Partnerships Specialist –– Cotonou – Benin – WCAR - Onsite - 3 months

We encourage staff from all levels with the relevant experience to apply

UNICEF Benin is seeking a motivated and experienced UNICEF staff member to support the Country Office during a strategic period of programme implementation, partnership development, resource mobilization and external engagement, with a strong emphasis on Donors from Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Northern Europe Regions.

The assignment will contribute to strengthening UNICEF’s capacity in Benin to develop and manage strategic partnerships with governments, private sector actors, foundations, development partners, National Committees for UNICEF (NatComs) and other key stakeholders, while supporting programme coordination and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The selected staff member will support the Office in strengthening its engagement with NatComs, including improved coordination of partnership priorities, development of compelling investment cases, donor-facing materials, and strategic positioning of UNICEF’s programmes in Benin to support advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.

The assignment will provide an opportunity for the selected candidate to contribute to innovative partnership models, strengthen institutional capacity on partnership management, and enhance UNICEF Benin’s ability to leverage strategic relationships and resources for children and young people.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Partnerships Specialist will provide strategic support to strengthen UNICEF’s partnership portfolio, resource mobilization efforts, engagement with National Committees and programme coordination mechanisms.

The incumbent will support the development and implementation of strategic partnership approaches with government counterparts, private sector, foundations, development partners and NatComs. The position will contribute to strengthening the Office’s capacity to engage with NatComs through improved partnership planning, donor intelligence, development of quality funding proposals, investment cases, briefs and other strategic communication materials, specifically for partners from Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Northern Europe (public, private, Natcoms).

The incumbent will also facilitate internal coordination across programme sections to ensure coherent partnership approaches, strengthen visibility of UNICEF Benin priorities, and support the identification of innovative financing opportunities.

This stretch assignment will be for a period of three months.

• Strengthened strategic engagement framework with National Committees, including improved coordination of priorities, pipeline development and partnership opportunities. Experience with Asia and Pacific and middle East partners is a plus.
• Enhanced capacity of UNICEF Benin teams to develop donor-oriented materials, investment cases and compelling narratives aligned with NatCom fundraising priorities.
• Improved identification and cultivation of strategic partnerships with private sector actors, foundations, NatComs and other non-traditional partners.
• Strengthened coordination between programme sections and partnership functions to ensure consistent positioning and external engagement.
• Increased readiness of UNICEF Benin to engage strategic partners through evidence-based advocacy, quality proposals and partnership management approaches. Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

1. Education

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international development, public administration, economics, social sciences, business administration, international relations, communications, or another relevant technical field is required.

A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

1. Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, programme coordination, external relations, advocacy, private sector engagement or related areas is required.

1. Languages

Fluency in English and working knowledge in French of are required. Any additional language (Arabic, Japanese, Chinese) is a plus.

 Competency areas

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

If selected for this opportunity, the relevant staff member will remain on their existing post for the duration of the stretch assignment. Upon completion of the stretch assignment, the staff member will return to their respective post. Thus, no changes will be made to staff member’s existing status (post number, etc., will all remain as is). the releasing office will continue to cover his/her full salary.

Once the selection process has been completed, the receiving and releasing offices will communicate to reach an agreement on the start date for the recommended staff member.

Benin Country Office will pay for economy class round trip and the DSA. Entitlement Conditions: Airfare (economy class) + terminal expenses + 50% of the UN DSA rate for the entire period (3 months).

Since the staff member retains his/her current position, no changes will be made to the staff member’s employment status (e.g. post number, remuneration, etc.).

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.

To be eligible to apply, you should have:

• An existing Fixed-Term, Permanent, or Continuing appointment with UNICEF that runs through the duration of the assignment.
• An approval from your supervisor endorsed by the Head of Office.
• Two most recent PERs with a minimum of Solid achievements or Successful Performance

Upon receipt of your supervisor’s agreement, please submit through TMS your application and attach the following documentation:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for the stretch and the preferred period for the stretch,
• Current CV / eprofile
• Your last two PERs
• A signed approval letter from your supervisor endorsed by the Head of Office.

Advertised: 23 Jul 2026 W. Central Africa Standard Time
Applications close: 02 Aug 2026 W. Central Africa Standard Time

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