UNFPA Specialist in Resource Mobilization, Strategic Partnerships and Communications

Job Posting Organization:
The UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) country office in Djibouti operates with a mission to partner with governments, civil society, and other institutions to fulfill its mandate. Established to address critical issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health, human rights, and gender equality, UNFPA has been instrumental in providing technical and financial support for the collection and analysis of population data. This data is essential for effective planning and monitoring of progress towards sustainable development goals. The organization is guided by frameworks such as the Programme of Action from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA Djibouti is committed to advancing the health and rights of individuals, particularly women and young people, and operates in a context that emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve its objectives. The office is currently in a phase of program acceleration and strategic repositioning, focusing on enhancing the visibility and sustainability of its interventions while expanding its partnerships and funding base. UNFPA Djibouti is dedicated to addressing pressing issues such as maternal health, gender-based violence, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, thereby contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and social equity.

Job Overview:
The UNFPA Specialist in Resource Mobilization, Strategic Partnerships and Communications will play a pivotal role in supporting the Djibouti Country Office in enhancing its resource mobilization efforts and strategic partnerships. This position is crucial as the office transitions from an opportunity-based engagement model to a more structured and proactive approach to resource mobilization. The Specialist will be responsible for connecting program priorities with evidence and strategic partnerships, thereby creating a coherent resource mobilization strategy. The role involves translating program priorities into compelling investment opportunities and policy products, engaging with both traditional and non-traditional partners, and improving the visibility of UNFPA's results. The Specialist will also work on establishing practical systems and tools that can be sustained by the Country Office, ensuring that the office can effectively communicate its achievements and engage with stakeholders. This position requires a combination of exceptional writing and analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to build relationships with various partners. The Specialist will need to understand UNFPA's mandate thoroughly and advise senior management on strategic initiatives that align with the organization's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Diversifying the funding and partnership base of the Country Office to ensure a sustainable financial model.
• Translating program priorities and evidence into attractive investment opportunities and policy products that resonate with potential donors and partners.
• Strengthening engagement with both traditional and non-traditional partners to broaden the support network for UNFPA's initiatives.
• Improving the visibility of UNFPA's results and comparative advantages in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Building a stronger connection between program delivery, evidence, communications, and resource mobilization to create a cohesive strategy.
• Establishing practical systems, tools, and pipelines that can be sustained by the Country Office to enhance operational efficiency.
• Conducting research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities in resource mobilization and partnerships.
• Developing and implementing communication strategies that effectively convey the impact of UNFPA's work to stakeholders and the public.
• Collaborating with various teams within the Country Office to ensure alignment of resource mobilization efforts with programmatic goals. 1
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of resource mobilization strategies and making recommendations for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• A proven track record in resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and communications, preferably within the UN system or similar organizations.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality strategic outputs under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated capacity to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A deep understanding of the issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population development.
• Experience in developing compelling funding propositions and investment cases that attract donor interest.
• Familiarity with the UN system, particularly UNFPA's mandate and priorities, is highly desirable.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to navigate complex environments and drive results.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:

• A master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, international development, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Additional certifications or training in resource mobilization, strategic communications, or partnership development would be an asset.
• A strong academic record that demonstrates the candidate's ability to engage with complex issues and contribute to strategic discussions.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and communications. Experience working in the UN system or with international organizations is highly desirable. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs within short timelines and possess a strong understanding of the dynamics of resource mobilization in the context of development work.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include proficiency in English and French, as these are the official languages of Djibouti. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance engagement with diverse communities. Additional language skills, particularly in Somali or Afar, would be beneficial in understanding the local context and engaging with various populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a hardship duty station, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with living and working in Djibouti. The assignment offers an enriching professional environment, but it also requires cultural awareness, flexibility, and the willingness to adapt to demanding conditions. The climate in Djibouti is characterized by high temperatures and arid conditions, which may impact daily life. Candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator and consult the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information on compensation, benefits, and other relevant details.