Background

The Outreach and Business Development Team (OBDT) is responsible for proactively driving the strategic positioning of UNIFEM so that the size, sources and predictability of its resources help the organization achieve its strategic goals.
Under the supervision of the Resource Mobilization Specialist-Lead, and in collaboration with   OBDT colleagues, the Resource Mobilization Specialist-Governments is responsible for effectively implementing resource mobilization strategies on behalf of UNIFEM with Member States to increase UNIFEM's regular and non-core resource base.
 
The Resource Mobilization Specialist-Governments works closely with Partnership and Communications colleagues to ensure that implementation of resource mobilization and partnerships strategies, campaigns and initiatives involving Member States are aligned and mutually reinforcing. The incumbent works closely with Communications and Advocacy colleagues to position UNIFEM with Member States so as to increase their financial support for UNIFEM. S/he supports the Resource Mobilization Specialist-Lead in ensuring effective donor relations with Member States.
 
The Resource Mobilization Specialist-Governments advises and supports UNIFEM HQ Sections and Field Offices to implement resource mobilization strategies, initiatives and campaigns with Member States, including positioning UNIFEM to expand  donor support and communicating thereon.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:
  • Implements corporate resource mobilization strategies, initiatives and campaigns with Member States
  • Provides support to enhance funding from Member States to UNIFEM's resource base
  • Builds  effective corporate relationships with Member States
  • Provides advice and support to strengthen internal resource mobilization capacity
  • Collaborates effectively with OBDT colleagues
  • Maintains effective communication with Member States
Under the supervision of the Resource Mobilization Specialist-Lead, and in collaboration with OBDT colleagues, the Resource Mobilization Specialist-Governments:
 
1. Implements UNIFEM's corporate resource mobilization strategies, initiatives and campaigns with Member States to ensure that annual and four year targets are effectively implemented and achieved, expanding UNIFEM's regular and non-core resource base from Member States:
  • Supports development and implementation of differentiated, donor fund-raising strategies, aligned and coordinated with partnership initiatives and outreach activities
  • In meetings with Missions, supports presentation of UNIFEM's mandate and emerging priorities for accelerating progress toward gender equality and women's empowerment which is linked to the need for increased political/financial support for UNIFEM
  • Follows-up with donor permanent missions and delegations on contributions
  • Gives general support to advocacy and communication efforts of UNIFEM, including of its Goodwill Ambassadors as needed.

2. Provides support to  UNIFEM HQ and Sections and field offices to enhance UNIFEM's  resource base:

  • Advises and supports UNIFEM Regional Offices and HQ section on resource mobilization procedures and guidelines
  • Undertakes ad-hoc donor studies (donor policies, sectoral and geographic preferences, economic and political background, development assistance strategies etc.), research and other activities to identify funding opportunities
  • Identifies opportunities to secure additional non-core resources from Member States and  where appropriate liaises with relevant UNIFEM HQ Section and Field Office for action, including recommendation on positioning with potential donor; timely follow-up and support, as required
  • In liaison with the UNIFEM programme and thematic divisions when relevant, supports preparation of brief funding proposals
  • Assists in writing and design of a quarterly report on resource mobilization opportunities and results for UNIFEM staff.
 3. Builds and maintains effective corporate relationships with Member States:
  • Maintains effective corporate relationships with Member States, supports the building of networks both in capitals and Permanent Missions
  • Develops meeting materials, files customized for each donor including UNIFEM mandate and activities in the region and donor profile
  • Periodically updates donor profiles and databases
  • Supports the preparation of an Annual plan for missions of Executive Director and senior managers to Member States
  • Provides support to the Executive Director and other senior managers for missions, meetings and other consultations with Member States, including writing and  preparation of notes, briefs and other materials

4.. Provides advice and support to strengthen internal resource mobilization capacity:

  • Advises on the creation of UNIFEM products, packaged and positioned to attract and secure increased resources from Member states
  • Shares knowledge and enhances organizational learning among UNIFEM units through the development and use of on-line tools, training modules, templates, tips, mechanisms and guidelines to support resource mobilization initiatives and campaigns and enhance donor relations

Competencies

Corporate:
  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN/UNIFEM values and ethical standards
  • Promotes vision, mission and strategic goals of UNIFEM
  • Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly and without favouritism.
Functional:
  • Proven ability to plan and implement organizational strategies
  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with government representatives of Member States (donor and programme)
  • Proven networking skills, and ability to mobilize support on behalf of UNIFEM
  • Good negotiating skills
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills
  • Proven ability to position issues effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Knowledge and understanding of UN system
  • Good IT skills, including databases and office software packages
  • Familiarity with UNIFEM
  • Familiarity with gender issues
  • Familiarity with web content management
Behavioral:
  • Very effective at multi-tasking
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Strong initiative-taker
  • Focuses on impact and results for client
  • Identifies opportunities and builds strong relationships with client and external actors
  • Participates effectively in team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced degree in social sciences, public administration, business administration, international relations, communications, women's studies or a related field.
Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years experience (post-Masters) in resource mobilization, communications or a related field at the national or international level; experience in the UN system an asset. 
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English (written and oral). Knowledge of another UN language an asset.