National Partnerships Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and that their rights are respected. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's mission is driven by the belief that every person has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to live free from violence and discrimination. In Laos, UNFPA is implementing its 7th Country Programme, which aims to accelerate progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Partnerships Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the UNFPA Country Office’s Partnership Strategy in Laos. This position is designed to analyze relevant political, social, and economic developments to identify opportunities for partnerships that align with UNFPA’s mission. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including public audiences, development partners, and government counterparts, to promote awareness and understanding of UNFPA’s mandate. The role involves supporting the effective implementation and resourcing of the Country Programme to meet ICPD25 commitments, as well as establishing and monitoring partnerships that can enhance the impact of UNFPA’s initiatives. The National Partnerships Specialist will also be responsible for conducting donor intelligence analysis, supporting communication efforts, and documenting best practices to ensure that UNFPA’s work in Laos is well-supported and visible.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Partnerships Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Identifying opportunities and products for partnership with public audiences, development partners, and government counterparts to promote UNFPA’s mandate.
• Supporting the implementation of the Country Office Partnerships Strategy.
• Maintaining an overview of partnership submissions and building blocks.
• Seeking innovative partnership approaches to accelerate the delivery of the ICPD Programme of Action in the Lao context.
• Collaborating with programme teams to engage private sector partners and scale up UNFPA interventions.
• Conducting substantive donor intelligence analysis and engaging in dialogue with potential counterparts to incorporate the ICPD agenda into new areas.
• Supporting the communication team in documenting best practices and monitoring donor visibility.
• Preparing partnership briefs and updating relevant technical documents, including partnership monitoring tools.
• Proofreading reports for donors and participating in media relations. 1
• Assisting in the preparation of significant events such as International Days, campaigns, and conferences. 1
• Carrying out any other relevant activities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National Partnerships Specialist position should possess a strong commitment to UNFPA’s values and guiding principles. They should demonstrate a proven ability to achieve results and be accountable for their work. The ideal candidate will have developed and applied professional expertise in partnership building and resource mobilization. Analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in teams and manage relationships. Strong communication skills are necessary for impactful engagement with stakeholders. A genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance, is also required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline would be an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of development issues, particularly in the context of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, or a related field. Experience working with UN agencies, government entities, or non-governmental organizations in Laos or similar contexts is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully establishing and managing partnerships that contribute to development goals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Lao or other local languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. The position may involve travel within Laos to engage with various stakeholders and partners. The role is expected to be full-time, and the duration of the contract will be specified upon selection.