Rahul Bansal

Partnerships that fund children’s futures · Head of Private Sector Partnerships, UNICEF India · Gandhi Scholar, Imperial College · Mobilising millions for child rights · Views are personal

New Delhi, Delhi, India

About

I’ve spent 20+ years building partnerships that move money, shift systems, and change lives. Today, I lead Private Sector Partnerships & Fundraising for UNICEF India — working with corporates, foundations, and governments to mobilise millions of dollars for children’s rights, health, education, and protection. Before UNICEF, I built and scaled multimillion-dollar businesses as a young entrepreneur, led innovation strategy at Climate-KIC (Europe’s largest clean economy accelerator), and served as Partnership Engagement Consultant at UNFCCC. Along the way, I’ve forged partnerships across 70+ countries with governments, private sector giants, multilateral institutions, and civil society. That work earned recognition from Forbes, OECD, The Guardian, and at global platforms including COP. But the work I’m most proud of? Dedicating years to empowering trafficked women through entrepreneurial rehabilitation — because true impact doesn’t stop at the boardroom. Outside my day job, I’m a Visiting Fellow and Alumni Advisory Council member at Imperial College London, where I hold an MBA as a Gandhi Scholar for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I’ve spoken at 60+ global conferences and appeared on BBC and at the United Nations. On LinkedIn, I share what I observe from inside one of the world’s most trusted organisations: → What makes corporate-NGO partnerships succeed (and fail) → The real state of CSR and philanthropy in India / global → How the next decade of funding for children will be won If you’re a CSR leader, philanthropist, foundation professional, or someone who believes business can accelerate social change — I’d love to connect. [Personal views in posts and updates]

Experience

  • UNICEF (Full-time · 6 yrs)
    • Head of Private Sector Partnerships & Fundraising, UNICEF India
      Dec 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 7 mos

      Corporates Foundations Major Donors UNICEF Natcoms Individual Giving Business for result

    • Chief a.i. Resource Mobilization & Partnership, UNICEF India
      Nov 2023 - Jan 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

    • Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising Lead, UNICEF India
      Jul 2020 - Dec 2021 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Imperial College London (1 yr 6 mos)
    • Alumni Advisory Council, Imperial Business School
      Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

      Alumni Advisory Council of Imperial College Business School represents a global network of 40,000+ alumni. The Council plays a vital role in shaping the future of alumni engagement and supporting the School’s strategic initiatives.

    • Honorary Practice Fellow
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Partnership Engagement Consultant at UNFCCC
    Oct 2019 - Jul 2020 · 10 mos

    The UNFCCC is part of the United Nations, tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change.

  • Deputy Director (with a short sabbatical Oct'19-July'20) at Climate-KIC
    Jan 2015 - Jul 2020 · 5 yrs 7 mos

    # Innovation Strategy Lead # Business Development Lead # Director, India Programmes Climate-KIC was launched in 2010 by the European Commission as part of a multi-billion euro effort to strengthen Europe's leadership in tackling global challenges like climate change, urbanisation, energy, and technology. It focuses on building innovation and entrepreneurship capacity across European systems to drive sustainable transformation.

  • Director at The Women's Wellness Centre
    Oct 2009 - Jul 2020 · 10 yrs 10 mos