Overview of the functions of the post

Background
The UNESCO Regional Bureau for West Africa, based in Dakar, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Consultant to develop and operationalize its partnership and resource mobilization strategy. This document will complement the regional strategy covering the period 2025-2029 and align with UNESCO’s Comprehensive Partnership Strategy. This key framework guides the organization’s collaboration with various stakeholders, aiming to support the smooth implementation of UNESCO’s programs and projects and enhance UNESCO’s impact and visibility by leveraging partnerships with international organizations, public and private sectors, and other key stakeholders.


Key Responsibilities
Partnership mapping and data collection and analysis:
• Conduct a thorough review of the existing « Mapping of Partnership and Resource Mobilization Opportunities for UNESCO in West Africa”.
• Map existing and potential partnerships, including government agencies, international organizations, private sector entities, foundations, and civil society organizations.
• Long Description
• Identify and incorporate relevant data, trends, and insights specific to UNESCO’s mandate and operational context into the existing mapping, reflecting strategic priorities, thematic areas, and geographical focus.
• Highlight successful partnership models and best practices that can be replicated or adapted for the UNESCO Regional Bureau
• Collect and analyze data on global and regional financing trends, including Official Development Assistance (ODA), private sector investments, and philanthropic contributions.
• Establish a donor database and dashboard including key donors, thematic priorities, geographical interests, funding trends, and resource mobilization foresight tailored to the West African context and UNESCO’s mandate and activities.


Strategic Planning:
• Develop a comprehensive partnership and resource mobilization strategy, including short-term and medium-term actions to leverage specific opportunities.
• Identify innovative financing mechanisms and potential funding sources to support UNESCO’s programs and initiatives.
Field Office Support:
• Provide direct support to field offices in Ghana, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Nigeria to develop their country programmeprogramme documents.
• Conduct needs assessments and consultations with field offices and antennas’ staff to understand their specific requirements and challenges.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions to build capacity in partnership and resource mobilization.
Long Description


Proposal Development:
• Develop high-quality funding proposals tailored to different donors, maintain and update project pipeline in close collaboration with programme teams.
• Conduct thorough research on each donor’s priorities and ongoing projects that are underfunded for additional and complementary resources.
Donor Relations and Communication
• Organize and manage donor engagements, including partners’ roundtable and field missions, to promote UNESCO’s regional strategy for West Africa, programmes and impact.
• Coordinate with programme and communications teams to enhance donor visibility

Competencies (Core / Managerial)
• Accountability (C)
• Communication (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)


Delivrables
Activities Deliverables
• Partnership mapping: An updated “Mapping of Partnership and Resource Mobilization Opportunities for UNESCO in West Africa” in line with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget 2026 – 2029 (43 C/5) and the Regional Strategy’s axes of interventions and objectives
• Data collection and Analysis: A regularly updated donor database and dashboard including key donors, thematic priorities, geographical interests, funding trends, and resource mobilization foresight tailored to the West African context and UNESCO’s mandate and activities.
• Strategic Planning: A comprehensive resource mobilization strategy and action plan for the 2025 – 2029 period.
Field Office Support:
• Country Partnership and Resource Mobilization action plans for Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.
• Training materials, sessions and mission reports for UNESCO field network in West Africa.
• Proposal Development: Multi-Country Project Proposals aligned with the Regional Strategy for West Africa.
Donor Relations and Communications:
• Communication materials of the Regional Strategy and resource mobilization strategy tailored to key partners.
• Partners roundtables to present the UNESCO Regional Strategy and resource mobilization action plans.
• For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
Required qualifications

Qualifications of the Senior Consultant
Education: Advanced degree in international relations, development studies, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Experience
• At least 15 years of experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, and strategic planning within international organizations.
• Proven track record of developing comprehensive partnership and resource mobilization strategies.
• Experience working with the UN system or similar organizations is highly desirable.

Skills
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools.
• Strong writing and documentation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Languages:
• Fluency in English and French is required.
• Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.

Competencies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work in diverse environments.


Application
• An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work.
• A technical and financial offer, outlining the understanding of the assignment, highlighting the relevant experience, and presenting a proposed remuneration for the work (professional fees only – no other costs will be eligible).
• If available, examples of similar work.
• Only applications providing the information requested will be considered.

Desirable qualifications
Benefits and entitlements
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Selection and recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.


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