Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. To this extent, UNICEF focuses on Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH); Education, Learning and Child Protection; Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children); Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment.

Responsibilities or duties

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Communication, Advocacy & Partnership team as Partnership Specialist where you will be responsible for supporting the office in achieving results for children by deepening strategic collaboration with key stakeholders and influencing their engagement in support of children. You will provide an interface for environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization and policy influence. You will also serve as focal point and resource for colleagues on partnership development.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief Communication, Advocacy & Partnership, in your role as Partnership Specialist, you will play a critical role in engaging partners, pursuing new funding opportunities and supporting the management of current partnerships. This work contributes to maintaining and enhancing UNICEF’s credibility and ability to deliver programme services that protect the rights of children and promote greater social equality to enable them to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society.

This position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated and committed individual to profoundly impact and influence UNICEF’s mandate. By excelling in this role, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:

• Identify, pursue and develop new partnership and resource mobilization opportunities (including public and private partnerships, innovative financing etc), maintain updated partner intelligence, screen new enquiries, and maintain relationship tracking tools.
• Lead or support negotiations and finalization of partnership agreements, donor contracts, and/or grant amendments, coordinating within the local office as well as globally.
• Strengthen relationships with various partners including facilitating communications and engagement with partners during implementation and completion of grants/projects.
• Design and implement partnership and resource mobilization strategies and annual work plans to support cost-effective delivery of results, in accordance with UNICEF’s global partnership strategy.
• Provide strategic and logistical support to senior management and staff in their engagement with public and private partners.
• Analyze external trends, risks, and opportunities to inform partnership strategies, policy influence efforts, and organizational decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and finalization of timely, high-quality donor reports – ensuring alignment with the original or amended agreements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the success of the team, including guiding, training, and coaching short-term staff, including interns and consultants, as needed.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Minimum requirements:

Education:

An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) is required in one of the following fields: international relations, political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree

Experience needed

A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: resource mobilization, fundraising, partnerships, external relations, public affairs, or other relevant area.

Advanced knowledge and experience of partnerships development and resource mobilization. This includes the development of proposals, developing and reviewing grant agreements and relationship development with international donors is essential.

Experience in developing partnerships with key partners such as EU/ECHO, FCDO and other international development organizations is required.

Strong experience in preparing proposals, briefs and other relevant partnership documentation is required.

Ability and experience in identifying and evaluating potential partners aligned with UNICEF’s organizational strategy is required.

Experience in developing fundraising strategies and/or plans is a strong asset.

Experience in private sector and/or international financing institution partnerships, engaging high net worth individuals and foundations, and/or innovative financing are an asset.

Required technical knowledge and skills:

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation abilities.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Strategic thinking.
• Good project management and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability and proactive mindset.
• Strong networking and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization.

Language:

Fluency in English and a local language, with both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

You are encouraged to download the detailed job description in order to view the full role and its requirements Download File GJP – Partnerships Specialist Level 3.pdf

• Identify, pursue and develop new partnership and resource mobilization opportunities (including public and private partnerships, innovative financing etc), maintain updated partner intelligence, screen new enquiries, and maintain relationship tracking tools.
• Lead or support negotiations and finalization of partnership agreements, donor contracts, and/or grant amendments, coordinating within the local office as well as globally.
• Strengthen relationships with various partners including facilitating communications and engagement with partners during implementation and completion of grants/projects.
• Design and implement partnership and resource mobilization strategies and annual work plans to support cost-effective delivery of results, in accordance with UNICEF’s global partnership strategy.
• Provide strategic and logistical support to senior management and staff in their engagement with public and private partners.
• Analyze external trends, risks, and opportunities to inform partnership strategies, policy influence efforts, and organizational decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and finalization of timely, high-quality donor reports – ensuring alignment with the original or amended agreements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the success of the team, including guiding, training, and coaching short-term staff, including interns and consultants, as needed.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation abilities.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Strategic thinking.
• Good project management and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability and proactive mindset.
• Strong networking and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization.

• An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) is required in one of the following fields: international relations, political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field.
• A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: resource mobilization, fundraising, partnerships, external relations, public affairs, or other relevant area.
• Advanced knowledge and experience of partnerships development and resource mobilization. This includes the development of proposals, developing and reviewing grant agreements and relationship development with international donors is essential.
• Experience in developing partnerships with key partners such as EU/ECHO, FCDO and other international development organizations is required.
• Strong experience in preparing proposals, briefs and other relevant partnership documentation is required.
• Ability and experience in identifying and evaluating potential partners aligned with UNICEF’s organizational strategy is required.
• Fluency in English and a local language, with both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.