Chief (Advocacy, Private Sector & National Committees), P-5, Geneva, Switzerland (# 87257)

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Director, Private Sector Engagement, the incumbent is responsible for leading and managing the development of UNICEF’s approach to collaboration with the private sector on programmes and innovation, including through global platforms and multi-stakeholder initiatives, with the aim of seizing the core business potential of business to contribute to the achievement of UNICEF’s programme and policy priorities and the global development goals. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring the provision of support and guidance to UNICEF National Committees on global and domestic policy advocacy issues and child rights education, including strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation and technical support.

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, dedication

The Private Sector Engagement section in UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) supports the work of UNICEF National Committees, country offices and relevant HQ divisions and teams to expand strategic engagement with the private sector and advocate to advance child rights in countries with a National Committee presence.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Director, Private Sector Engagement, the incumbent is responsible for leading and managing the development of UNICEF’s approach to collaboration with the private sector on programmes and innovation, including through global platforms and multi-stakeholder initiatives, with the aim of seizing the core business potential of business to contribute to the achievement of UNICEF’s programme and policy priorities and the global development goals.

The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring the provision of support and guidance to UNICEF National Committees on global and domestic policy advocacy issues and child rights education, including strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation and technical support.   

The Chief’s key functions and accountabilities include:

1. Provides strategic leadership in the development and roll-out of an organizational framework and work plan for business engagement in programme and innovation, including as it relates to industries of particular relevance to UNICEF programme challenges and opportunities, in conjunction with key Headquarters divisions, field offices and National Committees. Oversees the development of strategies to strengthen UNICEF engagement on child rights advocacy in industrialized countries.
2. Ensures UNICEF representation and visibility in key global platforms and multi-stakeholder initiatives involving public and private sectors, including public-private partnerships. Leads and coordinates UNICEF’s engagement in specific multi-stakeholder platforms, initiatives and partnerships.
3. Promotes coherence and alignment among UN system entities on private sector matters, ensuring that UNICEF maximizes and leverages the value of partnerships and collaboration with the UN and business, while preserving the organization’s credibility and reputation. Coordinates engagement in relevant internal and external networks related to private sector engagement and child rights advocacy to determine priorities for cooperation and support requirements.
4. Identifies and prioritizes themes, industries, partnerships and initiatives involving the private sector to support the delivery of UNICEF’s programme and advocacy objectives, in conjunction with key divisions, regional and country offices and National Committees. Provides strategic advice to management, HQ divisions, National Committees, regional and country offices on business engagement in programme and innovation, in the context of multi-stakeholder initiatives and platforms. Oversees the preparation of documents, briefings, reports and analysis on selected initiatives and themes involving private sector engagement and child rights advocacy.
5. Assumes a lead role in the organization on the development of knowledge, capacity, policy and practice to enhance UNICEF readiness to seize the potential contribution of business to UNICEF programme and innovation, including in the context of multi-stakeholder initiatives. Maximizes opportunities to share knowledge and learning across the organization and promote coherence and integration of approaches to business engagement for programme innovation. Oversees the development of tools and strategies to strengthen the capacity of National Committees to implement child rights advocacy and children rights education in industrialized countries.
6. Leads and manages the team for maximum results; provides guidance on general policy direction; guides the development of section work plans and budgets, monitors work plan implementation and performance standards; ensures monitoring and evaluation of strategies; and provides support and guidance to staff. Ensures appropriate learning and development opportunities for staff.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree in human rights, international development, international relations, social sciences, business or public administration, communication/external relations, marketing, or other fields related to the work of UNICEF. Training or experience in partnership management an asset. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with management responsibility, five years of which should be at an international level. Knowledge and experience of UNICEF programmes is required. Experience and track record in effectively developing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships involving public and private sectors. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.
• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language (preferably French or Spanish) is highly desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies

• Drive for Results (III)
• Communication (III)
• Working with People (III)

Functional Competencies:

• Persuading and Influencing (III)
• Relating and Networking (III)
• Leading and Supervising (III)
• Deciding and Initiating action (III)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (III)
• Planning and Organizing (III)

Technical Competencies:

• Current knowledge of development, humanitarian and social policy issues.
• Proven skills in strategic engagement and partnership building with public and private sector actors.
• Experience in private sector engagement (corporate social responsibility, shared value, public-private partnerships, and private sector advocacy).
• Solid background in human/child rights advocacy.

View our competency framework, please click here.

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.