Market Development Specialist (P-3)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission 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 to its staff. UNICEF has a strong presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, with its Regional Office located in Panama, focusing on private sector fundraising and partnerships to maximize income and influence for the delivery of its Strategic Plan.

Job Overview:
As a Market Development Specialist (P-3) at UNICEF, you will play a pivotal role in driving private sector fundraising and strategic partnerships that support the organization's mission across Latin America and the Caribbean. This position involves working closely with country offices, regional leaders, and global teams to identify growth opportunities, foster innovation, and strengthen donor engagement. You will be responsible for maximizing sustainable resources to create lasting change for children, making it essential for candidates to possess a strategic mindset and a passion for impactful work. Your contributions will directly influence the effectiveness of UNICEF's private sector engagement and resource mobilization initiatives, ensuring that the organization can continue to fulfill its mission effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnerships and Fundraising Development: Participate in the strategic development of private sector fundraising and broader private sector engagement across LAC. Support the maximization of results from private sector fundraising by contributing to a conducive environment for fundraising and partnerships. Advise PFP Managers/Specialists and Country Offices to identify and implement opportunities for net income growth and funding diversification. Facilitate the dissemination and implementation of global PFP strategies and policies across COs. Identify and promote fundraising innovation and new approaches to partnerships to accelerate revenue growth and programmatic results.
• Planning and Monitoring: Provide technical support to Country Offices in developing and implementing Private Sector Plans, including annual budgets and revenue allocation. Monitor and analyze PSFR performance across COs, identifying trends and areas for improvement. Contribute to strengthening planning and financial monitoring systems in the region, ensuring compliance with procedures and reporting requirements. Facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of lessons learned across COs and with the global private sector network.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed advanced university degree (Master's) in fields such as business management, marketing, finance, international development, or social studies. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in private sector partnerships, fundraising, resource mobilization, or planning and evaluation is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in private sector fundraising, strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, donor engagement, and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis. Strong analytical skills and experience in stakeholder management across complex environments are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's) in relevant fields such as business management, marketing, finance, international development, or social studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of private sector engagement and resource mobilization.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in areas such as private sector partnerships, fundraising, resource mobilization, or planning and evaluation. Experience in developing strategic partnerships and managing complex fundraising operations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with development or humanitarian work and country program planning processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with intermediate proficiency in Spanish. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian) is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Panama City, Panama. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be willing to comply with UNICEF's vaccination requirements and undergo background checks as part of the hiring process. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF.