National Individual Consultant - Private Sector Partnership Specialist with UNICEF in Uzbekistan

In 2025, UNICEF aims to heighten its collaboration with the private sector in Uzbekistan. This heightened collaboration entails an in-depth understanding and mapping of opportunities. In addition to enhance collaboration, it is also critical to generate an Uzbekistan officewide approach in utilising the power of businesses to attain programmatic, advocacy and fundraising results. The private sector’s role is already a key contributor to UNICEF Uzbekistan Results.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, support!

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

UNICEF has been operating in Uzbekistan for the past 30 years and in partnership with many stakeholders has contributed to remarkable progress for children, in the areas of maternal and child health, education, child and social protection. UNICEF in Uzbekistan continues to support systemic reforms in education, social and child protection and justice, through the provision of technical assistance to improve access and quality of services as well as ‘modeling’ of service delivery especially for the most vulnerable children and young people.

In attaining results for children UNICEF places a strong emphasis on partnership as a core strategy. The overall aim of this partnership approach is to continue to accelerate the universal realization of child rights and improve the situation of children, particularly the most vulnerable and children living in marginalized communities by harnessing the strengths of different partners.

UNICEF’s collaboration with the private sector in multi-pronged.  UNICEF seeks to build on the private sector’s dynamic research and market intelligence to advance children’s issues. Further UNICEF recognizes the private sector as a key player/influencer and its capacity to raise awareness and influence policy agendas for multiple audiences, including civil society, governments, business networks and the public.  Businesses have potential to provide resources for children through strategic grants, employee engagement, gift matching, customer fundraising, cause-related marketing or contributions in kind, providing mentorship and internships for young people, ensuring gender responsive environment and showcasing best practices in hiring people with disabilities. Importantly for UNICEF, in working with businesses there is an opportunity to influence Business Practices in the interests of children, young people and women.

Purpose of Assignment

In 2025, UNICEF aims to heighten its collaboration with the private sector in Uzbekistan. This heightened collaboration entails an in-depth understanding and mapping of opportunities. In addition to enhance collaboration, it is also critical to generate an Uzbekistan officewide approach in utilising the power of businesses to attain programmatic, advocacy and fundraising results. The private sector’s role is already a key contributor to UNICEF Uzbekistan Results.

Scope of Work:

The Private Sector Partnerships Consultant, under the supervision of the Chief of Communication and in close coordination with the Representative will support UNICEF’s Business for Results (B4R) agenda, with the mission to initially deepen understanding and, consequently, collaboration with key private sector stakeholders like companies, foundations, HNWI, and business networks in Uzbekistan.

UNICEF is an ideal partner for the private sector in Uzbekistan aiming to have huge impact on children and young people through supporting UNICEF’s programmatic vision, for both early years and adolescents, foster innovation, and protect children/s rights. To find the right balance across the existing B4R opportunities, maximizing the potential of different stakeholders and articulating compelling offers and asks to the right partner is a key deliverable of this role.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Conduct a Mapping/matching exercise of potential businesses for collaboration and make sure all partnerships discussions are in alignment and in full compliance with UNICEF’s Due Diligence criteria, with identified companies in Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) Division in Geneva. 
2. Identify and pursue opportunities for engagement, fundraising, awareness raising, policy influence and collaboration with the private sector, including on how to anticipate and respond to partners’ concerns and priorities.
3. Build support for business development goals from other teams within the Country Office through building effective collaborative relationships accordingly, notably with Communications (to drive a strong brand and assure powerful content for fundraising), Operations (operational support for fundraising) and Programmes (strong articulation of programmes for private sector partners, and compelling reporting.)
4. Immediate business goals to support include the establishment of partnerships-based UNICEF’s approach to Business for Results (B4R) such as the “first job initiatives” for young people especially girls and young women, including those with disabilities; “prevention of on-line violence” in collaboration with the telecommunication companies and IT companies; “family friendly companies” that promote the hiring of women, parental leave, positive gender socialization and parenting, breastfeeding time and space; daycare facilities provision or cash benefits for daycare; companies for the environment (to work on recycling, waste management, youth participation and engagement.)
5. Establish contacts with potential partners (companies, chambers of commerce, business associations) and prepare presentations on UNICEF’s “pitch” in collaboration with the different CO sections on UNICEF’S value added and potential partnership. 
6. Support with the interface with the PSFR Cluster and Communication Section.
7. Support the development and implementation of UNICEF Uzbekistan private sector engagement strategy in close cooperation with senior management.
8. Act as a focal person and make sure the private sector activities and outreach aby UNICEF colleagues to private sector partners are coordinated, and strategically contribute to programme.
9. Provide strategic, logistical and programmatic support to senior management and other UNICEF staff in corporate engagement and interaction with assigned partners.
10. Develop and maintain deep knowledge and familiarity with current and prospective partners and relevant stakeholders, contributing to a database of key contacts and to UNICEF’s base of knowledge.
11. Expand UNICEF’s network of key interlocutors to build stronger relationships between UNICEF and key-decision makers.
12. Provide specialist advice, knowledge and skills related to partnership-building with corporate donors and foundations, including proposal development.
13. Assess and mitigate risk related to private sector engagement, making informed decisions on fundraising operations and the overall engagement with the private sector.
14. Management and Reporting: the consultant will report against provided deliverables.

