Partnerships Officer

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. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF is known for its diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position at UNICEF Congo is designed to support Partnership Specialists and senior management in enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders. The role involves environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy influence. The officer will strategically engage with partners, particularly from the private sector, to pursue new funding opportunities and manage existing partnerships. This position is considered a supportive role to higher-level professionals, providing opportunities for incumbents to gain professional expertise and organizational knowledge, which can lead to further career advancement. The officer will contribute to the implementation of work plans, build and maintain partnerships, mobilize public resources, support the development of frameworks and agreements, maintain up-to-date information on partner trends, and assist in advocacy efforts to promote UNICEF's work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Officer will be responsible for several key functions, including:

• Implementing the work plan for the assigned area to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results in line with UNICEF’s partnership strategy.
• Building and maintaining partnerships by identifying and engaging new partners, especially in the private sector, to secure financial and in-kind contributions.
• Mobilizing public resources from the Government and exploring other funding opportunities such as South-to-South cooperation and thematic funds.
• Supporting the development of frameworks and templates for partner agreements, ensuring compliance with UNICEF regulations.
• Maintaining updated information on partner and income trends and analyzing development assistance policies.
• Assisting in maintaining effective relationships with member states, UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners.
• Attending meetings and supporting joint information programs to enhance UNICEF’s profile.
• Liaising with partnerships teams at regional and headquarters levels to address office needs and strengthen engagement.
• Preparing information for advocacy on UNICEF’s strategy and impact. 1
• Developing a visibility plan for donors through various media channels. 1
• Conducting research on prospective partners and analyzing their outreach and reputation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in international relations, political science, communications, international development, or a relevant technical field. They should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in public affairs, program management, resource mobilization, external relations, or a related area. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, along with networking and negotiation skills. Familiarity with political processes and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are also required. Advanced knowledge of partnership development and resource mobilization, as well as sound policy analysis skills, are necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: international relations, political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of partnership development and resource mobilization in an international context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in relevant fields such as public affairs, program management, resource mobilization, or external relations. This experience is vital for effectively engaging with partners and managing relationships that contribute to UNICEF's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is categorized as a P2/NOB level role, which is considered a supportive role to higher-level professionals. It is important to note that UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.