-on emerging opportunities for the Sc-FI platform/hub beyond 6 months.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Work with IWMI Deputy Director General, Strategic Program Directors, Research Group Leaders, and the Business Development Unit to gather design inputs on IWMI’s work and suitable focus areas for IWMI (e.g., sustainable finance, climate finance) and streams of financing (public, private, impact investors, venture capital).
• Map IWMI’s work on sustainable finance, innovations, and business models.
• Create an inventory and status report of suitable financing streams, processes, and partnerships relevant to IWMI. This will include the identification of priority donors, partners, regions, and sectors.
• Map wider global and regional strategies on sustainable financing and identify key pathways for IWMI to engage with these processes.
• Identify internal (IWMI, CGIAR) and external stakeholders for a core advisory group and conduct a workshop and consultations to narrow down priorities.
• Prepare a theory of change and develop a white paper and strategy document.
• Support the development of a coalition of partners/agencies that IWMI can seek to work with on specific recommendations.
• Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Essential:

• PhD (or MBA) in finance, economics, business, natural resource management, international sustainable development/management, development economics, or closely related fields, coupled with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience; OR Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record of working on sustainable finance or climate finance and co-designing financing mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, aggregation, and bundling) with a view to converting them into business opportunities.
• Proven experience working at the intersection of the public sector, private sector, and academia.
• A good track record of relevant publications, whether scientific, communication products, or other materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Essential:

• A strong grasp of core business, economic and financial concepts and an understanding of development issues and impact.
• Knowledge of water management, agriculture, or climate change with international organizations.
• Knowledge and experience in interdisciplinary approaches, such as climate change, nexus, integrated water resources management, action research for sustainability and impact delivery, and some field experience in Africa/Asia.
• Ability to independently design and conduct research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to work in teams across organizational boundaries within a multicultural environment.
• Highly motivated with a strong proactive drive for results and responsiveness, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders, in particular with donor organizations.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Track record of relevant analytical work, demonstrated by completed assignment reports.

Desirable:

• A good network among climate professionals within Asia/Africa.
• Knowledge and experience of UNFCCC processes and procedures (e.g., Global Goal on Adaptation, New Quantified Climate Goal, etc.).