Business Development 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 has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU) was made operational in January 2022 and is self-funded, ensuring effective delivery of life-saving reproductive health products and other program supplies. The organization emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Business Development Specialist position is situated within Pillar 1 – Resilience and Capacity Development in the UNFPA Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). This role is crucial for driving SCMU’s business development strategy, engaging in business development activities, and identifying opportunities for collaborative ventures to expand SCMU's reach. The specialist will work closely with various teams within Pillar 1, other SCMU colleagues, and external partners to foster partnerships and identify new markets and funding sources. The position requires a focus on resource mobilization, donor engagement, and the development of high-quality funding proposals, concept notes, and strategic materials. The specialist will not engage in operational delivery or client project management but will lead resource mobilization efforts and support the Head of Pillar 1 in strategic technical leadership, monitoring, and oversight.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Development Specialist will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of the SCMU resource mobilization and partnership strategy. This includes analyzing current trends, proposing innovative fundraising strategies, and preparing an inventory of funding modalities and potential donors. The specialist will oversee the development of high-quality technical proposals and resource mobilization materials, monitor donor agreements, and coordinate with technical teams for reporting. Additionally, the role involves building capacity on resource mobilization, leading capacity-building initiatives, and fostering knowledge sharing within UNFPA. The specialist will also represent SCMU in donor forums, manage the resource mobilization pipeline, and create a conducive working environment aligned with UNFPA's People Strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Fundraising, Marketing, Communications Management, or related areas. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization and partnership building is required, including direct responsibility for setting and meeting income targets. Candidates should have a strong background in grant proposal writing and securing funding from UN, institutional donors, foundations, and corporations. Experience in government and multilateral donor relations, particularly with entities like FCDO, USG, and the EU, is essential. Proven success in proposal development for public health programs, knowledge of international fundraising practices, and strong interpersonal skills are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Fundraising, Marketing, or Communications Management is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the resource mobilization and partnership-building efforts of UNFPA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization and partnerships building. Candidates should have direct responsibility for setting and meeting income targets, demonstrating a strong background in grant proposal writing and securing funding from various sources, including UN agencies, institutional donors, foundations, and corporations. Experience in government and multilateral donor relations, particularly with entities like FCDO, USG, and the EU, is crucial. Proven success in proposal development for public health programs and familiarity with international fundraising practices are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French or Spanish, is desirable. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for the development of proposals and reports that may need to be presented in multiple languages.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA does not charge any application fees and promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.