Head of Visibility and Impact for Partners

Job Posting Organization:
The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is a key component of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), established to position UNDP as the leading global development agency. BERA focuses on promoting UNDP's authority and thought leadership on sustainable development, poverty alleviation, inequality, and climate change. The Bureau is responsible for creating strong political and financial support for UNDP by effectively communicating its mission and capabilities. BERA operates through a network of Representation Offices in major cities such as Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo, Germany, and Washington D.C., and has Regional Teams across five hubs: Africa, Arab States, Asia Pacific, Europe and CIS, and Latin America and the Caribbean. This extensive network allows BERA to manage and strengthen relationships with various partners, including OECD DAC donors and private sector organizations. The Bureau is structured around three main service lines: Public Partnerships, Advocacy, Marketing and Communications, and Private and Finance Partners, all working collaboratively to achieve UNDP's strategic goals.

Job Overview:
The Head of Visibility and Impact for Partners will play a crucial role in leading the partner communications strategy within BERA’s Advocacy, Marketing and Communications team. This position requires close collaboration with the Public Partnerships Team and Representation Offices to enhance UNDP's visibility and strengthen partnerships through effective communication and advocacy. The incumbent will oversee the development and implementation of visibility strategies that align with UNDP's corporate resource mobilization strategy, ensuring that communications efforts support engagement opportunities with funding partners. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of development challenges and the ability to work across various teams and projects to achieve strategic objectives. The Head will also be responsible for managing a team of seven personnel, guiding them in their efforts to enhance partner visibility and engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the partner communications strategy aligned with the corporate resource mobilization strategy, providing strategic support for partner recognition and engagement.
• Oversee the creation and systemization of content for partner communications, including messages and examples of impact.
• Coordinate and collaborate with BERA teams and regional bureaus to mainstream partner visibility in communications efforts.
• Manage the production of key communications assets related to strategic partnership moments.
• Oversee support to Country Offices for effective partner communication through innovative approaches.
• Expand the ‘Group of Champions’ initiative and align CO communication initiatives with partner visibility priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance to Representation Offices to increase visibility with top partners and donors.
• Manage the VIP team’s contributions to BERA’s centralized Knowledge Data bank, ensuring resources are available for corporate global use.
• Supervise and manage a team of seven personnel, ensuring effective collaboration and support across UNDP.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in communications, partnerships, or advocacy is required for candidates with a master’s degree, or 12 years for those with a bachelor’s degree.
• Proven experience in managing people, processes, and projects in complex environments is essential.
• A demonstrated track record of successful partner communications engagement in international development contexts is desired.
• Experience in leading resource mobilization strategies is an advantage.
• Prior experience at the UN/UNDP in a similar role is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience may be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communications and advocacy in an international development context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 12 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should encompass communications, partnerships, advocacy, public relations, or campaigns, with a strong emphasis on managing high-profile global communications initiatives. Candidates should have a proven ability to engage effectively with diverse global and national audiences and manage successful advocacy campaigns.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a robust knowledge of a second UN language is highly desirable, as it enhances communication capabilities within the diverse international context of UNDP's operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in New York, with a focus on international development and partnership engagement. The incumbent will be expected to complete a probationary period as part of the hiring process. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive workplace. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the hiring process.