Consultant for Corporate Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for those dedicated to serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Corporate Partnerships will play a crucial role in supporting the Corporate Partnerships team at UNICEF's Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) division, as well as designated National Committees and country offices. The primary responsibilities include facilitating the understanding and use of agreement templates and tools, assisting in the drafting and negotiation of business terms for private sector partnership agreements, and providing guidance on negotiations to ensure alignment with UNICEF policies. The Consultant will also monitor and track agreements through the approval process and support post-signature contract management, including remedial actions, amendments, and terminations. This position requires a proactive approach to act as a knowledge center for best practices in agreements and partnership management, ultimately enhancing UNICEF's contracting efficiency and effectiveness in corporate partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Enhancing Contracting Efficiency: Provide timely guidance on required templates and tools, evaluate and streamline existing contracting processes, and monitor the prioritization of agreements.
• Training and Capacity Building: Identify gaps in legal/contracts knowledge and provide tailored training, support onboarding of new staff, and offer structured support for urgent requests.
• Partnership Support: Provide contracting support during negotiations with corporate partners, review agreements for risks, and collaborate with the Corporate Partnerships Team to address specific needs.
• Risk Management and Improvement Initiatives: Monitor contract compliance, identify potential risks, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align legal strategies with organizational goals.
• Deliverables include ongoing contracting support, conducting weekly online clinics, delivering structured training sessions, maintaining the Corporate Agreements Tracker, managing contract priorities, providing onboarding guidance, capturing lessons learned, and contributing to the development of standardized templates and best practice tools.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Business or Commercial Law, or a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience. A minimum of eight years of professional experience in agreement negotiation and management is required, along with experience as a lawyer managing contract negotiations. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the United Nations system and legal parameters, demonstrated skills in drafting and reviewing partnership agreements, good commercial awareness, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Strong negotiation and advisory skills, as well as the ability to build and maintain partnerships across multiple teams and stakeholders, are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Business or Commercial Law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the same fields combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of contract law and negotiation processes within the context of UNICEF's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant professional work experience in agreement negotiation and management. Candidates must have experience working as a lawyer managing contract negotiations and a solid understanding of the United Nations system and its legal parameters. Experience in drafting and reviewing partnership agreements, particularly in the context of corporate social responsibility or philanthropic giving, is also required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deadlines effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is expected to last until mid-September 2026, with specific deliverables due on a monthly basis. Payment will be made upon submission of an invoice and satisfactory completion of deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if performance is unsatisfactory or if deliverables are incomplete. Selected candidates will not be considered staff members and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. They will be responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the contract duration. Additionally, selected candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities.