Programme Specialist

Job title
:
Programme Specialist

Location
:
Geneva, Switzerland

Contract type
:
Full-time

Work arrangement
:
Hybrid/Geneva Office 3 days/week

Work permit
:
Eligibility to work in Switzerland required

The SDG Impact Finance Initiative (SIFI) was launched by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), UBS Optimus Foundation, Credit Suisse Foundation and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in December 2021. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation joined the Initiative in 2024.

SIFI is an international platform that uses blended finance solutions to mobilise private investment for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in low- and middle-income countries. By pooling catalytic public and philanthropic capital, selecting best-in-class solutions through curated Calls for Proposals (CfPs), and crowding in private capital, SIFI aims to unlock up to CHF 1 billion towards the SDGs by 2030.

Our work is delivered through three Windows:
Innovation, Investment, and Ecosystem.

As SIFI enters its next phase of growth, we are seeking a Programme Specialist to reinforce the organisation’s programmatic function. The Programme Specialist will work under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager to support SIFI’s capital deployment and portfolio monitoring.

The role addresses two critical organisational needs: strengthening portfolio monitoring and grantee milestone review capacity, and increasing programme management capacity to support the continued growth of SIFI’s portfolio. Approximately 50% of the role is focused on portfolio management, 25% on supporting SIFI’s Calls for Proposals processes, and 25% on supporting our ecosystem-building activities.

This is an opportunity to grow into a key knowledge role within a small, ambitious team where your work will be directly visible to donors, board members, and senior leadership.

• Review rolling milestones of SIFI’s Innovation Window portfolio and report to Senior Programme Manager
• Serve as a primary point of contact for implementing partners on portfolio monitoring and portfolio organisations (innovators and investees) on reporting and milestone submissions, reducing ad hoc queries and ensuring timely, consistent reporting across the growing portfolio.
• Develop portfolio-level insights, slide decks, and communications for the team, SIFI’s funders and governance bodies and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to the development of CfP documentation including framework documents, eligibility and assessment criteria, application forms etc.
• Support SIFI’s evaluation process including review of screened applications, preparation of Board materials, preparation and documentation of Investment Committee processes.
• Collaborate with SIFI’s implementing partners throughout the negotiation and contracting process, including the development of innovators’ milestone and deliverable schedules, legal review, KYC and due diligence.

• Support the Programmes Manager in the stakeholder management of SIFI’s PRISM Impact Lab initiative including elaboration and execution of an engagement strategy.

• At least four years of relevant experience in development finance, blended finance, impact investing or a related field, ideally including exposure to both grant and investment portfolio management whether at a DFI, impact asset manager, foundation or advisory firm.
• Strong quantitative and financial analysis skills, with high proficiency in Microsoft Excel; comfort with blended finance structures and mobilisation and leverage concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical, financial and programmatic content into clear, persuasive presentations and reports. Proficiency in PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with IMM frameworks and tools (e.g. IRIS+, SDG alignment, theory of change) is a strong asset.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. economics, development finance, finance, business, international relations), or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Fluency in English, written and verbal. French is an…