Background
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organisation for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP's Strategic Plan. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.
BPPS’s Hubs on Nature, Climate, Energy and Waste, with the support of the Vertical Fund Programme Support, Oversight and Compliance Unit, works with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy and waste.
The UNDP Climate Hub is the arrowhead of UNDP’s commitment to the “Climate Promise” that aims to support programming countries designing and implementing pledges under the Paris Agreement, including ambitious National Determined Contributions, with climate change mitigation and adaptation interventions fully embedded in the national development planning and budgetary processes.
The UNDP Climate Hub hosts the Secretariat of the Decarbonizing Humanitarian Energy (DHE) Multi Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). The DHE MPTF seeks to support the humanitarian sector transition to sustainable and efficient energy solutions in order to reduce reliance on costly diesel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate energy access for displaced and host communities in humanitarian settings.
The DHE is administered by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF-O) and governed by a Steering Committee which acts as the main decision-making body. The Secretariat supports the DHE’s Steering Committee to set the Fund’s strategic direction, make resource allocation decisions, and ensure progress towards its intended impact. The Secretariat is notably responsible for the Fund’s overall operations, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, risk management, and resource mobilization, and other relevant functions.
The Secretariat operates in accordance with UNDP’s financial and staff regulations and rules governing all administrative policies and procedures. As host, UNDP provides the Secretariat with reliable and timely operations management and oversight services within the UN system, covering finance, human resources, procurement, and administration.
UNDP is recruiting a Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist to work within the core team of the DHE MPTF’s Secretariat under the direct supervision of the Head of Secretariat (HoS). This is a home-based assignment.
The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist : Supports the Fund’s Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Board (or a similar multi-stakeholder panel of experts) activities, enabling expert technical inputs to feed into the strategic direction of the Fund and support project implementation; supports engagements and onboarding of new partners; supports the development and implementation of the DHE resource mobilisation strategy and outreach efforts; contributes to the development of the DHE communication strategy; helps to manage DHE relationships with key stakeholders (government, humanitarian agencies, energy and finance sectors actors, etc.); identifies potential synergies with other initiatives and partnership opportunities; supports other general Secretariat functions and tasks as required.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist supports the Secretariat in the overall effort to engage with DHE stakeholders, build partnerships and mobilise resources for the Fund. This includes provision of expertise and advice within the Secretariat team to support the effective functioning of the DHE MPTF in the following areas:
- Formulation and implementation of fund-level processes and procedures for effective management of the DHE’s partnerships.
- Development and implementation of the DHE’s resource mobilisation strategy.
- Coordination and liaison between the DHE’s internal and external stakeholders and partners.
- Facilitation of communication, knowledge building and knowledge sharing.
The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist is required to collaborate with the DHE Participating Organizations, other MPTFs, the MPTF Office, donors, and other partners/stakeholders in DHE related sectors.
In addition, the Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist will support the Secretariat in carrying out its core functions and other tasks as required, which will continue to evolve in line with the Fund’s development and emerging priorities.
The main responsibilities of the role are:
Formulation and implementation of fund-level processes and procedures for effective management of the DHE’s partnerships
- Develop and implement the DHE’s framework for strategic engagements and partnerships, in alignment with the Fund’s objectives and fund-level work plan. This is to include sector/country contextual analysis, consideration of the humanitiarian/energy access/finance landscape, identification of main partners/stakeholders and strategic positioning of DHE.
- Develop and implement systems, processes, and tools to strengthen stakeholder coordination and partnership management at the Fund level, ensuring structured engagement, information management, and accountability across all partners.
- Conduct and synthesize data analysis to identify trends and generate strategic insights that inform Fund-level planning, decision-making, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, including through the use of data visualization and evidence-based presentation tools.
Development and implementation of the DHE’s resource mobilisation strategy
- Contribute to development and implementation of the Fund’s resource mobilisation and donor engagement strategy under the guidance of the HoS and the Steering Committee, undertaking internal and external analysis and building on existing donor relations and ongoing engagement.
- Establish and monitor annual priorities, targets and action plans for resource mobilisation and donor engagement, ensuring systematic tracking, reporting, and proactive follow-up on opportunities to achieve planned results.
- Ensure the DHE maintains up-to-date donor intelligence, including donor mapping of priorities and strategies, regular analysis of donors contributions, as well as proactive outreach for insights.
- Design and implement tailored communications and outreach initiatives to broaden and diversify the Fund’s resource base, coordinating with partners and stakeholders for effective delivery.
- Lead the development of donor outreach materials, including but not limited to brochures, pitch decks, concept notes, expressions of interest, etc. that are in line with donor/partner criteria and audience needs.
- Advise on best practice and channels for resource mobilisation for the DHE including but not limited to traditional donors, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), multi-partner funds, foundations, private sector, as well as other innovative financing mechanisms, etc.
- Engage in targeted networking to establish connections, leading to the development, mobilisation, prioritisation and management of partnerships with the purpose of mobilising resources.
