Partnerships Specialist (Business Community Resilience), NOC, ECA Office, Bridgetown, Barbados (Temp Appt)

Mid Communications & PR

Contract

This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

The UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area (ECA) works across eight independent states and four overseas territories that are classified as high- or upper-middle-income. As small island developing States, ECA countries are highly vulnerable to external shocks and the effects of climate change, including intense hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding and landslides. Furthermore, countries are caught in a middle-income trap, with disparities in access to social services as well as severe deprivations and vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect children.

The importance of the corporate sector in ECA is substantial, impacting significantly on children’s lives and the sector is viewed as a key duty bearer and partner for child rights realization by UNICEF. UNICEF ECA increasing is focusing on strengthening Integrated Corporate Engagement, with a view to strengthen technical assistance, advocacy and policy dialogue to ensure that business practices respect and support children’s rights. The development of industry specific tools and guidance, documentation of good practice and lessons learned will help to engage on Business and Community Resilience (BCR) and Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBP)[1] the broader business community globally, regionally, sub-regionally and locally as well as Governments and civil societies in ECA.

The current multi-country programme for 2017-2021 contributes to the following three outcomes of the Caribbean United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework: (a) an inclusive, equitable and prosperous Caribbean; (b) a safe, cohesive and just Caribbean; and (c) a sustainable and resilient Caribbean. The overall goal of the multi-country programme is to contribute to an inclusive, equitable and prosperous Eastern Caribbean that ensures the provision of quality services and support for children in the areas of education, child protection, social protection and resilience.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Representative, the incumbent will develop, manage and evaluate partnerships with the corporate sector in support of UNICEF’s mission, objectives and programme in ECA. The overall aim is to enhance UNICEF’s credibility and brand as a technical expert in the area of ‘child rights and responsible business’ and to support the advancement of the BCR and Child Rights and Business Principles (CRBP)’ agendas within industries impacting significantly on children.

The Business and Community Resilience (BCR) approach aims at building the resilience of local communities, in particular vulnerable groups including women and children, and protect them from shocks and stresses (environmental, social and environmental or climate-related) by engaging the private sector through the mobilization of its core expertise, operational capacities and networks in its diversity. This includes strengthening the resilience of local markets and leveraging the role of the private sector in enhancing the efficiency of emergency response.

The multi-faceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region have demonstrated the need to build resilient systems and communities. In particular, the pandemic has highlighted the interdependence of sectors and stakeholders, including local communities (who are often also customers/consumers) and businesses, who need to be engaged simultaneously and collaboratively to achieve community resilience, both in the short- and long-term.

The position is expected to provide technical inputs in line with UNICEF’s strategic Framework on BCR and CSR and manage programmatic alliances with national BCR related agencies, including business and industry champions, companies and associations, the national Chamber of Commerce and Industry/ies based in the sub-region.

The overall purpose is to support the development, implementation and monitoring of partnerships and strategic pilot interventions with the aim of addressing capacity gaps in selected priority industries for adapting and implementing child friendly guidelines and standards in line with CRBP. The post will primarily focus on supporting the implementation of the BCR project, but will also provide technical support to other potential partnerships with areas such as Travel and Tourism and ICT.

The specific objectives of the BCR approach are to:

1. Engage the private sector in using its core expertise to support community resilience-building including emergency response across the Eastern Caribbean, in collaboration with/support of national authorities and regional institutions (e.g. Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), through:

• The provision of sectoral expertise, e.g. WASH, education, construction sector.
• The provision of services, e.g. logistics, ICT, media, banking, insurance.
• The provision of supplies and technical solutions.

2. Engage the private sector towards improving business practices to the benefit of private sector’s employees, employees’ families and local communities where businesses operate, through:

• Building awareness among businesses of their responsibility to strengthen the resilience of their employees and their employees’ families; and to address the adverse impacts of their operations (if any) on local communities, through concrete actions, specifically by:
• Building disaster risk awareness.
• Strengthening the resilience of essential community infrastructure.
• Adopting environmentally friendly business practices.
• Protecting employees, families and communities through specific strategies, especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that may lack capacity to planning for and investing in business continuity.

These main forms of engagement are not mutually exclusive, and ideally, a comprehensive BCR approach may integrate all aspects. In addition, private sector stakeholders may advocate together with other actors such as United Nations agencies for policy-change including in support of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for community resilience building. Businesses that support a BCR approach may operate in partnership for a collective and coordinated action.

The BCR will contribute to the Eastern Caribbean – Sub regional Global Compact Network led by the Barbados/OECS Resident Coordinator. The objectives of that Network are to align the business model of companies to the Ten Global Compact Network Principles in support of the attainment of the SDGs and other international sustainable development agreements.

Collaboration will be also sought with other United Nations Agencies that engage the private sector to support Eastern Caribbean countries and territories in accelerating achievement of SDGs and more specifically building resilience of communities.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Representative and in close collaboration with relevant programme sections as well as Regional Private Sector Partnerships and Regional Climate, Environment and Disaster Risk technical advisors, the Specialist will:

Lead and support the implementation of the BCR project.

