Partnership Associate

As the global balance of power shifts, UNDP is taking on new roles and funding. The recent geopolitical shift is reflected in the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which universally applies to all countries in the world. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) was established in 1965 to channel official development assistance (ODA) to developing countries. It has grown into an operation with a presence in more than 170 countries. In Asia and the Pacific alone, UNDP’s experts have become trusted partners to 36 governments. We are in the process of adapting to the new development landscape, where UNDP’s core funding continues to be under pressure. The challenge for UNDP now is to adapt to the changing, ever- “flatter” world of development cooperation.

UNDP Maldives has been working closely with the government of Maldives in achieving its national goals as key partner in the development arena.  As such UNDP Maldives has recently begun to explore ways through which the immense potential and expertise of the private sector in addressing the development challenges of our communities can be mobilized from concerted and continued engagement at the grassroots levels where the private sector and companies partner with us to create sustainable solutions.  The main aim of “Make my Island” platform is to cater for the above-mentioned task in developing new projects and to connect between development industries and the people. 

Under the guidance of the Strategic Engagement Officer; Partnership Associate will provide support services to the Make My Island platform ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

Support to ‘Make My Island’ platform

• Support the ‘Digital Good‘ platform and implement the crowd funding strategy
• External and internal analysis for assessing CO opportunities for partnerships and resource mobilization
• Conduct background research into the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) elements within the private sector and community needs/expectations
• Identify gaps and challenges in CSR implementation by the private sector

Support to resource mobilisation and partnership

• Support the organization of high visibility events, policy dialogues, roundtables that positions UNDP as the trusted development partner in Maldives
• Organize & support conduction of advocacy events, workshops, round-tables and other events;
• Maintain working-level contacts with NGOs, governmental institutions, and other stakeholders, and participate at local events for information dissemination purposes;
• Logistical support for visibility events, scoping trips

Communication of Results

• Supports in codification of knowledge and communication of results
• Facilitates discussions and strategy-setting for scaling up of UNDP projects in terms of coverage, policy impact and sustainability
• Develop communications and knowledge material.

Primary Competencies

• Consistently approaches work with energy and positive, constructive attitude, striving for excellence and focusing on results. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team as well as individually. This includes strong inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to forge effective relations with colleagues and counterparts from diverse backgrounds, across government, companies and international organizations. 
• Excellent project management skills, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities within specific timeframes. This includes excellent attention to detail, a high level of thoroughness in a complex multitasking environment and a strict adherence to deadlines. 
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas, including a good eye for strategy and appetite for innovation.  
• Excellent writing and speaking skills.
• Familiarity with graphic design and video editing programmes is desirable.  
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment is required
• Knowledge of international development

Education

• Secondary Education preferably with specialized certification in marketing or communications with 2-3 years of related experience

OR 

• Diploma or University Degree in Business, marketing, communications or management with 1 year of related experience.

Experience

• Related administrative, marketing, project management or programme experience is required at the national or international level.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
• Knowledge and experience within the private sector in the Maldives.
• Proven strong research skills, combined with good communications and writing skills is preferred.
• Experience in the usage of adobe software packages (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc) will be considered as an added advantage

Language Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English