Regional External Engagement 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 reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing population issues and advocating for the rights of individuals worldwide. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights, equity, and social justice, and it aims to achieve its goals through partnerships, advocacy, and resource mobilization.

Job Overview:
The Regional External Engagement Specialist will be based at the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office and will work under the supervision of the Resource Mobilization Advisor, with a dotted line to the Communications Advisor. This role is pivotal in linking partnerships, resource mobilization, and communications to raise awareness and advocate for UNFPA's transformative results. The incumbent will drive initiatives to garner stakeholder support, strengthen partnerships with traditional and non-traditional donors, particularly in the public sector and international financial institutions, and raise non-core funds in the region. The Specialist will collaborate closely with senior managers and advisors in Panama, Country Offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, and New York headquarters to position UNFPA as a key partner in ensuring rights and options for all. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying strategic opportunities and developing tailored outreach plans to mobilize resources effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional External Engagement Specialist include supporting the implementation of a regional plan that integrates partnerships, resource mobilization, and communications grounded in programmatic priorities. The Specialist will identify strategic opportunities and develop tailored outreach plans to build and strengthen quality partnerships for resource mobilization in the public and multilateral sectors. Responsibilities also include preparing various communications products aimed at external stakeholders, such as briefing materials, concept notes, talking points, scripts, newsletters, and social media posts. The Specialist will identify and engage high-level supporters to amplify UNFPA's brand story and work on campaigns and events that align with both UNFPA's and the influencers' interests. Additionally, the role involves supporting the design and operationalization of Innovative Finance Mechanisms to catalyze funding for UNFPA priorities, leading donor visibility efforts through newsletters and social media content, liaising with HQ and CO focal points for public sector engagement, guiding COs on partnership strategies, and sharing lessons learned and best practices. The Specialist will also serve as a member of the UN regional partnership/communications network and will be responsible for drafting, monitoring, and evaluating key performance indicators for resource mobilization, partnerships, and communications, as well as organizing and promoting regional stakeholder events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in development work, with a focus on partnerships and resource mobilization, is required. Experience in donor mapping, management, outreach, donor communications, reporting, and non-core resources income analysis is essential. Familiarity with external relations, communications, and campaigning is considered an asset, as is previous experience with a multilateral or international organization. Candidates should demonstrate excellent negotiation skills, advocacy, public speaking abilities, and the capacity to write clearly and concisely. Initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work harmoniously with diverse staff members are also crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international development, partnerships, and resource mobilization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in development work, particularly with an emphasis on partnerships and resource mobilization. Candidates should have experience in donor mapping, management, and outreach, including donor communications and reporting. Experience in external relations, communications, and campaigning is advantageous, as is previous work with a multilateral or international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Portuguese, is desirable and would enhance a candidate's qualifications.

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