Under the supervision and overall guidance of the Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP), the Private Sector Engagement Specialist will help deepen UNICEF’s collaboration with the private sector and provide an interface for environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, and policy influence. The Specialist will support the Chief of the section in development and implementation of private sector engagement strategy. S/He may also serve as a focal point and resource for colleagues on specific thematic areas of strategic relevance for private sector engagement. The key result is to ensure greater visibility for UNICEF and influence in support of its mission.

Organization Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations.

The Communication, Advocacy & Partnership (CAP) section at the Tanzania Country Office (TCO) has been working with the aim of expanding UNICEF’s leadership as a credible and trusted voice for children. It engages with stakeholders including the government, civil society, private sector, and media, to support shifts in public policy, fuel social engagement and increase private and public resources for children.

UNICEF’s country programme envisions a pivotal role for strategic private sector partnerships in achieving programmatic outcomes/goals in support of the Government’s Vision 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The CAP section is seen as a critical driver for upstream advocacy through strategic partnerships to address policy, implementation and governance gaps.

Specific Tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Private Sector Engagement Strategy, Partnership, and Documentation:
Provides strategic direction on private sector engagement through strengthening the private sector engagement strategy. Develops and maintains deep knowledge and familiarity of the existing and prospective private sector partners and other relevant stakeholders. Develops and implements annual work plans to support the country programme objectives.

Duties & Tasks:

• Scan and scout the external environment for opportunities and risks, and shares information on current trends with the Chief of CAP and relevant colleagues.
• Develop and maintain deep knowledge and familiarity with current and prospective private sector partners, contributing to a database of key contacts.
• Strengthen the private sector engagement strategy to promote Children’s Rights and Business Principles and to leverage private sector support (resources and influence).
• Maintain existing and forge new partnerships with the private sector.
• Manage partnerships, monitor and evaluate initiatives and provide timely updates to the Chief of CAP.
• Perform capacity building related duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the success of the team, including guiding, training, and coaching short-term staff, including interns and consultants, as required.
• Maintain and develop appropriate documentation of all initiatives.
   

2. Governance framework for the private sector:
Focuses on the need for a policy framework for governance of the private sector to become child-friendly.

Duties & Tasks:

Promote among associations and confederations the need to develop regulations ensuring protection of children’s rights.
Work closely with government agencies towards a governance framework, including children’s rights, for the private sector.

3. Internal Knowledge Management:
Duties & Tasks:

• Keep CMT and relevant UNICEF colleagues informed about the private sector environment.
• Provide country programme updates with regards to private sector engagement.

4. Impact of Results

The Private Sector Engagement Specialist is a seasoned professional in the field of external relations, in particular private sector engagement and partnership development. The quality of work and external communication performed by the

Specialist directly impacts on the professionalism of the incumbent and the overall reputation of UNICEF. S/He should follow established procedures, but is expected to make recommendations on strategies for engagement and communications products. The Specialist is accountable for quality, substantive input and ability to project a competent and trusted image of UNICEF to partners.

5. Competencies and level of proficiency required

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication (III)
• Working with People (II)
• Drive for Results (II)

Functional Competencies:

• Leading and Supervising (I)
• Formulating strategies and Concepts (II)
• Relating and Networking (II)
• Persuading and Influencing (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (II)
• Entrepreneurial Thinking (II)
   

Specific Technical Knowledge Required

Specific, detailed and up-to-date knowledge of:

• Executive Board and other policy documents. 
• Executive Directives
• UN/UNICEF Policy Papers
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF
• General administrative and financial guidelines.
• Human resources manual
• UNICEF communication and other DOC guidelines
• Communication toolkit
• Brand Toolkit and Brand Book
• UNICEF Stylebook
• Ethical Guidelines on Reporting on Children
   

Common Technical Knowledge Required

General knowledge of:

• Communication management. Knowledge of theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
• Fundamentals for working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
• Computer systems/applications and network, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
• Knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations;
• Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women.
• UNICEF communication goals, policies, guidelines and strategies.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues.
• UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness.
   

Recruitment Qualifications

• An Advanced university degree in international development, communication, public affairs, international relations, political science or other related fields.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in external relations, liaison and/or any private sector engagement related activities, preferably in an international organization is required.
• Fluency in English is required with knowledge of another UN language considered as an asset.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.