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This is a Fixed-term contract funded through extra-budgetary trust funds. The duration will differ depending on the relevant trust fund, subject to availability of funds and incumbent's level of performance.

The Secretariat of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is seeking to fill the position of Head of Partnerships and Outreach in the Executive Secretariat (ES) for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), administratively housed in the WTO. 

Established in 2009, the EIF is a partnership, bringing together the resources and expertise of 44 least developed countries (LDCs) and 2 recently graduated countries, 28 EIF Funding Partners and 8 EIF Partner Agencies. The partnership provides demand-driven, targeted support to the LDCs and recently graduated countries with the vision of inclusive trade and investment for resilient, sustainable and transformative development.

This is a one year contract, renewable subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

The Head of Partnerships and Outreach is a senior leader within the EIF Executive Secretariat, responsible for shaping and executing strategies that expand the EIF's global reach, visibility and financial sustainability. The incumbent leads efforts to cultivate and manage high-impact partnerships, mobilize resources in support of the least developed countries (LDCs), and position the EIF as a key player in the Aid for Trade landscape. Working closely with the Executive Director (ED) and across teams, the Head of Partnership and Outreach ensures that the EIF's engagement with the EIF Funding Partners, development partners and the private sector is strategic, coordinated, and aligned with LDC priorities. The role also oversees communications and outreach to amplify the EIF's results and influence global trade, investment and development discourse in LDC context.

Key functions and responsibilities

Reporting to the ED, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

A. Strategic partnerships and coordination

• Design and implement the EIF partnership strategy in alignment with EIF Phase Three priorities.
• Develop and maintain high-level relationships with core partner agencies, international organizations, bilateral funding partners, foundations, regional bodies and the private sector.
• Convene and facilitate structured dialogue platforms to strengthen coordination and alignment between the EIF and partners at global, regional and national levels.
• Forge and manage strategic alliances to amplify the EIF's impact and unlock additional technical and financial resources.

B. Resource mobilization

• Lead the implementation of the EIF Phase Three Resource Mobilization Strategy, including engaging new funding partners and innovative financing sources (such as public, private, philanthropic, thematic and impact investment and blended finance).
• Engage funding partners through targeted outreach and investment cases.
• Support country-level resource mobilization through tools, guidance and backstopping support to the EIF National Implementation Units.
• Facilitate development of project proposals responding to LDC needs and in alignment with funding partner interests.
• Monitor funding opportunities from funding partners, development finance and private sources.

C. Communication, outreach and advocacy

• Oversee the development and execution of a strategic communications plan forging strong synergies between Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Resource Mobilization.
• Supervise production and dissemination of strategic communication and visibility materials.
• Organize and represent the EIF at policy forums, funding partner roundtables and global events.
• Promote EIF results through impact stories, case studies and digital outreach.
• Advocate for LDC trade and investment needs in global forums and policy processes.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of evidence-based advocacy materials.
• Promote learning and knowledge exchanges among EIF partners and stakeholders.

D. Management, coordination and reporting

• Lead and supervise a dedicated team covering partnerships, communications and resource mobilization.
• Lead the organization of EIF events, including EIF High Level Platform on an annual basis or as required based on the needs and priorities of the programme.
• Lead the reporting to individual funding partners based on their requirements and requests.
• Coordinate with other units in the ES to ensure alignment with the EIF Results Framework.
• Contribute to ES work planning, budgeting and reporting.
• Work with ES Country Coordinators to support in-country partnership development, outreach and resource mobilization efforts.
• Work with the EIF Trust Fund Manager to coordinate contributions from the EIF funding partners.
• Represent the ES in relevant internal and external coordination mechanisms.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in international relations, development economics, international trade, public administration or a related field.

Knowledge and skills

Technical skills

• Proven record in resource mobilization, including from the innovative funding partners, and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Knowledge in strategic communications and outreach.
• Familiarity with Aid for Trade, development programming and funding partner financing mechanisms.

Behavioral skills

• Strong leadership, management, organizational and capacity-building skills, including the ability to plan, manage people and performance; to handle multiple tasks with competing priorities; and to work under pressure.
• Strong communications skills in a multicultural and multilateral diplomacy context, including writing clearly and communicating complex abstract ideas to a non-technical audience and understanding ideas when communicated by others; presenting technical facts to knowledgeable specialized audiences; and proven presentation skills.
• Capability to deliver results and to manage changes.
• Ability to initiate and build relationships with a variety of people, both inside and outside of the organization at all levels, including the ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
• Highly developed tact and discretion, including being sensitive to diplomatic protocol and political issues.
• Ability to work in a team, where supporting and gaining the support of others is important to achieving his/her objectives.

Skills and competencies

• Strong relationship-building and high-level engagement skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and representational abilities.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Strategic thinking and results orientation.

Organizational competencies

Core competencies:

• Communicating for results
• Effective collaboration
• Cultivating progressive growth
• Professional accountability
• Relevant digital proficiency
• Diversity, equity and inclusion

Leadership and management competencies:

• Self-aware leadership
• Talent-centred leadership
• Coordinated cross-functional leadership
• Strategic leadership

Work experience

At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, trade, partnerships or funding partner relations, with exposure to LDC contexts.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English, including an ability to write accurately, precisely and quickly. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.