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.

Office/Unit/Project Description: 

The Regional Programme for Africa is part of the UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. The Regional Programme seeks to address regional issues on the continent, by providing programmatic support to countries facing similar challenges where a united front of affected countries is best suited to address the prevalent specific issues. Currently, the Regional Programme for Africa runs several flagship projects and is also involved in supporting other crosscutting and emerging issues within the Regional Service Centre such as gender equality and women’s empowerment, climate security, and strengthening UNDP’s engagement in the Sahel – all towards enabling Country Offices fulfilling their mandate. Furthermore, the Regional Programme serves as a liaison to support the African Union and other regional institutions.

One of UNDP’s flagship project is the African Facility for Supporting Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT), which is as the result of a co-creation between the African Union Commission (AUC) and UNDP. As reiterated by the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council; the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) seeks to provide timely support to inclusive, and legitimate transition roadmaps, mechanisms, and institutions, with the view to foster expedient return to constitutional order, peace and stability within AU Member States.

Scope of Work

The Partnerships Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

1.Lead AFSIT partnership efforts:

•  Leading the expansion of AFSIT engagement with development partners by supporting partnerships and coordinating engagements with Addis based partners, as well as identifying potential partners at the global, regional and country levels.
• Drafting concept notes, presentations, briefing notes and other materials.
• Commissioning and coordinating the due diligence and partnerships documentation processes for partners; formalizing partnerships where possible.
• Coordinating with the AU on partnership leads.

​​​​​​​2. Provision of substantive technical contribution to the coordination and outreach to existing and new partners as part of the resource mobilization efforts:

• Outreach to existing and new partners to brief them on AFSIT.
• Identify funding streams and windows.
• Draft proposals and concept notes on AFSIT tailored to the funding windows and priority of partners.

3. Advise and support substantive programming work.

• Advise and support the implementation of AFSIT work-plan including country and regional efforts.
• Advise and support the preparation of advisory board meeting and strategic briefings for senior UNDP officials.
• Advise and support the reporting and documentation of AFSIT delivery.

4. Facilitate communications, advocacy and socialization of AFSIT delivery:

• Effectively report and communicate on implementation of AFSIT activities.
• Seek opportunity to leverage existing platforms to socialize and advocate AFSIT and UNDP as a partner of choice.

5. Lead knowledge and capacity building, and knowledge sharing,

• Provide substantive advice and technical support to the development and implementation of a capacity development/ learning plan on thematic area of the project for Country Office and participate in global/regional learning initiatives.
•  Lead the process of knowledge capture of national and international know-how in relevant thematic areas and document project lessons, experiences, and best practices that may be useful in design and implementation of similar projects for organizational and external sharing and learning.
• Produce materials with lessons learned and best practices and other knowledge-based tools.
•  Keep abreast of the developments in the thematic area of the project and provide guidance on how to incorporate them into UNDP’s current and future programming in the relevant sector.
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance to content development for knowledge. products.
•  Lead advocacy for and strengthening of national capacity for planning and coordination of development programmes in the sector.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The work of the Service Provider will be supervised by the AFSIT Project Specialist.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core 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 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

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.

Resource mobilization: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.

Advocacy strategy and implementation: Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, International Development, or other relevant social science 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 of Seven (7) years (with master’s degree) or Nine (9) years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in international development or related fields is required.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies

• Understanding of and previous experience working with regional institutions such as the AU and RECs is desired.
• Experience in partnership engagement and supporting project management functions (logistics, workplans, workshops, etc.) is an asset.
• Experience working collaboratively in small and large multi-cultural teams within and across organizations is desired.
• Proven experience in Data analysis skills using Excel or statistical software is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian) will be an advantage.

Disclaimer
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.

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