Public Partnership Specialist
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO), based in Panama City, provides strategic leadership and oversight to 24 Country Offices, advancing child rights and equity through evidence-based policies and partnerships.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Specialist is a seasoned professional responsible for external relations, focusing on partnership development and resource mobilization. The role directly impacts UNICEF's reputation through quality work and external communications. While following established procedures, the specialist is expected to recommend strategies for engagement and communication products. This position is accountable for delivering substantive input and projecting a competent and trusted image of UNICEF to partners, contributing to the organization's ability to advance child-centered policies and mobilize support for children in a complex and evolving regional policy environment.
Responsibilities
The Partnerships Specialist will implement work plans for assigned areas to ensure timely and cost-effective results aligned with UNICEF’s partnership strategy. This includes actively seeking and promoting new partnerships and mobilizing resources by identifying needs and brokering agreements. The specialist will screen inquiries from potential collaborators, facilitate communication, and scan the external environment for opportunities and risks, sharing timely information with UNICEF staff. They will provide strategic, logistical, and programmatic support to senior management and other staff for corporate engagement with assigned partners. Developing and maintaining in-depth knowledge of current and prospective partners and stakeholders is crucial, contributing to a database of key contacts and UNICEF’s knowledge base on partnerships and resource mobilization. Expanding UNICEF’s network of key interlocutors to build stronger relationships with governments, regional development institutions, foundations, civil society organizations, and international financial institutions is a key function. The role involves developing and implementing annual partnership engagement and resource mobilization plans, acting as a focal point for outreach, engagement, policy influence, and collaboration opportunities. This includes anticipating and responding to partners’ concerns, ensuring UNICEF’s interests are considered in policy processes, and contributing to strategies for engagement and communication products to enhance UNICEF’s visibility and influence.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in external relations, partnership development, resource mobilization, or a related field. Experience in a developing country context is an asset. Experience working with regional development organizations, international financial institutions, or foundations is desirable.
Skills
Partnership Development, Resource Mobilization, External Relations, Strategic Planning, Communication Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement, Networking, Project Management, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Negotiation