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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Hope

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Job organizational context and purpose for the job  :

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) supports Country Offices and Governments to advance towards the full realization of all child rights across the region, with country offices in 22 countries and territories to ensure that no child is left behind. The Regional Office plays both a technical advisory and oversight role, guiding country offices in designing, implementing and documenting results for children.

Under the supervision of the Regional Adviser Partnerships (P-5), this role of Partnership Specialist (P-3) will: i) support the advancement of cooperative engagement and positioning with key stakeholders across the ECA region, with a specific focus on European IFIs (i.e. EIB and EBRD), while facilitating technical aspects of expanded strategic partnership and alliances across the region, and ii) support the Regional Adviser Partnerships and the ECARO team, outposted in Moscow, on technical aspects of strategic partnership between UNICEF and the Russian Federation. 

S/He jointly with the Partnerships section and other teams at the RO and the HQ will provide an interface for donor environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy influence within the scope of assignment. S/He may also serve as focal point and resource to support the colleagues at the RO/COs on specific thematic areas of strategic relevance for  partnership development with IFIs and public donors if needed. The key result is to ensure greater visibility and influence for UNICEF, mobilizing quality resources in support of its mission.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Coordinate and Enhance Collaborative Engagements with International Financial Institutions (IFIs)

• Support the planning and coordination of ongoing thematic dialogues and sub-regional initiatives between Regional and Country Offices and various IFIs to strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Support in identifying  and developing opportunities for collaboration with IFIs by aligning mutual objectives and facilitating effective communication channels among stakeholders.
• Provide comprehensive support in organizing high-level meetings, workshops, and forums that promote dialogue and cooperation between UNICEF offices and IFIs.

2. Monitor and Manage IFI Engagement Frameworks and Action Plans

• Oversee the continuous updating and management of the IFI Engagement Matrix, ensuring accurate tracking of partnership activities, commitments, and progress across all relevant offices.
• Collaborate closely with Regional and Country Office teams to follow up on agreed action points and timelines, ensuring timely and effective implementation of joint initiatives.
• Coordinate the organization of joint events, development of case studies, and other collaborative activities that showcase successful partnerships and promote knowledge sharing.

3. Representation in Strategic Engagements with IFIs

• As assigned by the RA Partnerships, represent UNICEF and/or the Partnerships section in meetings and negotiations with IFIs, advocating for the organization's priorities and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation.
• Work in close collaboration with relevant departments, including the Public Partnerships Division (PPD), to deepen engagement with European-based IFIs and identify new opportunities for both financial and non-financial partnerships.
• Support in developing  and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders within IFIs to facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration that support UNICEF's mission and objectives.

4. Strengthen Capacity and Knowledge Sharing on IFI Partnerships

• In coordination with PPD and internal teams, design and implement capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of UNICEF staff in engaging and partnering effectively with IFIs.
• Lead efforts to collect, analyze, and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from existing IFI partnerships to inform and improve future collaboration strategies.

5. Provide Technical Guidance on Strategic Partnership Workplans

• Offer expert technical direction and support in the  execution of comprehensive partnership workplans between UNICEF and key governmental partners (i.e. Russian Federation), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of partnership workplans, providing ongoing analysis and recommendations to enhance effectiveness and impact

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication to ensure cohesive and coordinated efforts in advancing partnership initiatives.
• Provide technical support and guidance to outposted team in identifying and leveraging opportunities for technical collaboration with diverse partners for the best interest of children

7. Perform Additional Duties as Assigned

• Undertake other related responsibilities and projects as assigned by Regional Office management and/or the Regional Adviser for Partnerships, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of UNICEF's mission.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and strategies related to partnerships and collaborative engagements.

Impact of Results:

The Partnerships Specialist is a seasoned professional in the field of external relations, in particular partnership development and resource mobilization. The quality of work and external communications performed by the specialist directly impacts on the overall reputation of UNICEF. S/He follows established procedures but is expected to make recommendations on strategies for engagement and communications products.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree is required in one of the following fields: international relations, political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field.

• Work Experience:  A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience at international level in one or more of the following areas is required: public affairs, programme management, resource mobilization, external relations, or other relevant area.
• Skills :
• Diplomatic communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation. 
• In-depth knowledge of partnership development and resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate new approaches in respect of resources management and outreach- related activities.
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes.
• Excellent communications skills, verbal and written.
• In-depth familiarity with political and governmental and regional development banks decision making and other processes.
• Ability to conduct sound technical and partnerships analysis.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English, written and verbal, is required. Proficiency in Russian in an asset. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French or Spanish) is an asset.

Desirables:

• Demonstrated experience in working with IFIs and achieving results would be a distinct advantage. 

• Knowledge and/or experience of public partnerships in upstream programming in middle and high-income country contexts is an asset.

• Previous hands on experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity is required.

• Experience in Europe and Central Asia is considered as an asset.

• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary.  

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable people with disability are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.