Mission and objectivesUNICEFโs core mission is to uphold the rights of every child, everywhere. Through its equity-focused strategy, UNICEF prioritizes the most disadvantaged children, ensuring they have equal opportunities to survive, develop, and thrive. Addressing inequities not only fulfills children's rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child but also promotes long-term national stability and development.
ContextThe UN Volunteer will report to the Representative and could be involved in planning and organizing tasks that are associated with the front office. The Representativeโs office provides overall leadership, management, coordination, representation with authorities, other UN agencies and humanitarian agencies, building partnerships with donors, staff and premises security, as well as communication and external relations functions. The purpose of this assignment is to support UNICEF Iranโs partnerships and resource mobilization efforts, with a strong emphasis on deepening collaboration with China-related donors and strategic stakeholders. The incumbent will play a key role in identifying and cultivating innovative funding opportunities, particularly from public, private, and philanthropic sources with China linkages, including embassies, corporations, foundations, and multilateral initiatives. This assignment serves also as a bridge for environmental scanning, knowledge management exchange, and policy dialogue, while also enhancing the visibility of UNICEFโs work and its alignment with donor priorities, especially in the context of Iranโs evolving humanitarian and development needs.
Task Descriptionโข Lead donor mapping and strategic engagement efforts targeting China-related public and private sector donors. โข Develop and implement a partnership and resource mobilization plan with a focus on China, aligned with UNICEF Iranโs Country Programme and emerging national priorities. โข Draft compelling proposals, donor briefs, and partnership materials to position UNICEF as a key partner for investment in children in Iran. โข Monitor geopolitical, economic, and philanthropic trends relevant to Chinaโs engagement in Iran and the region to anticipate opportunities and risks. โข Act as the focal point for China-related donor engagement, facilitating dialogue, organizing high-level briefings, and ensuring timely and strategic communications. โข Support broader resource mobilization efforts with other emerging donors in Asia and beyond, as needed, leveraging UNICEF's regional and global platforms. โข Provide strategic guidance and capacity-building support to colleagues on donor intelligence, proposal development, and partnership management. โข Knowledge Management, including systematic review and dissemination of good practices and emerging evidence across UNICEF Iranโs programme and operational teams to strengthen institutional learning and cross-sectoral collaboration; high-quality knowledge products (e.g., case studies, briefs, donor-facing reports) specifically designed to support strategic engagement with partners and donors to enhance visibility, attract funding, and build strategic partnerships. โข Contribute articles/wrjte-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. โข Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. โข Performs other duties as required.
Competencies and valuesโข Building and maintaining partnerships โข Accountability and drive for results โข Demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness โข Adaptability and flexibility โข Working collaboratively with others
Living conditions and remarksTehran is a Category B, family duty station and the capital of Iran. The city is generally secure for daily life, but political sensitivities and occasional civil unrest require adherence to UN security protocols. Air travel is available via Imam Khomeini International Airport, though sanctions may impact flight availability and access to services. Cultural norms are conservative: women must wear a headscarf and modest clothing in public, and alcohol is strictly prohibited by law. Cost of living is moderate, but inflation affects prices of imported goods and rent in secure areas. Utilities are generally stable, and accommodation options are available in safe neighbourhoods. Medical services Tehran has several private hospitals and clinics offering acceptable standards of care, though access to specialized medication and international-standard services may be limited. Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) arrangements are in place for serious conditions that cannot be treated locally. Banking is restricted due to sanctions; international cards and transfers are not operational. Internet is widely available, but some sites are blocked and may require a VPN.