Temporary Appointment: Partnerships Officer, P-1, N’Djamena, Chad (364 days)

The new cooperation programme 2017-2021 for the UNICEF Chad Country Office has established a new unit to strategically strengthen its resource mobilization capacity, through the expansion of the existing Partnerships Unit, which is composed of a Section Chief and two partnership specialists. In 2017, the UNICEF Chad office developed a new resource mobilization strategy that was validated by the country management team and incorporated into the annual management plan of the office. This strategy calls for ambitious and innovative actions to expand partnerships with existing and potential donors, to mobilize additional resources needed to implement the 2017-2021 plan, in alignment with the country's strategic priorities and the SDGs. The new dynamic of partnerships is based on a donor trust that has been patiently built up over the past years and has never been lacking. The challenge today is to maintain this trust, and further develop it by building on the quality of donor reporting and funding proposals. A Resource Mobilization Task Force chaired by the Representative meets monthly to oversee the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy, and to foster the development of partnerships with the private sector.

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, a champion

At UNICEF Chad, we have made important progress on nutrition, health, and WASH access. We are also working on improving the quality of education and health facilities. We are shaping our programs to respond to humanitarian and emergency situations, and working with partners to tackle all these issues more effectively. There is still much to be done, as around 47 percent of the population lives below the poverty line and there is a very high infant and child mortality rate, with high regional disparities. Join our team and help us make sure every child has a champion.

How can you make a difference? 

The position will help foster relationships with donors through regular contact with existing and potential partners, developing advocacy materials including the Partnerships Newsletter, working in close collaboration with the communication section. On key visibility and advocacy events, reviewing and editing reports, building the capacity of relevant staff and preparing drafts of documents related to UNICEF's programme of cooperation in Chad. The position will enable the Partnerships Unit to fulfil its four strategic objectives, which are: (1) to maintain and expand partnerships of all kinds with donors and other partners (2) to actively mobilize additional resources directly or indirectly;(3) to maintain and further strengthen donor confidence in UNICEF's programme in Chad and (4) to close funding gaps for programmes.  Within the UNDAF and UN Country Team contexts, the incumbent will be actively involved in the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Resource Mobilization.

The specific objectives of the post are as follows:

• The Partnerships newsletter is developed and distributed on a regular basis
• Relations with partners are strengthened, in order to mobilise additional resources.
• The programme documents for partners, as well as for internal and external use, are made available in both French and English.
• The Office’s resource mobilisation strategy is regularly updated, including a mapping of all traditional and non-traditional partners.
• The smooth running of the Section’s operations will be maintained in the absence of the Section Chief.

Under the direct supervision of the Section Chief, the officer will:

• Proactively develop new partnerships, by taking part in ongoing negotiations, finalizing strategic alliances to mobilize financial and non-financial resources for children in Chad, and adopting innovative approaches.
• Contribute to the development and update of the UNICEF Resource Mobilization Strategy for Chad, through an analysis of global, regional and local donor trends. Regularly update the list of existing partners, with a focus on improving existing relationships, and the diversification of new potential partnerships.
• Develop Terms of Reference to promote research into new short, medium and long-term partnerships with the private and public sectors, as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
• Assist the preparation of a corporate engagement strategy in line with the resource mobilization strategy.
• Ensure that the Office follows overall PFP policies and instructions.
• Prepare potential donor profiles and briefing notes ahead of meetings of the Section Chief and the Representative with potential donors and partners.
• Participate in regular meetings of the Resource Mobilization Task Force and contribute to the debriefing and follow-up of recommendations.
• Ensure the regular exchange of information with partners and donors, and strengthen the recognition of donor contributions through the Lettre des Partenariats. In collaboration with the Communication Section, assist in the organization of key advocacy events to enhance donor visibility and their contributions.
• Support the management of all relations with partners and donors, including meetings, preparation of background briefs, briefing notes and fact sheets for donor visits. Support field offices during donor missions and other field visits, in collaboration with the Communications and Programme sections.
• Conduct quality control of donor reporting to ensure strict adherence to the project document, expected results and use of funds within the approved budget. Review and edit the presentation and content of donor reports in collaboration with relevant Programme sections.

Qualification of Successful Candidate

• Education: Master’s degree in international relations, public relations, marketing, communications, social sciences or equivalent.  A Bachelor’s degree with academic relevance, paired with professional experience in resource mobilization can be considered in place of a Master’s degree.
• Work Experience: Proven ability to draft and present content. At least two years of professional experience with donors, specifically in the writing, editing and publishing of donor reports and grant proposals. Knowledge of the United Nations System, and UNICEF in particular, is considered and asset.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in French is required. Working knowledge of English and another official UN language is 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.

Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Please note that this is a non-family duty station.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.