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Chief, National Committee Relations, Geneva, Switzerland


Job no: 494217
Work type: Fixed Term Staff
Location: Switzerland
Categories: Alliances and Resource Mobilization, Communication / External Relations, Private Fundraising and Partnerships, P-5, UN and Multilateral Affairs
If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.
For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
Purpose of the Position
Under the guidance of the Deputy Director, leads a team responsible for managing the relationship with National Committees (NatComs) with the aim of maximizing the potential and effectiveness of UNICEF's presence in industrialized countries and increasing the contribution of NatComs to the achievement of UNICEF's global goals.
This post is responsible for ensuring effective working relationships with NatComs so that UNICEF maximizes the value of these relationships while preserving the reputation of the organization.
The incumbent is responsible for ensuring consistency, coherence and alignment of NatComs with UNICEF's global fundraising, communication, advocacy and governance strategies in close collaboration with all Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) sections.
The incumbent advises Senior Management on multi-functional priorities and challenges in NatComs and takes into account national specificities and context.
Key Expected Results
  • Mutually beneficial and effective relationships with NatComs established and fostered. Two-way communication sustained
  • Each National Committee has a Joint Strategic Plan that is fully aligned with UNICEF priorities. Joint Strategic Plans contribute to the achievement of UNICEF's goals
  • PFP Senior Management Team is able to make informed decisions on NatCom related issues.
  • NatComs are compliant with the Cooperation Agreement.
  • NatComs are knowledgeable of and own UNICEF goals and strategies and adhere to them.
  • Effective team is established with clear roles and responsibilities. The team continuously achieves set goals in close collaboration and in an open, respectful and positive atmosphere.
Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
  • Leads the management of the relationship with NatComs so that UNICEF cultivates and maximizes the value of these relationships while preserving the reputation of the organization. Anticipates and averts possible crises that could hurt the reputation and credibility of the organization and recommends workable solutions.
  • Leads and supervises the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) development process and annual JSP review process. Provides strategic guidance to NatCom Executive Directors on UNICEF priorities and ensures that these are reflected and integrated in the JSPs. Works with specialists within PFP to ensure that all relevant UNICEF policies and objectives are reflected and integrated in the JSPs.
  • Advises the PFP Senior Management Team on issues, opportunities and challenges in his/her cluster of countries. Provides the Senior Management Team with timely and accurate analysis of data and information relevant for PFP priorities, work plans and objectives and recommends required corrective actions. Manages and maintains the 'big picture' overview for each NatCom and ensures that sub-strategies developed by the technical specialist streams fit together in an overall coherent approach.
  • Ensures compliance with the Cooperation Agreement in areas of accountability. In case of non-compliance recommends mitigating approaches for resolution.
  • Undertakes regular visits to NatCom countries to negotiate and advocate PFP goals and strategies. Represents UNICEF in discussions and negotiations at senior levels with colleagues in NatComs, providing management advice on areas requiring UNICEF input. Maximizes opportunities to share knowledge between UNICEF and National Committees, as well as between National Committees
  • As a staff manager, sets clear direction by guiding the development of the section/team work plan in close cooperation with other PFP teams, clarifying roles and responsibilities within the team, and providing support and guidance to staff. Agrees clear and achievable work objectives for each direct report, monitors performance, and ensures appropriate development and training of staff. Provides leadership to foster and maintain staff engagement and motivation as well as sound staff-management relations.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
  • An advanced University degree in any of the following: Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Fundraising, Public Administration, International Relations. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) years additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • A minimum of ten (10) years work experience with management responsibility in leading international or private organizations.
  • Extensive international management experience, in particular experience and knowledge of effectively managing and enhancing complex, multi-cultural relationships with independent partners.
  • UNICEF or National Committee experience would be a strong asset
  • Excellent presentation and writing skills are required.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other languages relevant to NatComs is an asset
Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values
  • Commitment
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Integrity
  • Core competencies
  • Communication - Level III
  • Working with People - Level III
  • Drive for Results - Level III
Functional Competencies
  • Persuading and Influencing - Level III
  • Relating and Networking - Level III
  • Leading and Supervising - Level III
  • Formulating Strategies and Concepts - Level III
  • Planning and Organizing - Level III

HOW TO APPLY:
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.
Advertised: 04 Mar 2016 W. Europe Standard Time
Applications close: 21 Mar 2016 W. Europe Standard Time