The overall objectives of the BCR project in the Eastern Caribbean are to:

• Engage the private sector on risk reduction and preparedness, emergency response and recovery, and long-term resilience building (within the business operation, for local communities in particular vulnerable groups including women and children).
• Build awareness among businesses of their responsibility to strengthen the resilience of their employees and their employees’ families; and to address the adverse impacts of their operations (if any) on local communities, through concrete actions.
• Build understanding and capacities of the private sector to adopt an approach to community resilience focusing on vulnerable groups, in collaboration with national authorities and regional institutions, as well as other key stakeholders.
• Leverage the private sector’s comparative advantage and resources to increase community resilience, with the ultimate aim to protect women’s and children’s rights.
• Position children’s rights at the core of PPPs on community resilience-related activities.
• Involve “champions” from within the business community to catalyze further private sector-led action.
• Promote innovation and the use of technologies at the service of community resilience including through the active participation of local communities

This includes the following functions/accountabilities and related tasks/duties:

1.1 Mainstreaming of the BCR approach in the UNICEF multi-country programme

• The BCR approach will be coordinated within UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area through a UNICEF BCR Team, coordinated by the BCR Specialist with the support by the Deputy Representative.
• The BCR team will meet regularly to ensure information-sharing and coordination of the various BCR work streams within UNICEF Multi-Country Office.
• The BCR approach will be mainstreamed into all processes related to the planning and implementation of the Multi-Country Programme (MCP), including situation analyses, theories of change, Strategic Moments of Reflection, programme strategy notes, multi-country programme document, and annual work plans.

UNICEF BCR team and BCR Working Group (see Outcome 2) to promote the BCR approach to inform the development of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

1.2 BCR scoping and institutionalization of BCR engagement systems

Step 1. Fostering interagency collaboration on business engagement in disaster risk reduction and resilience:

• With the support from the UNICEF Representative and the UN Resident Coordinator, establish and support the BCR Working Group within the United Nations Country Team to ensure coordination with existing initiatives of other humanitarian and development actors within the Eastern Caribbean and develop a joint UN engagement (“One UN”) strategy
• Expand the engagement of the BCR Working Group to include partners representing NGOs/CSOs, Government/national authorities and business networks.
• Foster collaboration of the BCR Working Group with other local and national initiatives on DRR and Business and Community Resilience.
• Contribute in the development of a BCR engagement plan and roadmap for BCR Working Group members to collaborate on Business and Community Resilience.

Step 2. Conducting a business and community resilience landscape analysis

The UNCT and UNICEF BCR strategies should be informed by a BCR Landscape Analysis whose objective is to analyze the multi-country context of private sector engagement in humanitarian action and resilience, identify gaps and priorities for action. Results and recommendations from the BCR Landscape Analysis should be presented and discussed with key private sectors, national authorities and UN/NGO partners identified during the BCR Landscape Analysis process.

Activities:

• Building on existing Private Sector Landscape Analysis, develop a Business and Community Resilience Landscape Analysis to map all relevant stakeholders and existing initiatives supporting Business and Community Resilience.
• Based on the Mapping of stakeholders and initiatives supporting Business and Community Resilience, consult with all relevant stakeholders to identify good practices, lessons learned, gaps and opportunities for engagement.
• In consultation with national authorities and with the BCR Working Group, identify priority areas to be addressed through engagement with the private sector and other traditional humanitarian and development actors.
• In consultation with national authorities and with the BCR Working Group, develop an engagement plan and identify potential partners to support future Business and Community Resilience actions.

Step 3. Mobilize relevant stakeholders to support national disaster risk reduction and community resilience:

• Based on the Landscape Analysis and Mapping of key stakeholders, identify relevant stakeholders to be invited to the “co-creation” Conference and/or workshop(s) on BCR.
• Consult with key stakeholders to agree on key outcomes of the Conference/workshop, format and suggested dates – potentially aligned with activities related to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) or other national or regional business networks and/or DRM events.
• Identify potential events to piggy-back on (e.g. Annual Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management).
• Organize “co-creation” workshop(s)/conference(s) (format to be decided, based on expected outcomes), including sessions dedicated to key concrete DRM areas to which the private sector can contribute, such as hazard and risk analysis and mapping at community level, early warning systems, big data use for DRM and humanitarian response, C4D campaigns; humanitarian supplies and emergency logistics, cash transfers in emergencies, micro-insurance schemes for disasters and community-scale mitigation works.
• Implement a Communication Plan to promote such an initiative at local, national and regional levels.
• Develop a report capturing the highlights of the workshop/conference, to be shared with relevant participants.

