UNICEF seeks to recruit a Programme Specialist (Private Sector), P-3, Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP), Geneva, Switzerland #107467

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

 

For every child, hope

UNICEF Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) Division is based in Geneva with the remit to serve the global organisation, including the network of 34 UNICEF National Committees, with leadership and technical support to achieve our goals of engaging with the Private Sector.

The Programme Coordination Unit within PFP enables colleagues across the organisation to leverage game changing partnerships with UNICEF’s prioritized strategic private sector partners using Impact Content and by strategically connecting the “field” with the private sector.

 

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of this job is to spearhead and lead Pillar 2 of the team strategy, which is “Connecting the Field with the Private Sector”.  UNICEF is a large and decentralized organization, with a complex structure of HQ, Regional Offices, Country Offices, and National Committees.  The dialogue between all of these parties is critical to successful partnerships, but the ways in which they are currently achieved could be streamlined and more strategic.  This post would spearhead, with consultancy support, three new initiatives, to be phased in from late 2018 onwards, to strategically engage the field with PFP and National Committees at critical points, to leverage the best internal relationships and therefore contribute to strong private sector partnerships.

 

Main Tasks:

The incumbent is expected to complement and leverage the Impact Content developed by the larger team with specific initiatives designed to strategically engage the “field” with the private sector.

1. Strategic Visits to the Field to Leverage Maximum Value

Field trips have historically been a great way for UNICEF, in particular National Committees, and respective donors and partners to understand the work of UNICEF in a practical, emotive way.   However, the ad hoc approach which has been operating for many years for our core development work (field trips in emergencies has become much more coordinated in recent years) is not necessarily efficient and not always effective in galvanizing more resources. There is a strong perception that a more coordinated and strategic approach could result in a higher return on investment.

UNICEF, through new initiatives could pilot new ways of showcasing UNICEF’s core work and influence to prospective high value partners as well as advocating with governments and other influencers. Based on the results of pilot trips, these could be scaled up to become one of the core tools that UNICEF uses to engage and persuade prospective donors and partners.

2. Bespoke “bridging the divide” training programmes

Communicating or “pitching” to the private sector the complex work of UNICEF requires strong foundational knowledge of development, key thematic areas, and the operations of UNICEF Country Offices.  Likewise, the preparation of the best partnership propositions requires a solid understanding of the unique structure of UNICEF and National Committees and the diverse private sector audiences and contexts in which they operate.

To build this knowledge and prepare National Committees, Regional Offices, Country Offices and Headquarter Divisions, PFP Programme Coordination is proposing the development of a set of new, be-spoke training modules that are designed for different target groups within the UNICEF family.  One of these tracks could be designed for National Committees and PFP senior front-line partnership staff to train them on the basics of UNICEF’s operations and programmes in the field, its connection to key principles like shared value, and the most successful ways of communicating this to the private sector.  Another track could be for Country Office senior staff to provide a baseline understanding of how the private sector can engage with UNICEF, and their varying motivations and incentive structures.

These varying tracks and related modules, executed through both in-person trainings and e-learning, would act as a building block approach, so that over time, all targeted staff members could achieve a level of foundational knowledge that would empower them to better engage with the most strategic partners.

3. Guidance between National Committees and the field

To ensure clarity on the above initiatives as well as the volume of ongoing engagement on a variety of fundraising and engagement, a set of clear guidance for National Committees, PFP, and Regional Offices/Country Offices will be developed.  This guidance will outline, especially within the context of partnerships, how each entity can work effectively together to leverage much-needed resources to the field and the achievement of fundraising targets.

To further support this guidance, staff would be encouraged to participate in the Short-Term Assignment Initiative that is currently in operation between the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) and PFP/National Committees and has roll-out plans across the organization.

 

Deliverables:

Within the above main tasks, there are key deliverables within the 364-day period:

1.  Development and piloting of a new model of strategic field visits with at least one field trip, assessment of learnings, and preparation of a second field trip.
2. Development of a new bespoke training programme and accompanying modules, and piloting of it with at least two target groups within UNICEF.
3.  Development a 5-8 page Guidance Note for Country Offices and National Committees on how to strategically engage with each other, leading to higher value and more efficient engagement with the private sector.

    

 

Reporting to:

Chief of Programme Coordination, PFP, Geneva, Switzerland

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced degree in one of the following fields: communications, social sciences, marketing, public relations, business administration and management, or other related fields is required. (A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.)
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in private sector engagement/Fundraising with significant cross-over with UNICEF programming including innovation, donor outreach and management, or project administration in partnerships, preferably with some at the international level.
• Solid understanding of shared value and innovation-related partnerships, specifically in development markets.
• Proven track record of developing and managing a training programme.
• Strong planning/organizing, and networking/relating skills
• Strong writing skills, with strong preference for knowledge and experience in writing for UNICEF private sector audiences.
• Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity.

Core competencies

• Communication [III]
• Drive for Result [II]
• Working With People [II]

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]
• Planning and Organizing [II]
• Applying technical expertise [II]
• Relating and Networking [II]
• Entrepreneurial thinking [II]
• Persuading and Influencing [II]

 

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Apply now