UNICEF job circular - Partnerships Specialist, P-3, Fixed Term, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Professionals seeking an international development career in Bangladesh can explore this UNICEF Partnerships Specialist, P-3, Fixed Term opportunity in Dhaka. This position is designed for experienced candidates who can strengthen strategic partnerships, support resource mobilization, and help advance UNICEF’s mission for children through high-level engagement, policy influence, and donor coordination.

Based in Dhaka, the role sits at the intersection of humanitarian response and long-term development programming. It offers the opportunity to work with senior stakeholders, guide partnership planning, and contribute to securing flexible and predictable support for UNICEF’s programmes in Bangladesh.

UNICEF Partnerships Specialist P-3 Job in Dhaka - Key Information

Role Overview

This role is focused on expanding collaboration with key stakeholders while strengthening resource mobilization, outreach, and policy engagement. The selected candidate will help raise UNICEF’s visibility, support strategic communication with partners, and lead the Partnership Unit through supervision, guidance, and coaching of team members.

In practical terms, the position serves as a strategic bridge between UNICEF and donors, government institutions, foundations, civil society, development partners, and other influential stakeholders. It is especially relevant for professionals who can combine policy awareness, relationship management, and external engagement with strong operational follow-through.

Context of the Position in Bangladesh

UNICEF’s work in Bangladesh is shaped by a demanding environment where humanitarian needs and development priorities overlap. The country continues to face the effects of the Rohingya refugee emergency, climate-related shocks, and pressure from declining humanitarian funding.

In 2026, 4.4 million people, including 1.9 million children and 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, are expected to need humanitarian assistance. UNICEF plans to reach 1.3 million people with life-saving support across health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, and social protection services.

At the same time, children in Bangladesh continue to face serious well-being challenges, including stunting, preventable under-five mortality, child marriage, violence, and gaps in civil registration. These issues are further intensified by climate vulnerability. Within this setting, the Partnerships Specialist will help ensure that UNICEF’s priorities remain visible and well-supported by partners and donors across both humanitarian and development portfolios.

Main Responsibilities

• Implement the work plan for the assigned area in line with UNICEF’s partnership strategy and expected results.

• Promote new partnerships and support resource mobilization efforts based on programme needs.

• Screen inquiries from potential collaborators and connect them with the relevant UNICEF teams.

• Monitor the external environment for partnership opportunities and risks, and share timely analysis internally.

• Provide strategic, logistical, and programmatic support to senior management in partner engagement.

• Maintain strong knowledge of current and prospective partners and contribute to institutional partnership intelligence.

• Expand UNICEF’s engagement network among governments, decision-makers, regional institutions, foundations, civil society organizations, and international financial institutions.

• Develop and implement annual partnership engagement and resource mobilization plans.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for outreach, policy influence, and collaboration.

• Support high-level engagement initiatives for UNICEF senior leadership.

• Contribute to improved partnership and resource mobilization approaches through analysis and recommendations.

• Support communication products and strategic messaging to strengthen UNICEF’s visibility and influence.

• Carry out other related duties assigned by the supervisor, including supervising, guiding, training, and coaching staff.

Educational and Experience Requirements

To be considered for this post, candidates must hold an advanced university degree in international relations, political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field.

Applicants must also have at least five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: public affairs, programme management, resource mobilization, external relations, or other related fields.

Required Skills and Competencies

UNICEF is looking for candidates who can combine diplomacy, strategic thinking, and practical partnership development expertise. Strong communication and stakeholder management ability will be essential for success in this role.

• Diplomatic communication and negotiation skills

• Ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, and programming policies in international development cooperation

• In-depth knowledge of partnership development and resource mobilization

• Ability to design new approaches related to resource management and outreach activities

• Skill in identifying new opportunities and responding to field-level challenges with appropriate changes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong familiarity with political and governmental processes

• Ability to conduct sound policy analysis

Language Requirement

Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, will be considered an asset.

UNICEF Core Values and Competencies

The organization’s work is guided by the core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability.

The competencies required for this role are:

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)

• Works Collaboratively with others (2)

• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)

• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)

• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)

• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)

• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Salary and Contract Information

This is a P-3 Fixed Term staff contract under the Professional and Director category. It is normally internationally recruited and typically requires five years of experience, depending on academic qualifications.

The estimated salary for this position ranges from USD 74,649 to USD 97,747. For the Dhaka duty station, the international base rate of USD 74,649 applies with a 0% post adjustment. The final compensation package may vary depending on the organization’s official determination.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding

UNICEF encourages applications from candidates of all genders, nationalities, religious and ethnic backgrounds, and from persons with disabilities. The organization also actively encourages female candidates, gender-diverse individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

Reasonable accommodation is available for candidates and employees with disabilities. UNICEF also supports inclusive workplace practices through measures such as paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and flexible working arrangements.

As part of its safeguarding standards, UNICEF maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo reference checks, academic and employment verification, and other background screening procedures as required.

Important Employment Conditions

• Appointments are subject to medical clearance.

• Visa issuance by the host country is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF.

• Appointments may be subject to inoculation requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).

• Government employees selected for UNICEF roles are normally required to resign from their government positions before joining.

• UNICEF does not charge any processing fee at any stage of recruitment.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.

• Internal candidates may receive preference over external candidates.

• Applications must contain complete and accurate information, as submitted profiles cannot be revised after submission for this position.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This position offers the chance to contribute directly to child rights, humanitarian action, and long-term development in one of UNICEF’s important country contexts. For experienced professionals in partnerships, donor relations, external affairs, and policy engagement, the role provides meaningful leadership responsibility and a clear platform to influence strategic outcomes.

If your background includes partnership building, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis, this UNICEF Partnerships Specialist vacancy in Dhaka may be a strong next step in your international career.