Partnership Strategy International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and commitment to building careers that make a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally and operates in various sectors, focusing on health, education, protection, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Strategy International Consultant position at UNICEF Lao PDR is crucial for developing a comprehensive Partnership Strategy that aligns with the organization's goals for the 2027-2031 Country Programme Document (CPD). The consultant will engage in strategic analysis, stakeholder assessments, and financial landscape mapping to create a clear partnership agenda. This role involves understanding the shifting development financing landscape in Lao PDR, characterized by fiscal constraints and evolving donor priorities. The consultant will work closely with the UNICEF Lao PDR Partnerships Team and senior leadership to ensure alignment and ownership of the strategy, which aims to strengthen systems and drive impactful change for children across four priority areas: First 1,000 Days, Learning, Adolescents, and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive desk review of national development financing trends, donor portfolios, government budget trajectories, and private sector opportunities relevant to Lao PDR. They will map and assess public and private partners, including bilateral donors, multilateral agencies, international financial institutions, and corporate actors. The consultant will analyze opportunities by CPD priority area, identifying collaboration and financing opportunities where UNICEF can add the greatest value. They will develop engagement approaches and partnership models that reflect the context realities and UNICEF's strengths. Additionally, the consultant will draft and finalize the Partnership Strategy, including a practical implementation roadmap and partnership monitoring indicators, while participating in a validation process to ensure institutional alignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in international development, economics, public policy, business, or related fields. They should have at least 8-10 years of relevant work experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, or development financing. Strong knowledge of Official Development Assistance (ODA), International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and private sector engagement models is essential. Experience in developing partnership/resource mobilization strategies and a solid understanding of UNICEF's mandate and programming approaches are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in international development, economics, public policy, business, or related fields is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to navigate complex development financing landscapes and partnership dynamics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8-10 years of relevant work experience, particularly in partnership development, resource mobilization, or development financing. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, ideally within the context of international organizations or NGOs, and should be familiar with the challenges and opportunities present in development and humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. While English is the mandatory language, experience in Southeast Asia is considered an asset, and knowledge of additional languages may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in engaging with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role with a focus on developing a Partnership Strategy for UNICEF Lao PDR. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). The organization promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The recruitment process includes rigorous background checks, and candidates must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.