Partnerships and Program Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO Uganda's program is guided by its Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2026-2030, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the Government of Uganda's National Development Plan. The organization is funded through a combination of assessed and voluntary contributions, with voluntary contributions accounting for nearly 70% of its global budget, highlighting the importance of resource mobilization for its operations.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships and Program Development Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the FAO Uganda's Resource Mobilization workflow. This position involves engaging with donor intelligence, mapping resource partners, managing the resource mobilization pipeline, and coordinating donor engagements. The specialist will work closely with various teams within the organization to ensure that the Country Programming Framework is effectively implemented. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying funding opportunities and developing strategic partnerships that align with FAO's objectives. The specialist will also assist in the preparation of proposals and concept notes, ensuring that all inputs are coordinated and aligned with the CPF results frameworks. This position is essential for enhancing FAO Uganda's capacity to secure funding and support for its programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships and Program Development Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Developing comprehensive briefing notes on priority bilateral and multilateral resource partners, focusing on their funding priorities and alignment with FAO Uganda's CPF.
• Maintaining and updating the Resource Mobilization Opportunities Pipeline, tracking engagements and preparing summary reports for coordination meetings.
• Coordinating donor engagements, including preparing agendas, presentations, and logistics for meetings, as well as drafting follow-up correspondence.
• Assisting in the resource mobilization cycle, from eligibility assessments to proposal development, ensuring collaboration among various teams.
• Supporting the review and update of the Resource Mobilization Strategy and Action Plan.
• Documenting and following up on action items from program and resource mobilization coordination meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or a recognized university degree in fields such as international development studies, international relations, economics, political and social sciences, agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, rural development, or other relevant disciplines. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in resource mobilization, partnership development, or project management in humanitarian and development contexts is required. Experience working at the national or international level, particularly within the UN or other international development organizations, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken, and possess excellent communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree or a recognized university degree in relevant fields such as international development studies, international relations, economics, political and social sciences, agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, rural development, or any other discipline pertinent to the work of the FAO. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in resource mobilization, partnership development, or project management, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts. Candidates should have professional work experience at both national and international levels, with a preference for those who have worked within the UN or other international development organizations. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the resource mobilization process and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent oral and written communication skills, which are essential for drafting reports, correspondence, and other documentation related to donor engagements and resource mobilization efforts. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment that requires collaboration with various teams. The role may involve tight deadlines and the need for self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision. The FAO emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in its operations, and candidates should be prepared to engage with a wide range of partners at different levels. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process.