Temporary Appointment: Partnerships Officer

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job - it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child,
an opportunity...
Please click the link for further information about UNICEF Viet Nam:

How can you make a difference
?
UNICEF supports the Government of Viet Nam to advance the rights of all children, in particular those most vulnerable. UNICEF collaborates with all partners - public and private - for the pursuit of this goal. Forging strategic alliances with the private sector to mobilize and leverage influence and income is key to UNICEF's mandate.

We are seeking a passionate, entrepreneurial, and results-driven professional Partnerships Officer (Private Sector), based in HCM City to support UNICEF's engagement with
corporations, foundations, philanthropists, and business networks.
The position is part of the UNICEF Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications team that spearheads UNICEF Viet Nam's efforts to engage with the international and national private sector actors, mobilizing influence and income to implement the mandate of UNICEF in Viet Nam.

UNICEF engages in many various initiatives with the private sector, expanding high value partnerships with corporations, foundations and individuals (international and national) in support to its programmes in Viet Nam focusing on education, child protection, health, WASH and nutrition. UNICEF is also engaging in the context of the ESG standards and agenda with a 'child rights and business' lens to positively influence private sector investments and impact in Viet Nam.

Purpose For The Job
Under the guidance of the Chief Partnerships, Advocacy and Communication, the Partnerships Officer will focus on identifying, cultivating, and managing relationships with the private sector – including corporations, foundations and philanthropists, to mobilize support for UNICEF's programmes. This position is responsible for implementing targeted strategies, engaging stakeholders, co-creating innovative programmes and collaborations, as well as driving revenue growth through new business opportunities. Additionally, the incumbent will play a critical role in advancing the implementation of UNICEF's ongoing partnership with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and other business stakeholders, with a focus on child rights in the workplace initiatives.

Summary Of Key Functions/accountabilities
Support the identification of new private partners and the nurturing of existing ones:

• Support the identification of new high value private sector partners – corporations, high-net worth individuals, foundations, chambers of commerce - international and national – and nurture existing ones, with the objective to achieve income targets and programmatic impact.
• Contribute to the identification of emerging international and national trends in high-value philanthropy, ESG standards and corporate social responsibility to refine engagement strategies.
• Participate very actively and represent UNICEF with confidence and credibility in all fora and spaces (physical, online, social media) that provide an opportunity for UNICEF to engage with private sector actors, advocate for our mandate and collaboration.
• Support and nurture the UNICEF Corporate Advisory Board members and leverage their influence to achieve UNICEF's programmatic and partnership objectives.

Support the development of high value propositions for and reporting to private sector partners:

• Support the development of compelling pitches and craft highly tailored proposals that address the specific interests, values, and business objectives of private sector partners.
• Lead the negotiation process to finalize funding agreements, ensuring all terms align with UNICEF's ethical guidelines, financial policies, and operational needs.
• Produce reports for major donors on fund utilization and impact of donation.
• Devise engagement activities, such as field visits, special events and the like.
• Organize and facilitate exclusive events, meetings, and site visits for private sector partners to showcase UNICEF's impact.
• Highlight the organization's achievements and opportunities through tailored updates and progress reports in collaboration with communications colleagues.
• Ensure that all inquiries from partners are attended timely via appropriate communication channels.

Support The Implementation Of Child Rights And Business Initiatives

• Assist in positioning UNICEF as a key go to partner on supporting private sector implement the ESG agenda and investments for children, in particular with the Viet Nam and international chambers of commerce and key partners.
• Support the implementation of child rights in the workplace initiatives in close collaboration with UNICEF programmatic colleagues in particular those engaging on parenting and child protection programmes.

This is a temporary appointment for the initial duration of 364 days with potential for extension.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education
Minimum requirements:

• University degree in Marketing, Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, Business or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Additional training in a related field is an asset.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible direct work experience engaging with the private sector for influence and income, with a focus on high value partners, new business development and account management in the context of social impact initiatives. Additional years of relevant professional experience are a strong asset.
• Solid knowledge and proven hands-on experience in philanthropy, donor stewardship, resource mobilization are essential.
• Proven track record in developing relationships across private and public sectors and professional groups, with a focus on sectors that are relevant to UNICEF's mandate.
• Excellent interpersonal, public representation and communication skills are required, both written and verbal, as well as capacity to engage with national and international stakeholders.
• Proven ability to prioritize; work independently; collaborate with multiple cross-sectoral and cross-cultural teams, handle multiple, complex tasks simultaneously; and generate pragmatic solutions to challenges is required.
• Relevant experience with the United Nations or other humanitarian/development partners, as well as knowledge and exposure to international organisations, an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Skills

• Excellent communications and negotiation skills, verbal and written, with the skills to influence and align diverse national and international stakeholders.
• Diplomatic negotiation, external relations and networking skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of entrepreneurship and innovation skills and experience in co-creating joint initiatives and collaboration with a range of diverse partners.
• Proven ability, strong experience and successful results in engaging with international and national private sector actors in the implementation of ESG and CRS initiatives.
• Strong business acumen, pro-active approach, data driven and growth mindset.
• Ability to think critically and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.

For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF Competencies Required For This Post Are…

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at

Life at UNICEF
Working at UNICEF is highly rewarding. With attractive remuneration package encompassing competitive pay and benefits, a culture that helps staff thrive and diverse opportunities for personal and professional development, we aim to help you maintain a fulfilling life both at and outside the office.

Benefits
We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff. Our contracts, wellbeing policies and initiatives ensure that you are well equipped to effectively deliver for children such as:

Tax exemption, family allowances, hardship benefits, 10 UN holidays and annual leave allowance, maternity, paternity, adoption leave, medical and dental insurance, pension etc.

Pension benefits: You will become a participant in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund ).

Health insurance scheme: You and your eligible dependents will be covered by the UN Medical Insurance Plan ).

Career support, staff wellbeing programme, breastfeeding policy, flexible work arrangements, family support, policies & initiatives, security, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

Professional Development: The encouragement of professional development for all staff is one of UNICEF's core values and we put this into practice through various services and initiatives. You will have different learning opportunities to strengthen your skills and competencies.

Be part of the United Nations: As an International organization that is part of the United Nations system, you will be considered an International Civil Servant and you will have career opportunities inside and outside the country.

Quality Working Conditions
The workplace and working conditions are a huge asset for all UNICEF employees. Our staff are working in the Green One UN House - the first building in Viet Nam to be awarded gold LOTUS certification from the Viet Nam Green Building Council for efficient and environmentally sustainable use of resources and operations.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.