Generic: Partnerships Support Officer (Civil Society Organizations) at UNICEF

The position’s purpose is to support Chief PME and senior management in deepening collaboration with key stakeholders and helping to provide an interface for environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy influence within the scope of assignment.  Within the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) framework and increasing need of partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the incumbent under the direct supervision of the Chief Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will ensure proper coordination and documentation related to partnership. The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) function has also become more important and work intensive and will be part of the responsibilities of the incumbent.

Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

• As the secretariat for the Programme Review Committee, provide technical support to UNICEF and partners in completing all required documentation in a timely manner, ensuring they are of excellent quality; monitoring value for money; organizing PRC committee meetings and taking notes; monitoring the timeliness of disbursements of funds to partners and attending quarterly Programme Cooperation Agreement (PCA) meetings
• As the custodian of all implementing partnership documentation such as assessment and assurance reports, PCAs, SSFAs, and programme documents, ensure they are adequately uploaded and properly archived in e-tools
• Design and implement capacity-building strategy/initiatives for CO staff to ensure that CO staff are knowledgeable and comply with the HACT and CSO procedures and other relevant corporate policies, procedures and guidance that impact on implementing partnership management
• Design and implement/facilitate capacity building strategy/initiatives for the staff of implementing partners to ensure that they are knowledgeable on all aspects of partnering with UNICEF, with particular emphasis on the HACT and CSO procedures

Quality assurance

• Contribute to the design of and implement quality assurance strategies/processes for the implementation of the CSO procedure. This includes processes to ensure that implementing partners are selected and assessed in accordance with the CSO procedure and that all documentation is in line with corporate standards as stipulated in the CSO procedure
• Contribute to the design of and implement quality assurance strategies/processes to ensure that assessments and assurance activities are undertaken in accordance with corporate terms of reference and guidance and that appropriate follow-up action and escalation steps are taken as needed
• Contribute and support support CO staff and implementing partners in development and design of programme documents of high quality that are aligned and with sound financial management practices and meet Results Based Management standards

Analysis, monitoring, and reporting

• As the focal point manage appropriate corporate tools and systems (including InSight, and e-Tools), report to CMT and Regional Office as required on the status of implementation of CSO and identify high-risk areas requiring special attention and/or support
• Monitor internal country office processes for formalizing implementing partnerships with CSOs to ensure that corporate timelines are adhered to, especially in humanitarian responses
• Coordinate and conduct trainings for Implementing CSO Partners on PSEA using available PSEA Toolkit training package and other available products adapting them to suit local contexts
• Support CSO PSEA Assessment and tracking progress of partners’ organizational capacities on PSEA

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• A university degree is required in one of the following fields: international relations, political science, information technology, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required : public affairs, programme management, resource mobilization, external relations, or other relevant area
• Fluency in English and knowledge of the local working language of the duty station language(s) is a requirement
• Strong communications skills, verbal and written
• Strong familiarity with political and governmental processes
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization including with government counterpart at national and county level.
• Advanced knowledge of partnership development and resource mobilization.
• Knowledge and familiarity with UNICEF work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Planning and organizational skills