Partnership Expert

Volunteering Communications & PR IT & Telecom

Overview

Support UNICEF’s strategic partnerships with ECOWAS and AES in Nigeria.

You have:

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the development field and/or in a global private sector company.
• Fluency in English is essential (Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills).
• Knowledge of French, other working languages of the sub-region an asset.
• Experience working with international organizations, reputable organizations within the private sector, NGOs and/or UN.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Genuine commitment towards principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

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 fulfil 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!

Background: UNICEF is a leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child. Child rights begin with safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education. UNICEF has spent nearly 80 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Working with and for children through adolescence and into adulthood requires a global presence whose goal is to produce results and monitor their effects. UNICEF also lobbies and partners with leaders, thinkers and policy makers to help all children realize their rights - especially the most disadvantaged.

In this context, UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of an experienced Partnership and Advocacy Expert to support the corporate effort to strengthen UNICEF’s strategic partnerships with regional and sub-regional intergovernmental organizations, under the guidance and supervision of the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative. She/he will be UNICEF West Africa focal point for strengthening sector-specific partnerships and sustaining strategic relations built with the Regional Economic Commission (REC) - the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) headquartered in Abuja, while initiating relations with the recently formed Alliance des États du Sahel; Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The post will provide day-to-day liaison functions with ECOWAS and the AES, following up on UNICEF engagement with the regional organizations along established strategic priorities and representing UNICEF West and Central Regional Office WCARO/Centres of Excellence (CoE) and the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria in meetings and activities of ECOWAS and the AES. The position is domiciled in the UNICEF Abuja Office, and the incumbent will assist the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria in her/his role as the accredited Representative to ECOWAS. The Representative in Nigeria will provide guidance and supervision of implementation of the goals/objectives set by the regional office and CoE.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNICEF Nigeria Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV West Africa Partnerships Expert will:

• In close coordination with Regional Office (RO) and relevant RO and Centre of Excellence (CoE) specialist teams, the Expert will provide strategic technical expertise to facilitate the engagement between ECOWAS/AES entities and UNICEF, including UNICEF Country Offices, on various thematic areas. • In linkage with RO Front Office and relevant regional office and centres of excellence teams, perform day-to-day liaison functions with ECOWAS/AES and follow up UNICEF engagement with the Regional Economic Commissions (RECs) along strategic priorities set at the region level. • Under the overall supervision of the Country Representative, and in consultation with RO/CoE, the incumbent will provide technical expertise to implementing agreements reached with the RECs, instigating new types of partnerships and leveraging them strategically to promote the rights of children in West Africa. • In consultation with the regional office and CoE, monitor and participate in key sub-regional activities for West Africa. • Provide inputs for core documents and reports on UNICEF’S partnership with ECOWAS/AES, including advocacy material on UNICEF’s activities in the region. • Assist the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria in her/his role as accredited Representative to ECOWAS. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement etc.

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains.

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise.

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently and timely; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear, concise reports.

• Flexibility and adaptability.

• Genuine commitment towards principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, and to the UN Core Values.

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the development field and/or in a global private sector company. Experience should be at the regional level, including exposure to complex multi-stakeholder partnerships and at least three years’ experience in policy and strategy development design and implementation. • Fluency in English is essential (Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills). Knowledge of French, other working languages of the sub-region an asset. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing, • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Experience working with international organizations, reputable organizations within the private sector, NGOs and/or UN. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Have affinity with or interest in Child Rights, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org