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Sophie Lee
Innovation Officer, Sourcing
Sophie Lee
Innovation Officer, Sourcing
- Explain what you do in 7 words
Sourcing frontier technology innovations for the Fund.
- Where you’re from, and where you are now?
I’m originally from a small town in North Yorkshire, England. After three amazing years in New York City, I am now loving life in Stockholm.
- What you were doing before joining UNICEF?
Before UNICEF, I worked at a sustainability start-up in the UK, supporting private sector engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I also led gender-transformative research for an eco-innovation partnership in Bangladesh and Ghana, to explore how female leadership can improve WASH outcomes and shift harmful gender norms. That work eventually led me to UNICEF. For the past five years I contributed to the climate and disaster risk reduction team in New York HQ, and now I'm thrilled to be part of The Venture Fund team.
- What has been your biggest success in your role at UNICEF?
Launching and piloting UNICEF’s Today & Tomorrow Initiative, the first child‑focused disaster risk finance program that protects children from tropical cyclones by pairing climate‑resilience investments with fast‑acting parametric insurance.
- What was your dream job when you were a child?
I went through a pop star phase but was quickly humbled! Now I just stick to the occasional karaoke night.
- What is your hidden skill / talent?
I’ve played netball at an international level.