Call for expressions of interest: Fund Manager for the Drought Resilience Investment Facility

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), through its Global Mechanism (GM), is inviting qualified alternative asset managers to express their interest in partnering to co-develop and promote the Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF). The DRIF presents a new chapter in international cooperation on drought resilience with public leadership and private investment joining forces to protect livelihoods, restore land and secure water for future generations. The selected partner will ultimately serve as the Fund Manager, helping to establish and lead this innovative global financing vehicle.

About the Drought Resilience Investment Facility 

DRIF is a flagship blended finance facility being developed under the Innovative Finance Pillar of the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA) and designed to mobilize public and private capital for large-scale, drought-resilient investments in vulnerable countries. 

DRIF will invest in revenue-generating drought-resilient infrastructure spanning three sectors: water infrastructure, agriculture-related infrastructure and nature-based solutions (green infrastructure). A dedicated Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) will operate alongside the investment fund to help originate and prepare a pipeline of bankable projects and to support post-investment capacity building.

The DRIF will be housed within the Luxembourg Earth Impact Fund (LEIF) and operate under a regulated framework, such as Luxembourg Part II SICAV, where the Management Company plays a crucial role.

Role of the Fund Manager

The Partner’s responsibilities will span three phases and will be implemented in close coordination with the GM and relevant governance bodies:

1. Phase 1: Implement and Finance – Legal structuring and acting as an anchor investor
2. Phase 2: Manage – Full fund management services
3. Phase 3: Promote – Promoter services

Application Requirements

To be considered for pre-qualification, interested firms must demonstrate strong institutional capacity and a proven track record in impact and blended finance. Eligible applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Authorized to act as a qualified alternative asset manager with an excellent international reputation
• Demonstrated familiarity with impact investment management and ability to operate in emerging markets (LMIC and UMIC).
• Experience working with specialized investment advisors, DFIs, donor agencies and PPP structures
• Proven experience in financial structuring (senior debt, quasi-equity), complex blended vehicles and Venture Capital (VC) strategies
• Robust and dedicated team with relevant track record and network; willingness to manage or coordinate a TAF is an asset
• Confirmed interest in the DRIF concept and capacity to act as Fund Manager and Fund promoter

Submission details

Applications shall be submitted in English via email to drif [at] unccd.int (drif[at]unccd[dot]int) by 14 November 2025 and structured as follows:

1. Letter of expression of interest, including the name and address of the applicant firm, contact person and details (email and phone)
2. Brief presentation of the firm (maximum three pages) describing legal form, ownership, Assets under management (AUM) and relevant capabilities
3. Overview of fund management experience and references relevant to DRIF and blended finance (maximum three pages)
4. Initial comments (maximum two pages) on Phase 1-3 scope, fund structure within LEIF and approach to specialized advisors

Shortlisted candidates will be informed and invited to submit full proposals in accordance with the RFP schedule (indicative: 14 November 2025)

Additional information

For full details, consult the call for expression of interest for the provision of fund management and promoter services. We look forward to receiving applications from dynamic, committed asset managers who are ready to play a meaningful role in advancing global drought resilience.