Impact of Results:

The Private Sector Partnerships Consultant is a seasoned professional in partnership development, with a proven track record of successfully negotiating private sector partnerships. S/He is a self-starter a doer, with extensive networking skills and deep-rooted understanding of the local Uzbekistan private sector landscape.  

The consultant should have strong communication, team management and collaboration skills. The quality of work and external relations by the consultant directly impacts on the overall reputation of UNICEF. S/He follows established procedures but is expected to make recommendations on strategies for engagement, projects’ proposals’ development and communications products. The Private Sector Consultant is accountable for quality mapping exercise, rigorous due diligence, substantive input and ability to project a competent and trusted image of UNICEF to partners.

Work Assignments Overview 

1. Conduct a Mapping exercise of potential businesses for collaboration and make sure all partnerships discussions are in alignment and in full compliance with UNICEF’s Due Diligence criteria, with identified companies in Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) Division in Geneva;

2. Actively identify, qualify and cultivate high-value partnership opportunities in pursuit of supporting UNICEF programmes at national, regional and global level; 

3. Establishment of partnerships-based UNICEF’s approach to Business for Results (B4R);

4. Prepare presentations on UNICEF’s “pitch” in collaboration with the different CO sections on UNICEF’S value added and potential partnership.

Deliverables/Outputs - Timeline

1. Private Sector Database of Uzbekistan focusing on top 30 potential corporates and foundations, with areas of possible interest/collaboration, net worth, company profile and a link to Company Due Diligence report - February - December 2025.

2. A shorter matrix of corporates who meet UNICEF diligence criteria, that is regularly updated, based on local market intelligence for possible engagement - February - December 2025.

3. At least five strategic partnerships with private sector companies by the end of contract - February - December 2025.

4. At least one deal is negotiated and closed with 1 corporate every second month in line with harnessing business for results approach in program goals such as online safety, early childhood development, or environmental sustainability - Once in 2 months during February - December 2025.

5. Report on engagement level with each partner, including measurable impact on program delivery (e.g., policies and practices changed, number of children reached, online safety improvements etc - Monthly.

6. Develop at least 10 proposals/pitches to potential private sector partnership - February - December 2025

TOTAL: Number of working days: 20 working days per month (February – December 2025)

Presentation of financial offer: The applicants are requested to present the financial offer in Fee per deliverables mentioned above

Payment calendar: Taking into account the tasks and timeframe mentioned above, fees will be paid upon submission of periodic activity report and upon approval by supervisor.

Ownership: UNICEF will have sole ownership of all final deliverables; no parts of the deliverables will be reproduced without the permission of UNICEF.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, International Development, or another relevant technical field. (A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.)
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience in professional partnerships management and successful team leadership.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English, Uzbek and Russian are required.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.