Laura Morris

Policy & Partnership Specialist , UNICEF

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Senior partnerships, executive management, and climate finance professional with 10+ years across the UN and humanitarian sector. Influenced over $1 billion in public, private, and multilateral funding while advising senior leadership on strategy, donor engagement, and multilateral partnerships. Expertise spans climate finance, resource mobilization, and high-level stakeholder engagement.

Contact Laura Morris
Area of Expertise:
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy, Political
Professional Experience:

Senior partnerships and climate finance professional with over 10 years’ experience across the UN system and humanitarian sector, building strategic relationships and mobilizing funding for global programmes. Proven record of influencing over $1Bn in public, private, and multilateral funding through engagement with donor governments, foundations, and international financial institutions. Experienced in advising senior leadership on donor strategy, humanitarian response, and multilateral engagement in complex political environments. Supported and shaped senior-level engagement across global platforms, including COP processes, the Africa Climate Summit, and key UN intergovernmental forums, contributing to high-level diplomacy and partnership development. Strong expertise in climate finance, resource mobilization, and aligning global funding with national policy frameworks, including nature-based solutions and biodiversity-linked financing frameworks.

Education:

Master’s Degree in International Security (African Affairs Focus) 08/2013 – 07/2015, Institut d’études politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) Paris, France
•Graduated with Distinction
•Nominated for IRSEM–Paris School of International Affairs Prize for Best Academic Work in International Security Studies (2014, 2015)

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Minor: International Humanitarian Assistance) 01/2008 – 05/2012, University of Florida

Affiliations and Achievements:

Influenced the mobilization of over US$1 billion in public, private, and multilateral financing across humanitarian, development, and climate initiatives.
Advised executive leadership in one of UNICEF's largest country offices and at UNICEF Headquarters on strategy, partnerships, and emergency management.
Strengthened strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, development banks, foundations, and the private sector to advance global priorities.
Integrated climate and child-sensitive priorities into national and international policy frameworks, including Ethiopia's NDC 3.0 and Africa Climate Summit outcomes.
Contributed to global humanitarian leadership through support to UN Security Council briefings, Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC), CERF governance, and large-scale emergency responses.
Led resource mobilization and donor engagement in complex humanitarian contexts, securing and sustaining funding during major crises.
Represented organizations in high-level international forums, including COP processes, UN intergovernmental meetings, donor conferences, and ministerial engagements.
Built cross-sector partnerships spanning governments, international financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector.
Managed high-profile executive priorities requiring political judgment, strategic analysis, and coordination across global stakeholders.
Worked across multiple Level 3 and Level 2 emergencies, supporting humanitarian response, policy, and financing in fragile contexts.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Internships / Fellowships

Years of Experience:

5-10 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, French

Nationality:

United States

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