Regional Private Sector Partnerships Specialist

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Division, under the Office of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications, fosters private sector engagement to support IOM's strategic priorities. This role is based in the IOM Regional Office in Nairobi, supporting Sub-Saharan Africa.

Job Purpose

The Regional Private Sector Partnerships Specialist will drive the design and implementation of regional and cross-border partnership strategies with private sector actors across Sub-Saharan Africa. This role is crucial for initiating, scaling, and managing high-value partnerships with corporations, foundations, and other entities to advance IOM's strategic plan and regional strategies. The specialist will also focus on resource mobilization through innovative financing instruments, capacity building for IOM staff in private sector engagement, and monitoring partnership impact. The ultimate goal is to leverage private sector expertise, innovation, and capital to support safe, orderly, and regular migration, enhance migrant protection, and achieve development outcomes.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing regional private sector partnership strategies, driving the initiation and management of high-value partnerships with corporates and foundations, and coordinating an external Private Sector Advisory Group. The role involves designing multi-stakeholder and blended-finance models, representing IOM in relevant forums, and leading resource mobilization efforts to diversify funding. This includes promoting innovative financing instruments and engaging investors by communicating IOM’s value proposition. Additionally, the specialist will provide technical guidance and training to IOM staff to strengthen private sector engagement capacities, facilitate knowledge sharing, and support country offices in partnership structuring and due diligence. Monitoring Key Performance Indicators and reporting on partnership effectiveness and impact are also core duties.

Work Experience

Requires at least five years of experience in private sector partnership building, with a proven track record in fundraising and meeting targets in Africa. Experience with CSR, ESG frameworks, exploring new opportunities, developing solutions with partners, and building long-term relationships across sectors and geographies is essential. Cross-functional work experience and success in mobilizing financial resources from corporations and foundations are also necessary.

Skills

Key skills include reconciling organizational and partner needs, strong report writing and donor correspondence abilities, effectively communicating complex issues, developing unique value propositions for partners, and an in-depth understanding of private sector partnerships, fundraising, philanthropy, migration, business, and human rights.

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