Partnerships Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term Position, #00118353, Antananarivo, Madagascar (Open for the nationals of Madagascar only)
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a diverse and passionate culture.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Specialist supports the Chief of Communications and Advocacy and senior management in enhancing UNICEF's engagement with the private sector in Madagascar. This role is crucial for developing strategic partnerships with companies, foundations, and business networks to achieve sustainable impact for children. A key focus is mobilizing both financial and non-financial resources to support UNICEF's programmes and advocating for responsible business practices that uphold children's rights. The specialist will identify and cultivate new collaboration opportunities, develop engagement plans aligned with UNICEF's Business for Results framework, and manage relationships with private sector entities. This position aims to strengthen UNICEF's network and positioning as a preferred partner for private sector engagement, contributing to resource mobilization and policy influence.
Responsibilities
Map private sector partnership opportunities in Madagascar, proactively identifying, cultivating, and promoting collaborations with companies, corporate foundations, and business networks. Work with UNICEF colleagues to identify programme funding needs and develop partnerships that mobilize financial and non-financial resources for UNICEF priorities. Develop and implement annual private sector partnership engagement plans aligned with UNICEF’s Business for Results (B4R) framework, identifying priority partners, engagement opportunities, and resource mobilization strategies. Screen and manage inquiries from potential private sector collaborators, facilitating engagement with relevant UNICEF teams. Monitor the external environment and private sector landscape to identify emerging opportunities, risks, and trends, sharing timely analysis to inform partnership strategies. Provide strategic, logistical, and programmatic support to senior management and other UNICEF staff in corporate engagement and interaction with assigned partners. Develop and maintain deep knowledge of current and prospective partners and relevant stakeholders, contributing to a database of key contacts and UNICEF’s knowledge base on partnership and resource mobilization. Enable private sector actors and relevant policymakers on children’s rights in a business context and how to ensure their respect as part of corporate strategies. Identify trend topics in Madagascar for private sector capacity building, such as family-friendly policies, to enhance understanding of children's rights and their impact, aligned with the UNICEF Child Rights and Business agenda. Expand UNICEF’s network of private sector interlocutors by cultivating relationships with companies, corporate foundations, business associations, and economic leaders. Act as a focal point for identifying and pursuing opportunities for private sector-related outreach, engagement, policy influence, and collaboration, including anticipating and responding to partners’ concerns and priorities. Ensure UNICEF’s interests, perspectives, and knowledge are considered in relevant policy and institutional processes addressing the private sector landscape. Contribute to the development of new partnership and resource mobilization practices and approaches, including proposal, reporting, and monitoring stages of partnership agreements. Analyze current trends within designated partners and formulate recommendations for strategy approaches and message development. Contribute to strategies for engagement and the development of communications products to enhance UNICEF’s visibility vis-à-vis private sector actors and influence with existing and prospective partners and key stakeholders.
Work Experience
At least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, corporate social responsibility, or a related field, preferably within an international organization or NGO context. Experience in the specific country context is an asset.
Skills
Partnership Development, Resource Mobilization, Corporate Engagement, Business Development, Stakeholder Management, Communication Strategy, Advocacy, Project Management, Market Analysis, Networking, Negotiation, Reporting