Partnerships Development Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background information- ECR

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices in the region, providing management and financial/programmatic oversight of Global and Country specific Portfolios, Clusters and Operations Centers including hosting services, fund management, management advisory services, implementing projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources. ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

SDG Lab at UN Geneva Led by UN Geneva, the SDG Lab is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to create more systemic collaboration within the Geneva SDG Ecosystem and in the international community to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG Lab creates space for interdisciplinary, multisectoral collaboration, and innovation while consistently testing assumptions and asking questions about what is needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda through the paradigms of innovation, integration and collaboration.

In January 2023 the SDG Lab will start a new three-year project phase to scale up its work in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda by bringing together diverse actors of the Geneva ecosystem and beyond to contribute towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To deliver on its vision, the SDG Lab requires more financial resources and partnerships to support its main functions and activities—as a convenor and facilitator, a knowledge broker, and a communicator—and to meet stakeholder demand. In line with this goal, and with the recommendation made by the recent External Evaluation of the SDG Lab, the initiative requires the expert services of a Resource Mobilization Specialist to lead in the identification and follow through of fundraising efforts and strategic partnerships for the SDG Lab.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the SDG Lab Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Draft a brief, two to three-page resource mobilization strategy to guide and frame the fundraising efforts of the SDG Lab.
• As part of the strategy, identify a minimum of 10 potential donors and financial partners that are aligned with the goals/activities/themes of the SDG Lab. This task of mapping current and potential donors / partners will be done in consultation with the Lab Director and Member State Focal Point.
• For each donor / partner identified, prepare a fundraising package in the form of a:

a) Two-page pitch document that is tailor-made and aligned with the interests of the donor / partner and which highlights how the SDG Lab can support and elevate activities;

b) Presentation, based on the pitch document, that can be delivered to the donor / partner during a fundraising meeting; and

c) Follow-up plan to reconnect with the donor / partner on next steps for possible funding support.

• Organize fundraising activities, such as donor briefings and presentations or joint donor events.
• Lead the development of resource mobilization presentations, proposals, and briefing notes.
• Utilize research and analytics to identify and recommend emerging sources of funding and assess their current usage and potential for the future.
• Participate in donor meetings and lead the preparation of donor agreements.
• Provide substantive input into outreach / publicity material geared towards donors and partners.

Results/Expected Outputs

• At least 4 substantive donor / partner fundraising leads with a minimum contribution value of USD 400,000.
• Increased visibility of SDG Lab among donors, e.g., Member States, foundations, private sector actors, etc.
• New funding opportunities successfully identified and mapped as part of the resource mobilization strategy.
• Fundraising and promotional materials developed, and team members briefed in taking these assets forward following the conclusion of the consultancy.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Finance, Business, Political Sciences, or related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in these fields, combined with an additional 2 years of excess experience, will be accepted in lieu of the master's degree

Experience

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies is an asset
• Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising outcomes with governments, foundations, other public sector entities and the private sector is an asset
• Experience writing fundraising proposals and promotional materials is an asset
• Established networks and connections relevant to the Geneva International community (e.g. governments, foundations, etc.) is desirable.
• Understanding of the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs is desirable.
• Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of French is desired.

Language - Fluent spoken and written English is required. - Knowledge of French is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: I-ICA 2, ICS 10 Expected Contract duration: 6 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland which is classified as a family duty station.

The contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.