Organization Mission

UNICEF’s core mission is to uphold the rights of every child, everywhere. Through its equity-focused strategy, UNICEF prioritizes the most disadvantaged children, ensuring they have equal opportunities to survive, develop, and thrive. Addressing inequities not only fulfills children”s rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child but also promotes long-term national stability and development.

Context

The UN Volunteer will report to the Representative and could be involved in planning and organizing tasks that are associated with the front office. The Representative’s office provides overall leadership, management, coordination, representation with authorities, other UN agencies and humanitarian agencies, building partnerships with donors, staff and premises security, as well as communication and external relations functions.

The purpose of this assignment is to support UNICEF Iran’s partnerships and resource mobilization efforts, with a strong emphasis on deepening collaboration with China-related donors and strategic stakeholders. The incumbent will play a key role in identifying and cultivating innovative funding opportunities, particularly from public, private, and philanthropic sources with China linkages, including embassies, corporations, foundations, and multilateral initiatives.

This assignment serves also as a bridge for environmental scanning, knowledge management exchange, and policy dialogue, while also enhancing the visibility of UNICEF’s work and its alignment with donor priorities, especially in the context of Iran’s evolving humanitarian and development needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead donor mapping and strategic engagement efforts targeting China-related public and private sector donors.
• Develop and implement a partnership and resource mobilization plan with a focus on China, aligned with UNICEF Iran’s Country Programme and emerging national priorities.
• Draft compelling proposals, donor briefs, and partnership materials to position UNICEF as a key partner for investment in children in Iran.
• Monitor geopolitical, economic, and philanthropic trends relevant to China’s engagement in Iran and the region to anticipate opportunities and risks.
• Act as the focal point for China-related donor engagement, facilitating dialogue, organizing high-level briefings, and ensuring timely and strategic communications.
• Support broader resource mobilization efforts with other emerging donors in Asia and beyond, as needed, leveraging UNICEF”s regional and global platforms.
• Provide strategic guidance and capacity-building support to colleagues on donor intelligence, proposal development, and partnership management.
• Knowledge Management, including systematic review and dissemination of good practices and emerging evidence across UNICEF Iran’s programme and operational teams to strengthen institutional learning and cross-sectoral collaboration; high-quality knowledge products (e.g., case studies, briefs, donor-facing reports) specifically designed to support strategic engagement with partners and donors to enhance visibility, attract funding, and build strategic partnerships.
• Contribute articles/wrjte-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Skills and Experience

•Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in knowledge management, partnership building, and international development, including work at national and international levels and within the United Nations system.
• Strong knowledge of international development cooperation, particularly China”s foreign assistance policies and channels, but also engagement with Chinese private sector.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality donor materials.
• Ability to work in complex, sensitive environments and adapt to rapidly changing contexts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Building and maintaining partnerships
• Accountability and drive for results
• Demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Working collaboratively with others

Living Conditions

Tehran is a Category B, family duty station and the capital of Iran. The city is generally secure for daily life, but political sensitivities and occasional civil unrest require adherence to UN security protocols.

Air travel is available via Imam Khomeini International Airport, though sanctions may impact flight availability and access to services.

Cultural norms are conservative: women must wear a headscarf and modest clothing in public, and alcohol is strictly prohibited by law.

Cost of living is moderate, but inflation affects prices of imported goods and rent in secure areas. Utilities are generally stable, and accommodation options are available in safe neighbourhoods.

Medical services Tehran has several private hospitals and clinics offering acceptable standards of care, though access to specialized medication and international-standard services may be limited.

Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) arrangements are in place for serious conditions that cannot be treated locally.

Banking is restricted due to sanctions; international cards and transfers are not operational. Internet is widely available, but some sites are blocked and may require a VPN.