- Contribute to the preparation, negotiation, and amendment of donor agreements, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies, MPTF standards and donor requirements.
- Lead the preparation and submission of donor reports and manage feedback processes to ensure compliance with requirements and fulfillment of donor expectations.
Facilitate effective coordination and liaison between the DHE’s internal and external stakeholders and partners
- Establish and develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and other stakeholders to grow and diversify DHE opportunities.
- Facilitate to establish a Technical Advisory Board (or a similar multi-stakeholder panel of experts) and coordinate its activities, enabling expert technical inputs to feed into the strategic direction of the Fund and support project implementation.
- In coordination with the DHE’s Participating Organizations, identify opportunities for inter-agency collaboration and joint support for fund-level activities. Provide advice on opportunities for enhancement of cooperation partners and initiatives.
- Maintain effective liaison with key national/regional/international partners and stakeholders and facilitate proactive monitoring and coordination, enabling DHE’s timely engagement where required.
- Prepare regular updates and reports on progress in building new partnerships and strengthening the existing ones, including details of implementing issues, emerging risks/problems and proposals for necessary remedial actions.
- Provide analysis and recommendations on due diligence processes of potential investment and partnership opportunities, in accordance with MPTF regulations and procedures. Support Expression of Interest and onboarding processes for new Participating Organizations joining the DHE MPTF.
- Facilitate clear information flow between the Fund’s stakeholders and partners to ensure awareness, engagement, buy-in and support.
- Promote information exchange across DHE partner activities to identify synergies and facilitate integration of efforts where appropriate.
- Contribute to the preparation, review, and amendment of Memoranda of Understanding and partnership agreements with DHE MPTF Implementing Partners, ensuring compliance with UNDP and MPTF standards.
- Monitor Steering Committee membership rotations and changes, providing advice on continuity and institutional memory, and support the onboarding of new members.
- Coordinate the substantive and logistical preparation of DHE-related missions, events, and consultations with donors and partners, ensuring effective participation and follow-up.
Facilitate communication, knowledge building and knowledge sharing
- Communicate and enhance the DHE’s public visibility, engage in public policy dialogue and support reputation management.
- Identify and synthesise best practices and lessons learned directly linked to resource mobilisation and partnership-engagement activities.
- Identify relevant information for advocacy purposes; contribute to and support the communication strategy and activities of the DHE MPTF.
- Identify opportunities for knowledge dissemination, networking and promotion of the DHE’s work in relevant events, platforms and fora and facilitate its participation.
Contribute to the effective delivery of general Secretariat functions
- Contribute to the performance of the Secretariat’s core duties, including the Fund’s day-to-day operations, partner coordination, management of the programming cycle, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and other relevant functions.
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, and other documentation as required.
- Support the continuous improvement of Secretariat processes and tools in line with the Fund’s development and emerging priorities.
The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the DHE MPTF and the Secretariat.
Institutional Arrangement:
- The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Officer will work from his/her home base.
- The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist will report to, and be directly supervised by, the Head of Secretariat based in New York, United States.
- The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist will work closely with: (i) personnel in the Secretariat team; (ii) personnel within the teams of the DHE’s Participating Organizations; (iii) personnel at the Multi-Partner Fund Trust Office; (iv) personnel at UNDP’s BPPS Climate Hub and other relevant teams; and (vi) other DHE partners and donors.
- The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Speciaist will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment.
The Strategic Engagements, Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Specialist will be responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, etc.) and must have access to a reliable internet connection
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
Business Management – Partnership management
- Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Direction & Strategy - Strategic Thinking
- Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
Business Management - Communication
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication.
- Ability to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
- Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Business Management – Project management
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
- Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.
- Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
- Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.
- Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Partnership Management – Resource mobilization
- Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Sciences, International Relations, International Development, or other related field is required;
OR
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the afore mentioned fields in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization, business development, strategic partnerships, management advisory services, communications/advocacy or public relations within international organizations (NGOs, UN system, multilateral cooperation, etc.) is required.
- Track record in fundraising and leading donor engagement at a global level is required.
- Experience in advising on fundraising and partnership opportunities is required.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong and sustainable relationships and capability to interact at all levels within an organization is required.
- Demonstrated ability to challenge, convince and manage multiple stakeholders with maturity and tact is required.
- Demonstrated ability to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, balancing long-term activities with the urgency of immediate demands is required.
- Experience working in a multi-stakeholder partnership initiative is desirable.
- Experience working within the United Nations system or in comparable international, multilateral, or bilateral development organizations is desirable.
- Experience in writing high-quality concept notes and developing pitch decks and presentations for resource mobilization, strategic partnership development, including coordinating technical inputs is an asset.
- Experience in the usage of databases, data analytics and data visualisation packages is desirable.
Language:
- Fluency in English, with exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills is required.
- Knowledge of other UN working languages is desirable.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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