The Position:

The Regional External Engagement Specialist is based at the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Resource Mobilization Advisor with a dotted line to the Communications Advisor. 

The Specialist is responsible for linking partnerships, resource mobilization and communications to raise resources, awareness of and advocate for UNFPA´s three transformative results and promote LACRO´s work to reach them. S/he will drive initiatives to garner stakeholder support, strengthen and forge high-value partnerships with traditional and non-traditional donors- especially with the public sector and international financial institutions- and raise non-core funds in Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

This role will work closely with senior managers and advisors in Panama, Country Offices (COs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, New York headquarters (HQ) and liaison offices to position UNFPA as a go-to partner to ensure rights and options for all. 

You would be responsible for:

• Support the implementation of the regional plan that integrates partnerships, resource mobilization and communications which is grounded in programmatic priorities.
• Identify strategic opportunities, develop tailored outreach plans and build/strengthen quality partnerships to mobilize resources in the public and multilateral sectors, targeting highest value opportunities.
• Prepare a variety of communications products with key messages and data aimed at external stakeholders. Write briefing materials, concept notes, talking points, scripts, newsletters, and social media posts, as needed.
• Identify and reach out to high-level supporters who can help amplify UNFPA´s brand story and engage with key audiences. Work on campaigns and/or events that match both UNFPA´s and the influencer´s interests.
• Support the design and operationalization of Innovative Finance Mechanisms to catalyze funding and financing for UNFPA priorities.
• Lead donor visibility efforts by producing quarterly newsletter, annual report, social media content, and plan, in collaboration with Programme, Resources Mobilization and Communications teams.
• Liaise with HQ and CO focal points for public sector engagement to leverage synergies at the global, regional, and national levels.
• Guide and support COs on partnership strategies, action plans, data/trend analysis, and reporting, as well as on delivering on stakeholder communications and advocacy priorities. Share lessons learned and best practices.
• Serve as a member of the UN regional partnership/communications network.
• Lead in drafting, monitoring, and evaluating key performance indicators for resource mobilization, partnerships, and communications.
• Support in organizing and promoting regional stakeholder events.
  
   

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in the field of International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, or another related field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in development work, with an emphasis on partnerships and resource mobilization.
• Experience in donor mapping, management, and outreach, including donor communications, reporting and non-core resources income analysis.
• Experience in external relations, communications and/or campaigning is an asset.
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is an asset.
• Excellent negotiation skills, advocacy, and public speaking.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.

Languages: 

Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken). Other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Portuguese, are desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communication for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Resource Mobilization 
• Job knowledge/Technical expertise
• Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda.
• Results based on programme development and management.

Compensation and Benefits:

 This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

 

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.