Public Partnerships Specialist

Post Number : BSP/TA 009

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-APR-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the Division for Partnerships and direct supervision of the Chief of the Section for Strategic Partnerships and Donor Relations, the Public Partnerships Specialist is responsible for various aspects of partnership development and management, development and implementation of partner engagement strategies and approaches for assigned government partners and respective thematic areas.

Responsible for a portfolio of government partners, the Public Partnerships Specialist will enable public partnerships, build trust, foster partner engagement and support resource mobilization efforts for large scale, high-impact, scalable programmes, liaising closely with Government agencies and Departments, UN agencies, relevant UNESCO Programme Sectors and Field Offices, by performing the following duties:

Long Description

Partner intelligence and strategic positioning

• Keep track of developments and priorities with partnership potential in assigned partner countries and proactively share developments with senior management, Field Offices and relevant units across UNESCO. 
• Identify opportunities to strategically position UNESCO with assigned government counterparts in close coordination with Programme Sectors, Field Offices and specialized institutes. 
• Prepare comprehensive and substantive briefs, reports, statistics, income projections and other specific donor-related materials for senior management for assigned countries.

Long Description

Partner engagement and relationship management

• Develop and maintain excellent channels of communication and strong working relationships with donor counterparts in Permanent Delegations and capitals, contributing to a database of key contacts.
• Actively contribute to the development and implementation of partner engagement strategies, proactively coordinating outreach from UNESCO’s senior management in order to promote cooperation with UNESCO. 
• Coordinate, facilitate and support regular strategic dialogues, review meetings and other consultations with assigned government partners.

Long Description

Portfolio management and advisory support

• Keep track of the portfolio of agreements with assigned partners, anticipating possible issues and troubleshooting as required, including agreements under negotiation, in close collaboration with the Grants Management Section. 
• Support Programme Sectors, Field Offices, specialized institutes and other relevant units in framing new proposals in line with the donor priorities and provide advice to Programme Sectors, Field Offices and specialized institutes to ensure that donor expectations are met.
• Guide and support UNESCO units, including Field Offices, in their engagement with partner/donor countries, advise them on proposal development, and coordinate closely with relevant Headquarters’ services, in particular the Grants Management Section.
• Contribute to the provision of capacity development to colleagues on resource mobilization and partner engagement.
• Perform any other related duties and tasks as assigned by the Chief of the Section for Strategic Partnerships and Donor Relations and/or the Director of the Division for Partnerships.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social and political sciences, international relations, development studies, business administration, public policy or related fields.

Work experience

• At least 4 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the fields of partnership development and resource mobilization and programme management, or related field, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.

Skills /Competencies

• Demonstrated analytical and technical skills in partnership development and resource mobilization.  
• Demonstrated political acumen, judgment, technical knowledge, and interpersonal skills in representing the Organization effectively to advocate and to promote organizational priorities, initiatives and a better understanding of the organizational strategic agenda.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the current international development landscape and of UNESCO’s mandate and impact.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to establish, maintain, and enhance broad strategic networks and partnerships with international partners in order to build alliances to advance organizational interests and competencies.
• Proven ability to introduce new approaches and strategic innovations.
• Knowledge of Results Based Management principles and approaches.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in partnership development and resource mobilization in one or more of UNESCO’s fields of competence.
• Professional experience gained in multicultural working environments.

Skills /Competencies

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN System.
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s programmes and programme management cycles, governance mechanisms.
• Familiarity with the UN reform process.

Languages

•  Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 104 581 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.