The UNICEF Innovation Fund has been specifically designed to finance early-stage, open-source technology that can benefit children. The core motivation of the Innovation Fund is to identify "clusters" or portfolios of initiatives around emerging technology - so that UNICEF can both shape markets and learn about and guide these technologies to benefit children. We invest in solutions that can impact the lives of the most vulnerable children. We find these solutions clustered around $100 billion industries in frontier technology spaces, such as UAVs, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, nanosatellites, and human dynamics.
With $35m+ raised to date, the Innovation Fund is scaling its investment portfolio to invest in 20 start-ups every year. The current portfolio of 69 companies consists of several cohorts of companies developing and piloting solutions in virtual and augmented reality, data science and artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and assistive technology. The Innovation Fund is looking for one part-time, remotely based mentor to focus on supporting portfolio companies in developing in the open, building communities around their solutions, and engaging strategically with relevant networks.
The Office of Innovation is looking to identify one consultant to:
Onboard Innovation Fund portfolio companies to a business strategy platform and monitor progress
Provide tailored technical assistance to portfolio companies to design and validate a scalable business model, as well as identify and test revenue generation strategies through weekly mentoring sessions
Develop workplans with each portfolio company for the remaining investment period to ensure meeting the key milestones; business model validation, financial model validation (pricing, cost etc.).
Recommendations for mentorship systems on business models across the Fund
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in entrepreneurship, business administration, external relations, or other
A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in starting and growing technology companies
A track record of providing mentorship and assistance to start-ups
Experience in identifying and developing technical assistance tools for companies
Experience with open-source technologies, open-source business models, and cultivating open-source communities
Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent technical communication with peers and non-technical stakeholders
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
A track record of providing mentorship and assistance to start-ups
Experience in identifying and developing technical assistance tools for companies
Experience with open-source technologies, open-source business models, and cultivating open-source communities
Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent technical communication with peers and non-technical stakeholders
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