Step 4. Develop strategic activities in support of disaster risk reduction and business and community resilience:

• Based on outcomes from the co-creation workshop(s), BCR working Group to consult with national authorities and other relevant stakeholders to develop an Action Plan identifying key activities and responsibilities.
• Build on the momentum created during the workshop to establish, maintain or expand the engagement with relevant participants and partners.
• Consult with the national authorities and BCR Working Group and Clusters to agree on common priorities and goals.
• Develop a strategy for engagement with the aim to formalize engagement with all relevant stakeholders in support of Business and Community Resilience activities in phase 2 of the BCR project.
• Develop an Action Plan identifying key strategic activities and responsibilities in disaster risk reduction and business and community resilience to be implemented in Phase 2 of the BCR project for years 3 to 5

1.3 BCR Project management:

Global coordination and oversight of the BCR initiative (also implemented in Guatemala, Indonesia, and Peru) will be managed by a Global BCR Coordinator. The Global BCR Coordinator will look at both strengthening the engagement with other related initiatives such as CBi and ARISE networks as well as promoting the BCR approach at global level and internally.

Regional coordination in Latin America and the Caribbean region will be ensured by the BCR Regional coordinator reporting to the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office. The BCR Regional Coordinator will provide technical support to the three (3) offices selected in the region, as well as to promote the BCR approach at regional and country levels.

At country-level, the project will be managed by a BCR Community Resilience specialist who will lead on the BCR project and coordinate the UNICEF BCR team. That person will be specifically responsible for:

• Monitoring implementation of the project
• Reporting
• Interacting with the regional office team
• Participation to the evaluation of global UNICEF BCR initiative
• Interacting with the BCR interagency working group and all other key stakeholders
• Providing inputs to regional office and the global BCR coordinator on request
• Advise ECA management on how best to sustain the project
• Contribute to fundraising whenever opportunities arise

2. Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with the corporate and non-corporate sector for the development of a sustainable technical support and capacity development infrastructure for companies undertaking to implement the CRBP.

3. Introduce the UN CRC General Comment 16 on State Obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children’s rights to key government stakeholders and provide advocacy and technical support to a broad range of government and non-government partners for their engagement to ensure that children’s rights are protected in line with General Comment 16.

4. Lead the development of a specific CRBP Theory of Change and Strategy, in line with UNICEF’s Strategic Framework on CSR and taking into consideration good practice and lessons learnt from local, sub regional and global levels in the new UNICEF 2021 – 2025 Multi-Country Programme.

5. Support resource mobilization efforts by engaging actively with PSFP CSR Unit and potential and relevant private sector donors and supporters and by contributing with the development of CSR/CRBP related concept notes and project proposals

The staff member will be agile and proactive in seizing opportunities for developing effective BCR and CRBP partnerships as per above key functions.

The incumbent will work closely with relevant business associations (advocacy, information sharing, partnership building); with professional organizations (advocacy, research, support for resource mobilization activities), media organizations (advocacy, networking, information sharing) and private sector individuals and non-governmental organizations (advocacy, partnership building, strategy and activity development) as well as relevant government institutions at national and sub-regional levels.

Impact of results:

Effective mainstreaming of the BCR approach in the UN, including UNICEF multi-country programming across the Eastern Caribbean area, an effective engagement with businesses and Caribbean relevant institutions to strengthen community resilience will result into resilient communities that will be equipped to protect the wellbeing of children in all circumstances whether emergency on normal times. This means more vulnerable children surviving, thriving, enjoying fully the rights in all times.

Industry Specific key strategic pilots implemented and documented: Achievement of programme results from new and existing corporate sector partnerships as per timelines and work plan.

Existing partnerships strengthened and enhanced: Existing and potential private sector partnerships contribute to the achievement of programme results as per UNICEF BCR and CSR Frameworks for benefit of children in ECA.

Strategy development: A theory of change and strategy on BCR and CRBP developed based on global, regional and local good practice and lessons learned in close partnership with relevant internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation activities undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of corporate partnerships with focus on BCR and CRBP. Results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

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

• Master's degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Economic Development, Humanitarian and Development Studies, Social Science, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or other relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience; including in developing and managing partnerships with business, CSR, Private Foundation or similar, and in humanitarian or development work and/or in brokering and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships for humanitarian / emergency (ideally in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery);
• Sound and Up-to-date knowledge of corporate partnership management and corporate social responsibility as well as sustainability.
• Demonstrated understanding of impact measurement;
• Experience in writing briefings, donor and budget reports, periodic reporting;
• Experience in working in or supporting a developing country in humanitarian or development programs, emergency or early recovery situations.
• Experience in working with international organizations (including UN agencies) and donors in terms of partnership building initiatives on disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery is an asset.
• Experience in leading innovations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

For every Child, you demonstrate...

Core Values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability

Core competencies skills:

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing (3), Persuading & Influencing (2) Planning & Organizing (3)

Technical Competencies:

• Knowledge of current theories and practice in strategic partnerships including mapping, brokering and management, planning and strategy; project management; and communications.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategies, plans and guidance related to partnerships.
• Ability to develop and present proposals and presentations on partnerships.
• Proven project management, communication & reporting skills.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects involving inter-divisional and external coordination.

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[1] http://www.unicef.org/csr/12.htm

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.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

This is a National Officer position and is therefore only available to Nationals of Barbados

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

UNICEF reserves the right to make additional assessment of the pre-selected candidates, if needed.

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.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org