Isobel RIVERA, MBA

• Led the development and execution of the WHO Academy’s Partnerships Strategy, coordinating multi-stakeholder engagement across six WHO regions and ensuring alignment with executive leadership priorities and organizational objectives.
• Directed 20+ high-level external engagements and represented the WHO Academy at international forums, managing briefings, strategic communications, and advocacy initiatives that amplified the organization’s global brand and influence.
• Oversaw a multicultural, geographically dispersed team of up to 5 professionals, driving cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency while fostering a positive, results-driven working environment.
• Established frameworks for public-private collaboration, advancing digital transformation and innovation in global health learning through partnership with leading tech companies and academic institutions.

• Led the strategic development and execution of the Regional External Relations Strategy, securing USD 100 million annually in funding and aligning multi-stakeholder partnerships with UN Women’s regional and global priorities including opening up UN Women's physical presence in Korea.
• Negotiated and finalized the Strategic Partnerships Framework with the Asian Development Bank, defining joint priorities and advancing gender equality across Asia-Pacific.
• Directed a geographically dispersed team of 14 staff, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring consistent achievement of advocacy, fundraising, and communications objectives.
• Led the strategic coordination of UN Women at high-level ministerial roundtables and virtual forums, managing briefings and strategic communications to amplify the organization’s impact and visibility.
• Delivered consistent results in challenging contexts such as COVID-19 and conflict settings, adapting strategies to meet changing conditions.

• Delivered USD 77 million annually in private sector fundraising revenue, providing strategic leadership to UNICEF National Committees and aligning fundraising strategies with global priorities.
• Led cross-functional collaboration across UNICEF offices, mobilizing resources and leveraging advocacy initiatives to maximize donor engagement and organizational impact.
• Directed the Japan Committee Special Campaign, managing multi-million-dollar direct mail programs and coordinating inputs from diverse stakeholders.
• Developed data-driven frameworks and market analysis to identify new donor segments and business development opportunities, driving innovation in fundraising and communications.

11-week Development (Stretch) Assignment

• Developed policy options and a roadmap for initiating private sector fundraising in Viet Nam, supporting the Country Office’s resource mobilization strategy.
• Collaborated with government counterparts to explore innovative SDG financing options, strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.

3-month Development (Stretch) Assignment

• Developed strategies for corporate and digital fundraising, identifying new business development opportunities for Country Offices in the region.
• Created frameworks to assess digital and telemarketing needs, supporting regional innovation and growth in resource mobilization.

• Directed the strategic development and execution of the national direct mail program, generating over CAD 16 million annually and exceeding revenue objectives by 36% through innovative fundraising initiatives.
• Led market analysis and targeted campaigns, resulting in 46% growth in International Program revenues and doubled new donor growth in Quebec.
• Managed a team of 5 staff, fostering cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency in fundraising and marketing.
• Collaborated with fundraising colleagues on integrated marketing campaigns, leveraging investment from major donors and corporate partners.

• Drove revenue growth through innovative fundraising strategies, securing CAD 18 million through mass marketing channels and leading cross-functional teams on integrated campaigns.
• Secured a CAD 1 million matching gift opportunity with the Canadian Government, demonstrating strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Managed a donor base of 200,000+ individuals, implementing targeted segmentation and multi-channel marketing initiatives.
• Led annual business planning and strategic analysis for direct marketing, providing technical advice to senior management on digital and philanthropic trends and the competitive landscape—ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and continuous improvement.

• Developed recommendations for entry strategy into new market segments, focusing on small and medium-sized charities dealing with structured finance and securitization.
• Produced research reports for the President and Managing Director to assess business feasibility.
• Consulted with the Chief Financial Officer and developed relationships with external auditors on taxation and business incorporation.

• Led the Individual Giving program, generating CAD 2.5 million in revenue and exceeding income targets through strategic planning and donor cultivation.
• Developed a three-year business plan and managed the annual operating budget, aligning fundraising priorities with organizational objectives.
• Cultivated relationships with leadership giving and major donors, securing a $1 million gift prospect and advancing institutional partnerships.
• Advised senior management and the Board on fundraising strategies and donor engagement, supporting organizational growth and sustainability.