Regional External Engagement Specialist

The Position:

The Regional External Engagement Specialist is based at the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Resource Mobilization Advisor with a dotted line to the Communications Advisor. 

The Specialist is responsible for linking partnerships, resource mobilization and communications to raise resources, awareness of and advocate for UNFPA´s three transformative results and promote LACRO´s work to reach them. S/he will drive initiatives to garner stakeholder support, strengthen and forge high-value partnerships with traditional and non-traditional donors- especially with the private sector and international financial institutions- and raise non-core funds in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

How you can make a difference:

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 (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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.

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 who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

This role will work closely with senior managers and advisors in Panama, Country Offices (COs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, New York headquarters (HQ) and liaison offices to position UNFPA as a go-to partner to ensure rights and options for all. His/her duties and responsibilities include to:

• Participate in the development and implementation of a regional plan that integrates partnerships, resource mobilization and communications in support of the corporate vision and goals.
• Contribute to identifying strategic opportunities, developing tailored outreach plans and building/strengthening quality partnerships to mobilize resources in the public and private sector (businesses, foundations and individuals) targeting highest value opportunities. 
• Closely collaborate with the communications team to draft a variety of communications products with key messages and data aimed at external stakeholders. Write briefing materials, concept notes, talking points, scripts, newsletters and social media posts, as needed.
• Identify and reach out to high-level supporters who can help amplify UNFPA´s brand story and engage with key audiences. Collaborate on campaigns and/or events that match both UNFPA´s and the influencer´s interests.
• Provide technical support in the organization of UNFPA side events and sessions at major events, targeting key stakeholders. Support the organization of joint events with partners and donors, including field visits, panel discussions, and high-level conferences. Lead donor visibility efforts.
• Closely collaborate with HQ and CO focal points for private/public sector engagement to leverage synergies at the global, regional and national levels. 
• Provide technical guidance and support to COs on partnership strategies, action plans, data/trend analysis, and reporting, as well as on delivering on stakeholder communications and advocacy priorities. Share lessons learned and best practices.
• Serve as a member of the UNFPA regional Innovation Committee and the UN regional partnership/communications network. 

Participate in drafting, monitoring and evaluating key performance indicators for resource mobilization, partnerships and communications. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in the field of International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, or other related field. 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in development work, with an emphasis on partnerships and resource mobilization. 
• Experience in donor mapping, management and outreach, including donor communications, reporting and non-core resources income analysis.
• Experience in external relations, communications and/or campaigning.
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is an asset.

Languages: 

• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken).
• Other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Portuguese, is desirable.

Other Desirable Skills 

• Excellent negotiation skills, advocacy and public speaking.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change
   

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Resource Mobilization 
• Job knowledge/Technical expertise
• Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda.
• Results based programme development and management.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
 

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
 

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.