Partnerships & Advocacy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights. The organization is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's mission is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health, promote gender equality, and support population and development initiatives. The organization is guided by its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which outlines its response to a complex global environment and aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The Partnerships & Advocacy Specialist position is critical for enhancing UNFPA's visibility and strategic engagement with various stakeholders, including government entities, UN agencies, civil society, and private sector partners. The specialist will lead efforts to align partnerships and advocacy strategies with UNFPA's Strategic Plan (2022–2025) and the Philippines Country Programme Document (CPD9). This role involves mobilizing political, technical, and financial support to achieve transformative results in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and population development priorities. The incumbent will be responsible for promoting UNFPA's mandate through evidence-based advocacy, strategic communications, and resource mobilization, thereby positioning UNFPA as a key partner in advancing national development agendas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships & Advocacy Specialist will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Building and Sustaining Strategic Partnerships: Lead the design and implementation of the Country Office partnership and resource mobilization strategy. Identify and engage with key government counterparts, development partners, and private sector entities. Position UNFPA as a partner of choice for business and align corporate assets with national priorities. Coordinate the preparation of high-quality concept notes and funding proposals. Monitor partnership performance and ensure compliance with UNFPA policies.
• Advocacy, Policy Influence, and Communication: Design and implement advocacy initiatives that promote UNFPA's mandate. Prepare advocacy and communication materials, including policy briefs and social media content. Organize high-level dialogues and events to raise visibility and promote policy change. Foster media engagement and contribute to consistent messaging on UNFPA's priorities.
• Coordination, Knowledge Management, and Representation: Represent UNFPA in inter-agency coordination mechanisms. Facilitate policy dialogue and contribute to joint initiatives. Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned. Build the capacity of staff and partners in partnership management and advocacy approaches.
• Project Management, Reporting, and Accountability: Ensure timely preparation of donor reports and partnership updates. Support capacity development initiatives and maintain accurate information on partnership pipelines. Contribute to CO reporting requirements and perform any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international relations, public policy, development studies, communication, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in partnership building, resource mobilization, and advocacy, preferably within the UN system or international organizations. Demonstrated success in developing and managing public partnerships and donor relations is required, along with proven experience in advocacy and strategic communication on gender equality and SRHR. Familiarity with the Philippine development landscape is a strong asset, and candidates should have strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Experience with private-sector due diligence and risk management in the UN context is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in international relations, public policy, development studies, communication, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background equips candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate complex development issues and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in partnership building, resource mobilization, and advocacy. This experience should preferably be within the UN system, international organizations, or development cooperation. Demonstrated success in developing and managing public partnerships and donor relations is essential, as is proven experience in advocacy and strategic communication on gender equality and SRHR.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contribute to UNFPA's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.