Director, Public Partnerships Division (PPD), D-2, New York, USA

The purpose of the job is to drive organization’s strategic engagement and partnerships for children by mobilizing and leveraging resources from government, large intergovernmental organizations, IFIs and international civil society organizations to maximize longer-term, flexible and predictable revenue in support of UNICEF programmes for children. The PPD Director will oversee teams in and outside New York and collaborate closely with Country Offices, Regional Offices, HQ Divisions to expand engagement and strengthen relations with key public partners including government donors and multilateral partners.

UNICEF was established in the aftermath of World War II to help children whose lives and futures were at risk. Today, with conflicts and crises around the world threatening and displacing millions of children, and millions more facing poverty, deprivation, violence, exploitation and discrimination, achieving results for children matters more than ever – and achieving them for every child is still UNICEF’s driving force. UNICEF is active in 190 countries and territories and brings 70 years of experience and expertise in saving and improving children’s lives.

Organizational Context and Purpose of the Post:

In the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan, UNICEF charts a course towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and the realization of a future in which every child has a fair chance in life. The Strategic Plan outlines the change strategies (the HOW) for achievement of results under the five Goal Areas. UNICEF delivers change by combining high-quality programmes at scale, harnessing innovation and collecting evidence, in partnership with Governments, other UN partners, IFIs, civil society, the private sector, communities and children. It uses these to leverage wider change nationally and globally through advocacy, communications and campaigning. UNICEF also builds public support around the world to volunteer, advocate and mobilize resources for the cause of children, and works with partners to achieve an even greater impact.

On the critical path to results is a specific strategy to develop and leverage resources and partnerships for children (HOW change strategy #3). UNICEF will influence domestic financing and budgeting for children. It will also have a strong focus on mobilizing resources from Governments and the private sector – including individuals, foundations and corporations – to maximize longer-term, flexible and predictable funds in support of UNICEF programmes and advocacy for children.

The purpose of the job is to drive organization’s strategic engagement and partnerships for children by mobilizing and leveraging resources from government, large intergovernmental organizations, IFIs and international civil society organizations to maximize longer-term, flexible and predictable revenue in support of UNICEF programmes for children.

The PPD Director will oversee teams in and outside New York and collaborate closely with Country Offices, Regional Offices, HQ Divisions to expand engagement and strengthen relations with key public partners including government donors and multilateral partners.

Responsibility:

• Lead Resource Mobilization: Increase significantly the revenue from donor governments, both traditional and new partners, in line with our strategic plan priorities and goals. Explore and develop new modalities for resource mobilization with partners like the World Bank and EU. Guide the cross organizational development and implementation of the Global Resource Mobilization Strategy in collaboration with the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division and other internal stakeholders.

• Partnership Engagement: High level strategic engagement with key Governments and multilateral partners to build support for our advocacy priorities linked to the Strategic Plan and Cause Framework. Provide guidance and coordination to other Divisions, Regional and Country Offices on advocacy with governments. Meet with missions, governments, multilaterals and regional bodies to discuss our priorities and manage diplomatic relationship.

• Diversify Public Sector Partners and Explore: Broaden our partnership base by strengthening partnerships with emerging economies, the World Bank, other multilateral development banks, e.g. the Islamic Bank and regional development banks.

• Drive Innovative Approaches: Develop, explore and enhance innovative financing policies and mechanisms to influence public/private decision makers and their constituents to deliver results for children.

• Collaboration across the UN System:  Work to help ensure cross UN collaboration linked to the QCPR, CEB and UNDG processes. Strategically advise UNICEF on UN Reform and intergovernmental processes, and strengthen UN partnerships to improve the achievement of integrated and coherent results for children across the SDGs, and improve efficiencies wherever possible. Guide offices at the global, regional and particularly the country level on these processes. Engage with UNGA Committees and support SG’s regional reviews.

• Ensure Systems are Fit for Purpose: Enhance strategic dialogue, reporting, risk analysis and visibility to strengthen credibility with partners. With relevant Divisions and offices, develop and update procedures and systems, including on risk and fiduciary management, reporting, transparency and visibility so that the organization can better address partner expectations. Strengthen partner intelligence and revenue forecasting systems.

• Manage Public Partnerships Division including teams in and outside New York: Manage effectively PPD’s human and financial resources and incentivize cross organization working out of silos.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate:

1) Advanced level University Degree or equivalent years of experience in International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Economics, Social Studies and related disciplines.

2) 15 years’ experience in international cooperation, half of which in senior management position at national and international levels, preferably in a large organization.

3) Fluency in English. Knowledge of another UN language will be an asset.

Candidate Profile:

Highly developed diplomatic and negotiation skills, resource mobilization, communication and public relations skills, strategic analysis skills and management skills.

Leadership Competencies:

Delivering Results; Managing Complexity and Change; Impact and Partnership; Innovation and Risk Taking; Leading, Engaging and Nurturing; Self-awareness.
 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.