National Partnership Specialist

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2026), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. Thus, UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and committed to delivering excellence in programme results.

UNFPA Lao PDR is implementing its 7th Country Programme (CP) in Lao PDR. In response to Lao’s socio-economic context and, in line with its strategy on modes of engagement in lower-middle-income countries, UNFPA has prioritized upstream work, with a focus on stronger policy-advocacy and communication and networking to mobilize strategic partnerships. At the same time, innovative pilots and new initiatives are being supported to accelerate delivery on the three transformative results in this decade of action.

UNFPA Lao PDR CP 7 2022- 2026 builds on the successes of CP6 and aims to accelerate progress of Lao PDR towards its ICPD25 commitments and the SDGs through strong integration of ICPD with National and sectoral plans. The office has initiated innovative approaches to engage with youth and has diversified partnerships to maximize impact in the decade of action for delivering on the SDGs. The National Partnerships Specialist will support implementing the Country Office’s Partnership Strategy, by analyzing relevant political, social and economic developments and opportunities. The Partnerships Specialist will support the effective implementation and resourcing of the UNFPA Country Programme to meet ICPD25 commitments; and will help identify, establish and monitor partnerships for the country office.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the Partnership International expert, the national Partnership Specialist will provide advice, create opportunities and support UNFPA in establishing and monitoring creative partnerships.

The position is critical to the country office’s advocacy and resource mobilization efforts geared towards achieving the Lao government ICPD25 commitments and UNFPA’s transformative results.

The National Partnerships Specialist will

• support the Country Office in identifying opportunities and products on an on-going basis with public audiences, development partners, government counterparts and other key stakeholders with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding and support for UNFPA’s mandate in Laos

• support the implementation of the CO Partnerships Strategy

• maintain the overview of the building blocks and partnerships submissions

• Seek innovations in partnership to accelerate the delivery of ICPD PoA for possible use in the Lao context from within the UNFPA, UN, and Development sectors

• support programme teams with taking forward initiatives with private sector partners

• proactively work with programme staff to identify potential partnerships and follow up to create opportunities for taking UNFPA interventions to scale

• conduct substantive donor intelligence analysis and dialogue with potential counterparts amongst government, UN and other development partners: nationals and internationals to incorporate ICPD agenda into new spheres

• support the communication team to document best practices

• monitor donor’s visibility

• prepare partnership briefs

• update relevant technical documents such as the partnership monitoring tools, online platforms related to submission of reports

• support proof reading of reports to donors

• participate in the media relations

• participate to the preparation of important events (International Days, campaigns, conferences)

• carry out any other relevant activities/responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Laotian, Level: Native language, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Social sciences, international relations, media & communication

Competencies and values

● Commitment to UNFPA Values and Guiding Principles;

● Achieving results;

● Being accountable;

● Developing and applying professional expertise;

● Thinking analytically and strategically;

● Working in teams/managing ourselves and relationships;

● Communicating for impact.

● Professionalism;

● Integrity;

● Teamwork and respect for diversity;

● Commitment to continuous learning;

● Planning and organizing;

● Communication;

● Flexibility;

● Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNFPA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience

● Partnership, donors relation, or communication, or other relevant programmes; experience with development sector is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

● Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills in Lao

● Very good oral and written skills in English

● Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

● Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

● Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

● Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Source: https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1784888021259835