Private Sector Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a prominent United Nations agency established to advocate for children's rights and ensure their well-being across the globe. In Somalia, UNICEF operates in various sectors including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Child Protection, Social Policy, Health and Nutrition, and Education. The organization is dedicated to addressing the needs of the youth and adolescent population in Somalia, which constitutes a significant portion of the country's demographic. With a population of approximately 3.8 million, UNICEF's mission is to improve the living conditions and opportunities for children and young people in a context marked by conflict, natural disasters, and climate change. UNICEF's efforts are crucial in a country where around 62% of the population is between the ages of 5 and 29, and the unemployment rate is alarmingly high at an estimated 50%.

Job Overview:
The Private Sector Partnerships Officer position is critical for UNICEF's operations in Somalia, particularly as the organization prepares for its new Country Programme for the years 2026 to 203

• This role is designed to enhance UNICEF's fundraising capabilities by deepening and expanding its strategic engagements with the private sector. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Strategic Partnerships and will be responsible for contributing to the new resource mobilization strategy. This includes facilitating office fundraising efforts, tracking funding trends, and maintaining relationships with private sector stakeholders. The officer will also support the preparation and submission of proposals to private sector stakeholders and engage with various partners to unlock public-private partnerships. The overarching goal of this position is to accelerate results for children in Somalia by leveraging private sector resources and expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Private Sector Partnerships Officer will undertake a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing UNICEF's fundraising efforts and partnerships with the private sector. Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of a new resource mobilization strategy.
• Facilitating fundraising efforts in the private sector and tracking funding trends and gaps.
• Initiating, maintaining, and deepening relationships with private sector stakeholders.
• Supporting the preparation and submission of proposals to private sector stakeholders, as well as briefing documents and corporate publications.
• Engaging with NatComs, emerging private donors, and development financial institutions to explore innovative financing options.
• Strengthening the capacity of UNICEF staff to effectively engage with the private sector.
• Establishing and enhancing relationships with private sector donors through meetings and monitoring donor interests.
• Supporting the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy in collaboration with various UNICEF sections.
• Scanning the external environment for financial and non-financial opportunities to achieve program results. 1
• Acting as the focal point for UNICEF NatComs and liaising with them for fundraising opportunities. 1
• Supporting the development of proposals for private sector opportunities. 1
• Identifying and building strong public-private partnerships with agencies and exploring innovative funding opportunities. 1
• Coordinating private sector fundraising missions and preparing relevant documents for advocacy and information sharing. 1
• Working with colleagues to identify resource mobilization needs and broker agreements to meet those needs. 1
• Maintaining a database of key contacts and expanding UNICEF's network of private sector interlocutors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Private Sector Partnerships Officer position should possess a strong set of qualifications that enable them to effectively engage with the private sector and contribute to UNICEF's mission. Required qualifications include:

• Proven experience in resource mobilization, fundraising, or partnership development, particularly in the context of the private sector.
• Strong understanding of the private sector landscape and trends in fundraising.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage with various sections within UNICEF.
• Strong analytical skills to track funding trends and identify opportunities for resource mobilization.
• Ability to develop compelling proposals and briefing documents for private sector stakeholders.
• Familiarity with innovative financing options and public-private partnerships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Private Sector Partnerships Officer position includes a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, international relations, social sciences, or a related discipline. A master's degree is preferred and may be advantageous in demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills relevant to the role. Candidates should have a solid understanding of fundraising principles, partnership development, and resource mobilization strategies.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience in resource mobilization, fundraising, or partnership development, ideally with a focus on the private sector. A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional experience is typically expected, with a proven track record of successfully engaging with private sector stakeholders and achieving fundraising targets. Experience working in international development or humanitarian contexts is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UNICEF's mission and objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Somali or Arabic, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's ability to engage with local partners and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Somalia, specifically within the UNICEF Somalia country office. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be outlined in the Conditions of Service provided by UNICEF. The role may involve international recruitment, and candidates should be prepared for potential relocation. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNICEF's policies and guidelines, and the organization will facilitate the visa process for successful candidates.