National Partnerships Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working towards transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and gender equality. The organization emphasizes ethical practices and principled staff who embody international norms and standards, committed to delivering high-impact results. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2026 aims to address preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence, with a strong focus on policy advocacy and innovative partnerships in lower-middle-income countries like Laos.

Job Overview:
The National Partnerships Expert will play a crucial role in implementing the UNFPA Country Office’s Partnership Strategy in Laos. This position involves analyzing political, social, and economic developments to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that will enhance the effectiveness of the UNFPA Country Programme. The expert will support the resourcing of the Country Programme to meet the commitments outlined in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and will be responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining partnerships that align with UNFPA's mission. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, UN agencies, and donor organizations, to foster collaboration and maximize impact in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Partnerships Expert will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Implementing the Country Office Advocacy and Communication Strategy by developing and executing communication activities that highlight UNFPA's key initiatives and events.
• Assisting in the creation of diverse communication materials, including print, digital, and social media content, to effectively convey UNFPA's mission and impact in Laos.
• Coordinating media activities for significant events, such as press conferences and report launches, to ensure strategic visibility and engagement.
• Collecting and documenting success stories and data to showcase the impact of UNFPA's work, while also updating the UNFPA Lao website and social media platforms.
• Providing technical advice and support to program teams on communication strategies and materials.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of communication activities and gathering feedback to improve future initiatives.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with government officials, UN agencies, donors, and media to enhance collaboration and support for UNFPA's objectives.
• Drafting press releases and coordinating translations for communication materials.
• Supporting the design and production of promotional materials and short videos for social media. 1
• Assisting in the organization of events and meetings, including documentation and preparation of advocacy materials. 1
• Performing additional tasks as assigned by the Communications and Partnership Analyst and UNFPA Country Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National Partnerships Expert position should possess a strong commitment to UNFPA's values and guiding principles. They should demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a proven ability to communicate effectively and build relationships across various stakeholders. A commitment to gender equality and the principles of voluntary engagement is essential, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in partnership development and advocacy work.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, partnership development, or advocacy, preferably within the UN system or a similar international organization. Experience working in lower-middle-income countries and familiarity with the socio-economic context of Laos will be beneficial. Proven track record in managing communication strategies and building partnerships is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both spoken and written. Proficiency in Lao is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of outreach efforts. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Vientiane, Laos. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The living conditions in Vientiane are generally comfortable, but the volunteer should be prepared for the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure. The role requires flexibility and adaptability to a developing country environment. Specific entitlements include a monthly volunteer living allowance, relocation travel costs, and comprehensive health insurance coverage. The position may involve flexible working arrangements in accordance with UN policies and the needs of the host agency.