Head of the Nordic Liaison Office

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in multiple countries worldwide, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and achieving equality between women and men. The organization employs a diverse workforce committed to mutual respect and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Nordic Liaison Office will oversee external relations and manage the partnership portfolio for a group of countries including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Baltic States. This role involves developing and implementing partnership, advocacy, and resource mobilization strategies to enhance UN Women’s impact in gender equality and women's empowerment. The incumbent will work closely with various UN Women divisions and National Committees to coordinate resource mobilization activities aimed at increasing both unrestricted and earmarked resources from public and private sector donors. The position requires a proactive approach to developing partnerships and advocating for gender equality in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and UN Women’s Strategic Plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of external relations and partnership strategies for assigned funding partners.
• Identify and implement advocacy and resource mobilization strategies in coordination with UN Women divisions and National Committees.
• Monitor and evaluate resource mobilization channels to meet UN Women’s financial targets.
• Advocate for gender equality and UN Women’s work with portfolio partners.
• Manage partnerships and resource mobilization activities to increase funding.
• Act as the strategic interface between partners and UN Women.
• Negotiate funding agreements in line with UN Women policies.
• Represent UN Women in inter-agency meetings and liaise with other UN agencies.
• Capture and disseminate partner intelligence to promote effective engagement. 1
• Provide support to field and HQ offices on resource mobilization opportunities. 1
• Manage the Liaison Office’s workplan, budget, and personnel, ensuring compliance with UN Women policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate excellent knowledge of resource partner political systems and possess strong networking and interpersonal skills to mobilize support from various resource partners, including the private sector.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, business management, social sciences, public administration, international relations, communications, or women's studies is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted.

Experience:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization, communications, advocacy, or business development is required. Candidates should have experience working with international institutions and government partners, as well as experience in managing an office, including financial and administrative oversight. Experience in gender equality issues and working with the private sector is considered an asset. Proven experience in leading and coaching staff in international settings is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Fluency in a Nordic language is considered an asset, and knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is also advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves managing a team and overseeing the financial and operational aspects of the Nordic Liaison Office. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.