We are ISO, the largest developer of International Standards. We bring together experts, to share knowledge and develop standards that provide solutions to global challenges. This is because we believe that great things happen when the world agrees. We have an exciting opportunity at our Central Secretariat in Geneva.

ISO is committed to be an equal opportunity employer and to creating a culture and environment where each employee is an active contributor to our collective success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin and culture, disability, or age.

Strategic Partnerships Manager (100 %)

Role

By leveraging strategic communication and innovative outreach initiatives, the Strategic Partnerships unit aims to expand ISO’s reach, engage with diverse audiences, and build a global network of support to advance the ISO Strategy 2030. In addition to overseeing external engagement, the unit provides a proactive approach to ensure ISO colleagues are aligned and well-equipped to maximize their own respective partnership opportunities.

The Strategic Partnerships Manager will play a crucial role in driving ISO’s partnership ambitions forward. The manager is responsible for outward-facing communications and management of the partnership engagement strategy to enhance global positioning. This dynamic position requires a seasoned professional with a profound understanding of international cooperation and extensive experience in partnership management, ideally within an international organization setting. Ideally the manager will already have a robust network within the global community of international organizations.

The ideal candidate should be comfortable and confident in speaking to external audiences, with strong abilities in building and maintaining strategic relationships. Additionally, the candidate should possess exceptional networking skills, a deep understanding of global development challenges, and the ability to think strategically while driving initiatives that position ISO prominently on the global stage. The ideal candidate is culturally curious, proactive, and collaborative, with a keen interest in international standardization.

Key responsibilities

In cooperation with the Head of the unit, the Strategic Partnerships Manager will serve as focal point for partnerships activities with external organizations, as well as for internal coordination activities.

External partner activities:

• Research and pursue opportunities for strategic partnerships in line with the objectives of the ISO Strategy 2030
• Act as the primary focal point with diverse external audiences, including UN agencies, NGOs, and other international organizations. Leverage personal and professional networks to promote ISO’s interests and forge new partnerships
• Lead initiatives that enhance ISO’s visibility and influence on the global stage
• Drive collaboration and synergy between ISO and its partners to enhance the impact and reach of international standards. Negotiate terms of partnership agreements to ensure that both parties are benefitting from the relationship
• In collaboration with colleagues from other business units, monitor and report on effectiveness, value, and impact of partnership performance. Develop new ideas for collaboration and identify opportunities for improvement
• Represent ISO to external parties. This could include formal and informal presentations, attending conferences/workshops, participating in advisory groups, attending as an observer, etc.
• Make clear and informed recommendations and prepare briefs on where and how to leverage ISO’s leadership (Officers, leadership team members, etc.) in partner events of primary interest for ISO. This includes managing the preparation of briefing materials for the intended ISO representative
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices related to international standards and developing strategic partnerships

Internal coordination activities:

• Advise and support strategic partnership development work with other business units at ISO/CS
• Contribute to assessing opportunities against ISO policies and prepare reports as needed, for review by the relevant governance entities including the Secretary-General
• Participate in prioritization activities to ensure proper ISO/CS resource allocation

Qualification and Experience

• University degree level education
• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic partnership management, preferably within the UN system or a similar international organization
• Fluent in English (both written and spoken). Additional languages are an asset
• Proven track record of building and managing successful partnerships with external organizations, including UN agencies, NGOs, and other international bodies
• Strong understanding of global development challenges and the role of international standardization
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships in complex, multicultural environments
• Experience working in a multicultural environment
• Experience with change management and program management is a plus

Skills

• Exceptional political, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills
• Creative and innovative thinking
• Excellent people skills including relationship development at senior levels, with the ability to influence outside of formal hierarchical structures
• Independent and self-motivated, and able to work strategically and collaboratively across units
• Analytical mindset, with a hands-on approach and strong problem-solving skills
• Efficient, versatile, and customer-oriented
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong cultural awareness
• Excellent presentation and storytelling skills
• Ability to cope with uncertainty and ambiguity
• Flexible, reliable, and dynamic with a sense of humor and a team spirit attitude
• Identifies and aligns with our core values: respect, integrity, collaboration, pushing boundaries, growth mindset

Deadline for applications:13 September 2024 EOB