Senior Ecosystem Engagement Specialist (Part-time at 30%)

Giga

Giga

Geneva, Switzerland

Posted on Jun 1, 2026

General Information

Publication for
Partner
Partner Name
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
Position Title
Senior Ecosystem Engagement Specialist (Part-time at 30%)
Job Category
Partnerships
Duty Station(s)
Geneva
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 12
Contract Type
ICA - IICA - Regular
Contract Level
IICA 3
Posting Start Date
01-Jun-2026
Posting End Date
15-Jun-2026
Duration
until 31 December 2026

Job Highlight

Under the supervision of the DI Partnerships Manager, the contractor will work in close coordination with relevant internal teams. S/he will also work with the Chief and Senior Programme Manager on a regular basis.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

About the Group

As part of the Global Portfolio Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

Job Specific Context

***This is a part-time contractor role at 30%***

UNOPS Geneva Office is providing support to a wide range of portfolios, including UNEP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and other partners.

This position is a Partner Personnel role, not a UNOPS role. The selected candidate will be a UNICEF personnel and will operate under the effective management and supervision of UNICEF.

UNOPS is supporting UNICEF-DI as a UN Partner and providesing recruitment and administrative support for this position.

About UNICEF Digital Inclusion


UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.


UNICEF’s Digital Inclusion team accelerates access to affordable, sustainable, safe and resilient digital infrastructure for every child. We do so by supporting governments and partners to expand equitable and affordable connectivity across child-facing service locations such as schools, health facilities, and social protection locations, and addressing related infrastructure such as electricity and computer. Our work empowers children and their communities through information, opportunity, choice and dignity. The Digital Inclusion team includes functions that support Giga, the joint partnership between UNICEF and ITU to connect every school to the internet. The Giga team is based at the Giga Connectivity Centre in Geneva and the Giga Technology Centre in Barcelona.


Digital Inclusion team is part of the Digital Impact Division (DID), which is at the heart of reshaping how UNICEF delivers lasting results for all children everywhere, and is committed to harnessing the full potential of emerging digital technologies to advance UNICEF’s mission. DID works in close collaboration with a network of colleagues in more than 190 countries and territories at country, region and headquarters levels to leverage technologies and capabilities that accelerate progress on UNICEF’s goals, strengthen community resilience, and expand access to essential digital services and information.

Role Purpose

The objective of this contract is to provide strategic advisory support to strengthen Giga’s/DI engagement with high-value stakeholders, enhance its presence within the Geneva and Swiss ecosystem and globally, and support the development of targeted initiatives in events, partnerships, and cultural engagement.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Event Strategy & High-Value Engagement

  • Support the design and delivery of targeted events and convenings aimed at engaging high-value stakeholders, partners, and prospective donors

  • Contribute to the development of event concepts, formats, and audience curation aligned with Giga’s priorities

  • Identify opportunities to leverage events for partnership development and visibility and potential resource mobilization


2. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Geneva & Switzerland Ecosystem: support engagement with key Geneva- and Switzerland-based stakeholders, including:

  • World Economic Forum (WEF)

  • Chambre de commerce, d'industrie et des services de Genève (CCIG)

  • Fédération des Entreprises Romandes Genève (FER)

  • Canton of Geneva and relevant public sector counterparts

  • Private clubs

  • Local media and press

  • Identify and support collaboration opportunities and joint initiatives with relevant actors

  • Contribute to strengthening Giga’s/DI local ecosystem presence and partnerships


3. Giga Photo Contest – Strategic Support

  • Provide strategic support to the Giga Photo Contest in coordination with the internal team

  • Contribute to the exploration and development of partnership and sponsorship opportunities

  • Support initiatives aimed at increasing visibility, engagement, and potential revenue streams


4. Art & Cultural Engagement

  • Support the development of one key art-related collaboration in coordination with external partners

  • Contribute to integrating art and culture into Giga’s broader engagement activities


5. Communications & Media Support (as required)

  • Provide input on communications and media opportunities linked to key moments (events, partnerships, Photo Contest)

  • Support outreach to relevant media and visibility platforms, as needed


Monitoring and Progress Controls

Item

Outputs/Deliverables

Month/Year

1

Help conceptualize and support the delivery of selected high-level events or convenings globally for Giga/DI

Ongoing

2

Identification of partnership and collaboration opportunities within the Geneva/Swiss/BCN or other ecosystems and broader scope

Ongoing

3

Strategic input and support to the Giga Photo Contest, including partnership opportunities

Ongoing

4

Contribution to the development of one key art-related initiative

Ongoing

5

Ad hoc advisory support on communications and stakeholder engagement

Ongoing

Skills

International Business Development, Philanthropy, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Communications, Strategic Partnerships
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

  • An advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a related field (e.g., media, marketing, international relations, journalism, social sciences, economics, or specific technical areas) is required.

  • A first University degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced University degree.

Experience Requirements

Required:

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in a similar role.

  • Several years of relevant professional experience in partnership development, stakeholder engagement, event strategy, or communications, ideally within an international organization or similar environment.

  • Demonstrated strong understanding of the Geneva and Swiss ecosystem, with an established network across public, private, and multilateral stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with high-level stakeholders, including private sector partners, foundations, and institutional actors.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French.

Desired:

  • Demonstrated familiarity with UNICEF processes and ways of working, including internal coordination and stakeholder engagement.

  • Proven knowledge of the Giga/DI initiative, with prior experience within the Giga ecosystem, preferably including exposure to or collaboration with the DI team.

  • A strong network within the respective industry sectors is a decisive advantage.

  • Experience bridging luxury, arts, and philanthropic communities with international development goals is a strong asset.

  • Experience in international development, infrastructure, technology, or policy environments.

  • Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively and respectfully within multinational, multicultural work environments engaging effectively with colleagues at all levels, in alignment with UNICEF Core Values and Digital Impact Division & Digital Inclusion Values.

Language Requirements

Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
French Fluent Required

Additional Information

  • UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
  • UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
  • UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
  • We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
  • UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.