Policy and Partnerships Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

 

JOB SUMMARY

 

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions.

Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations.

People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The UN SDG Action Campaign is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General hosted by the Executive Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and based in Bonn, Germany.

The Campaign is mandated to convene, campaign and catalyze by accelerating SDG action.

The Campaign’s Advocacy for Change approach aims at systemic transformation by rethinking, recalibrating, and reimagining economies and societies so that they serve people and the planet, while inspiring SDG action and sending a message of hope and possibilities.

The UN SDG Action Campaign facilitates convening spaces and supports the engagement of civil society organizations and other key stakeholders in relevant dialogues and processes, with a focus in the areas of financing for development, gender equality, climate action, sustainable food systems and justice and peace.

Additionally, the Campaign lends its advocacy and communication support to key partners including through open-source advocacy campaigns, SDG media dialogues, SDG digital art exhibits to inspire action and engage new audiences and tap into humanity’s creative power for good.

And the UN SDG Action Awards programme, the Campaign’s flagship initiative, serves to identify and celebrate exceptional changemakers and initiatives that are making a difference towards the 2030 Agenda.

Position Purpose:

Under the overall guidance of the UN SDG Action Campaign Global Director and direct supervision of the Deputy Director, the Policy and Partnerships Specialist reports directly to the Deputy Director providing strategic advisory support to the UN SDG Action Campaign.

The incumbent is entrusted with providing strategic policy support, coordinating the communications and partnerships portfolio and supporting the resource mobilization efforts of the UN SDG Action Campaign.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals.

Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities
Lead on policy coordination for the UN SDG Action Campaign
  • Provide strategic advice on policy priorities for the Campaign and coordinate the Campaign messaging across communications channels;
  • Lead the preparation of substantive documentation for the Campaign, including briefing notes, talking points, scripts, proposals, presentations and background materials;
  • Conduct policy research and analyses and prepare analytical briefs on key Campaign priorities;
  • Monitor and provide quality assurance for Campaign outputs, including messaging from senior management and communications, campaigning and advocacy products;
  • Monitor policy and decision-making processes and events related to the priorities and strategy of the Campaign.

Ensure effective coordination of  partnerships portfolio of the UN SDG Action Campaign

  • Coordinate the outreach and partnership efforts of the UN SDG Action Campaign with key constituencies, including civil society organizations, to collaborate on advocacy and campaigning initiatives aligned with the UN SDG Action Campaign priorities and strategy;
  • Manage and nurture existing partnerships, including coordinating with donors;
  • Identify and develop new advocacy partnerships and alliances to enhance the Campaign’s and partners’ visibility;
  • Provide strategic advice on partnerships opportunities and positioning of the Campaign;
  • Actively contribute to relevant communities of practice and share lessons learnt/best practices capitalizing the successful partnerships;
  • Synthesize knowledge and learning focusing on building strategic partnerships;
  • Lead the establishment and maintenance of internal and external partnership knowledge networks, including through established corporate mechanisms and processes.

Provide strategic support to the resource mobilization efforts of the UN SDG Action Campaign

  • Identify and explore fundraising opportunities and provide strategic resource mobilization advice to the Campaign leadership;
  • Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of relationships with existing and new donors and partners;
  • Facilitate the preparation, submission and monitoring of funding proposals, funding agreements, narrative and financial reports, and related documentation with donors and partners.

Coordinate the strategic communications and advocacy efforts of the UN SDG Action Campaign

  • Coordinate the narrative and messaging for the communications channels of the Campaign, including the Campaign’s website and social media channels;
  • Coordinate the messaging for communications assets of the Campaign, including videos, podcasts and related assets.
  • Provide strategic guidance for the monitoring and analysis of impact data from the communications and advocacy channels and products of the Campaign.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: 

Manage a Creative Communications Specialist and an Information Systems Specialist in Bonn, an outposted Partnership Specialist in Rome and a home-based Communications and Multimedia Consultant.

Competencies

Achieve Results

  • LEVEL 3:  Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.

Think Innovatively

  • LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.

 

Learn Continuously

  • LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.

Adapt with Agility

  • LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.

Act with Determination

  • LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.

Engage and Partner

  • LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

  • LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

People Management:

  • UNDP People: Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business development – Knowledge generation 

  • Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need

Business Direction and Strategy – System Thinking

  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management – Portfolio Management                

  • Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization as programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment

Business management – Communication              

  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience;
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Partnership management – Relationship management   

  • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.

Partnership management – Resource mobilization           

  • Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, International Development, Knowledge Management, Development Finance and/or related fields is required.

Or

  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Experience:
  • Minimum seven (7) years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in policy development and formulation, including for advocacy and communications purposes is required.
  • Demonstrated track-record in policy research and analysis related to the SDGs is required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of relevant policy debates and multilateral processes related to the Sustainable Development Goals is  required.
  • Experience liaising with partners within and outside the UN system is desirable.
  • Prior experience in UNDP is an asset.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English, both spoken and written required.
  • Working knowledge of another UN language is desired.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents.

UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority.

All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.

Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: Bachelor Degree

 

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 60

 


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