Role Purpose

This role will exist to strengthen Plan’s impact through more effective strategic partnerships, greater influence and more grant resources. While centred on strengthening external relations at above-country level, this role will also lead the following portfolio in the regional hub management team.

• Strategic Partnership and civil society engagement.
• Profiling of Plan among donors; driving identification of potential grant opportunities with new donors, expanding portfolio with existing donors and identifying multi-country funding opportunities.
• Overseeing the Communications function in the region (technical support on communications can come through the matrix management at the global hub
• RHMT lead on the “Locally led, globally connected” strategic agenda, though country specific activity will be led by the DSR

The position holder provides strategic and technical leadership and oversight to Plan MEESA’s External relations, Media and Communications work in the region. S/he champions the regional priorities in our strategic partnerships and engagement with actors and stakeholders at the regional level. S/he collaborates with the Global Engagement, Partnerships and Communications functions, drive MEESA priorities effectively support our goals. S/he supports capacity development and quality assurance measures for communication staff in MEESA and represents Plan MEESA in Plan’s global relevant networking fora.

Requirements

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of current issues and trends, in both the development and humanitarian sectors in the region of MEESA and beyond.
• Masters level required in one of the following fields: communication and Public Relations, international development and political sciences
• Demonstrated working knowledge of regional stakeholders and actors, such as national Governments, inter-governmental institutions, civil society and UN agencies, media and journalists
• Minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience of working as a manager with supervisory capacity and budget responsibility
• Proven experience to develop and implement strategic partnerships leading to business development and communication and media strategies
• Excellent understanding of child rights and gender equality as pre-conditions and ingredients for sustainable development.

Skills

• Exceptional conceptual and strategic thinking skills
• Business development skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues at long distances
• Excellence in written and spoken English
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking in front of high-level audiences
• Ability to prioritize and multitask

Desirable

• Working knowledge of Portuguese or Arabic desirable.