Senior Adviser (Resource Mobilization & Policy), P-5, Brussels, Belgium, #43707

The Public Partnerships Division (PPD) has been established to mobilize resources and engage in policy advocacy by building partnerships with donor and recipient countries, UN agencies, development financial institutions and global programme partnerships, at global, regional and country levels. Within PPD’s overall mandate, the Office in Brussels manages UNICEF’s relationship with European Union Institutions (namely the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European External Action Service, the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions) in order to expand political space for children through evidence-based policy advocacy, to mobilize and to leverage European Union (EU) resources and to provide support and guidance for the effective management of EU-funded programmes. The Brussels Office further strives to orchestrate UNICEF’s global interactions with EU institutions effectively, strategically and with a results-focus.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, hope

The Public Partnerships Division (PPD) has been established to mobilize resources and engage in policy advocacy by building partnerships with donor and recipient countries, UN agencies, development financial institutions and global programme partnerships, at global, regional and country levels.

Within PPD’s overall mandate, the Office in Brussels manages UNICEF’s relationship with European Union Institutions (namely the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions) in order to expand political space for children through evidence-based policy advocacy, to mobilize and to leverage European Union (EU) resources and to provide support and guidance for the effective management of EU-funded programmes. The Brussels Office further strives to orchestrate UNICEF’s global interactions with EU institutions effectively, strategically and with a results-focus.

How can you make a difference?

Advisory Capacity and Policy Development

Exercise advisory role to the Director and the Office and provide guidance, coordination and initiatives in policy and strategy development in an evolving EU policy context. Advise and support the Director and the Office in strengthening the Policy and Advocacy Partnership with the EU institutions. Submit policy recommendations and position papers and support the design and management of an effective and high-potential partnership with the EU institutions. Promote the systematic and strategic inclusion of children’s rights in EU policies and strategies, legislation and budgetary decisions and leverage the EU funding architecture and policy framework to increase investments for the most disadvantaged children. Share UNICEF’s evolving global expertise on leveraging resources for children to strengthen strategic alliances and build EU support for common approaches.

Strategy Coordination

In close coordination with the rest of the Office, and particularly the Deputy Director, design and manage an effective and results-focused policy and advocacy strategy to strategically position UNICEF as a trusted and credible partner of EU institutions and to expand political space for children, especially the most disadvantaged. In close collaboration with the Global Advisor on Migration, develop, implement and monitor the Office’s engagement strategy on children affected by migration. Guide and support evidence-based policy advocacy and the effective orchestration of UNICEF’s strategic interaction with EU institutions (in particular the European Commission, EU Council and the European Parliament) as well as with the Permanent Mission of the EU Member States (through the Group of Friends). Develop UNICEF’s Knowledge and Innovation Partnership with the EU institutions by positioning UNICEF as an innovation leader, placing innovation for children on the EU policy agenda and fostering EU support for innovative solutions to children’s issues.

Advocacy, Communication and Networking through Partnership and Collaboration

Identify and manage strategic alliances with UN, civil society partners and the media to promote UNICEF’s priorities and equity agenda vis-à-vis EU institutions, focusing in particular on the most disadvantaged children. Collaborate closely with relevant UNICEF divisions, Regional and Country Offices and National Committees to ensure alignment and maximize the opportunities to deliver results for children in partnership with EU institutions. Provide partner intelligence and guidance on the evolving EU policy and programming context to support an effective & strategic global engagement by Country Offices/Regional Offices with EU Delegations and EU institutions. Represent UNICEF in high-level meetings, consultations and workshops with EU institutions/officials and partner agencies to conduct policy dialogue and advocacy, establish UNICEF’s technical expertise and influence EU policy developments. Participate in international/EU-level meetings, workshops and expert consultations. Develop and lead the media strategy of the Office, to position UNICEF as a “go-to” partner of the media on child rights issues and to support the global roll-out of the cause framework and campaigns. Develop and lead the digital communication strategy of the Office, connecting the digital platform managed by the Office with those at global levels and in EU member states, in close collaboration with the Division of Communication, and concerned National Committees and Country Offices.

Capacity Building/Sustainability

Strengthen UNICEF’s internal capacity – at country, regional and Headquarters level- to mobilize and leverage EU assistance and the policy and programming partnership delivering results for children. Design and share effective tools to support strategic interactions and policy dialogue (especially on migration) with EU institutions to mobilize and leverage the EU partnership and increase EU support for UNICEF’s global priorities and programmes, focusing in particular on the most excluded, most disadvantaged and most vulnerable. Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity development of key partner agencies and organisations how to integrate child rights in programming, policy formulation and budgeting. Promote and facilitate the global dissemination of the joint EU-UNICEF Child Rights Toolkit: integrating Child Rights in Development Cooperation. Design and deliver customised training and dissemination events on child-right based programming and policy making, drawing on the EU-UNICEF Child Rights Toolkit, and targeting EU institutions and relevant partners (European Parliament, EEAS, bilateral partners).

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social and economic sciences, development or international relations.
  *A first University Degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant field, combined with 2 additional years of professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
  - Specialized training in EU laws or institutions an asset. 
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience at national and international levels in development cooperation, child rights, advocacy and policy development. 
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English required and fluency in French highly desirable.  Knowledge of other EU languages an asset.

For every child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty.

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