JOB DESCRIPTION

DUTY STATION

Home-based, Remote

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
178 Days / 9 months
Organizational Unit

Group on Earth Observations Secretariat WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a global partnership that promotes the use of Earth observations (EO) as evidence for environmental decision-making, policies, and finance. The GEO Secretariat (GEOSEC) facilitates partnerships, coordinates EO initiatives, and mobilizes resources to address global challenges such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
The GEO Secretariat Trust Fund supports GEO’s core operations, ensuring financial sustainability for its programs and global impact. The Trust Fund relies on contributions from governments, international organizations, and private-sector partners. To sustain and expand its mission, GEOSEC is seeking to mobilize a minimum of CHF 2.5 million, with an ideal target of CHF 5 million, from private-sector sources over the next 12 months. These sources may include corporations, foundations, NGOs, civil society, academia, private individuals, and other private-sector entities involved in Earth observations.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and implement a private sector fundraising strategy aligned with the financial targets of the GEOSEC Trust Fund.
2. Identify, engage, and secure funding from corporations, impact investors, and industry leaders in sectors such as but not limited to finance, technology, energy, and sustainability.
3. Cultivate relationships with private-sector stakeholders, leveraging sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, and corporate philanthropy opportunities.
4. Develop tailored funding proposals, sponsorship packages, and corporate engagement plans.
5. Lead negotiations with corporate donors, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, and sponsors to secure multi-year financial commitments.
6. Organize private-sector roundtables, networking events, and business forums to showcase GEOSEC’s value proposition.
7. Work closely with the GEO Secretariat leadership team to integrate private-sector contributions into core funding priorities and strategic plans.
8. Engage with GEO Principals, as appropriate, to leverage their networks and contacts in the private sector.
9. Monitor and evaluate fundraising activities, ensuring regular reporting and adjustments to maximize impact.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

1. Private Sector Fundraising Strategy & Implementation Plan – A detailed roadmap outlining engagement strategies, target industries, and revenue streams for the GEOSEC Trust Fund.
2. Corporate Engagement & Partnership Reports – A minimum of 10 reports documenting interactions, discussions, and commitments from corporate partners.
3. Funding Agreements & Proposals – At least 6 high-quality funding proposals tailored to corporate sponsors, impact investors, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
4. Secured Private-Sector Funding Commitments – A minimum of CHF 2.5 million in secured corporate funding and sponsorships, with an ideal target of CHF 5 million.
5. Final Private-Sector Fundraising Report – A comprehensive summary of fundraising efforts, donor relationships, and recommendations for long-term corporate engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A university degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Fundraising, Finance, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate fundraising, private-sector engagement, or business development, with a strong track record in securing funding from businesses and impact investors.
Other requirements
– Proven ability to engage C-suite executives, sustainability officers, and corporate decision-makers
– Strong understanding of corporate sustainability, ESG financing, CSR programs, and impact investment mechanisms.
– Experience in structuring corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and blended finance models.
– Excellent negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
– Ability to work independently, meet fundraising targets, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
– Experience securing funding from multinational corporations, private foundations, and industry consortia.
– Strong analytical and financial acumen to structure investment cases and funding proposals.
– Familiarity with global sustainability initiatives, climate and nature finance mechanisms, and business trends in Earth observations.
– Ability to align corporate interests with GEO’s mission and global impact goals.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of WMO would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
Additional Information:

Proposed fee: Pay band C

Focal point email for addional information: [email protected] Date of issue of vacancy notice:

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements