Strategic Relations and Innovations Officer

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

UNDP South Africa, where innovation, strategy, and creativity come together to shape the future. As a part of our dynamic team, you will directly contribute to our mission by supporting our executives in day-to-day strategic planning, management of external engagement and communications.

UNDP South Africa Country Office works to support the country’s development goals in alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It partners with the government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations to promote inclusive growth, governance, and environmental sustainability.
UNDPs key focus areas include (i) Inclusive Economic Growth & Sustainable Development to support job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation as well as promote policies for poverty reduction and economic transformation, (ii) Good Governance & Social Cohesion to strengthen institutions, the rule of law and enhance transparency and accountability, (iii) Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability to support renewable energy and climate resilience projects and promote conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Gender Equality & Youth Empowerment is an overarching focus area and aims to advocate for women’s rights and economic participation and support youth skills development and leadership programs.

UNDP South Africa Country Office works closely with national and provincial governments, providing technical expertise, policy advice, and funding to advance sustainable development and improve livelihoods across the country.

Working under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the UN Volunteer will work within the Country Office and undertake the duties below:

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Intelligence & Thinking Partner
• Provide high-level briefings and intelligence summaries ahead of key meetings.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities in global policy, technology, and economic landscapes.
• Act as a thought partner to the Deputy, preparing insights that support decision-making.
• Utilise AI and digital tools to enhance research and efficiency in managing strategic priorities.

2. Relationship & Influence Management
• Serve as a liaison between the Deputy and key stakeholders (government, private sector, UN agencies, donors, and development partners).
• Cultivate and maintain high-value relationships to position UNDP as a leader in innovation, sustainable finance, and impact-driven development.
• Accompany the Deputy in select high-level engagements, ensuring continuity of influence and positioning.
• Use AI-driven relationship management tools to track engagement history and optimise outreach strategies.

3. Strategic Fundraising & Resource Mobilisation Support (not as a fundraiser, but as an enabler)
• Map and track funding trends, identifying new and untapped sources of financing.
• Support the Deputy in navigating donor ecosystems, ensuring alignment between funders’ priorities and UNDP initiatives.
• Coordinate strategic high-level donor engagements and partnerships, ensuring they lead to actionable opportunities.

4. Digital Transformation & AI-Enabled Productivity
• Drive workflow automation, ensuring AI optimises time and resource allocation.
• Manage digital engagement, including social media, thought leadership content, and strategic messaging for key audiences.
• Support communications function of the Deputy – linking programme results to strategic engagements and new funding opportunities
• Utilise AI for agenda-setting, data analytics, and optimising internal processes.

5. High-Level Coordination & Execution
• Ensure meetings, engagements, and missions are impeccably executed, with clear objectives and follow-ups.
• Track commitments, action points, and strategic initiatives, ensuring sustained momentum.
• Provide oversight in the preparation of high-level dialogues, round tables, and strategy sessions.