Partnerships Specialist
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to protecting children's rights and well-being. In Afghanistan, UNICEF has a 70-year presence, delivering essential services in health, nutrition, education, child protection, WASH, and social policy, while also responding to humanitarian needs. As a major UN agency in the country, UNICEF is crucial for mobilizing resources and partnerships to support vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities for all children through its development and humanitarian programs.
Job Purpose
This assignment is within UNICEF Afghanistan's Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Unit, which manages a diverse donor portfolio including bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, UN pooled funds, National Committees, foundations, and private sector partners. The role will focus on supporting donor engagement, resource mobilization efforts, grant management, donor reporting, and strategic communications. The incumbent will contribute directly to UNICEF Afghanistan's humanitarian and development objectives by strengthening partnerships and securing necessary funding to implement vital programs for children and communities.
Responsibilities
Assist in achieving the Afghanistan Country Office's fundraising targets and implementing the Resource Mobilization plan by preparing and coordinating funding proposals, concept notes, briefing notes, and analyses to enhance donor engagement. Provide oversight, technical support, and guidance on proposal development and grant management in collaboration with the Public Partnership Division. Support the implementation of visibility and recognition plans with the Communications Section to highlight UNICEF's role in Afghanistan and meet donor communication requirements. Ensure the timeliness and quality of donor reporting and submissions by gathering, consolidating, editing, and formatting reports, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, data quality, and systematic results-based reporting.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. This includes excellent verbal and written communication skills for drafting donor-facing materials, proven ability to work under pressure with strong prioritization skills, and diplomatic negotiation skills for building partnerships. Experience in resource mobilization processes, proposal development, donor reporting, and grant management is essential. The role also requires skills in research, identifying opportunities, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
Skills
Core values include Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability. Core competencies are Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results. Functional competencies include Demonstrating Self-Awareness and Ethical Awareness, Innovating and Embracing Change, Thinking and Acting Strategically, and Managing Ambiguity and Complexity. Additional areas of expertise include communication, advocacy, public information, project management, programme development, and strategy.