NICEF Partnerships Officer, NO-1, Fixed-Term Job in Pretoria, South Africa: Apply by August 28, 2026

Overview

UNICEF is recruiting a Partnerships Officer at National Officer level NO-1 on a fixed-term appointment in Pretoria, South Africa. The post sits in the UNICEF South Africa Country Office, reports to the Chief of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communication, and supports the Investing in Children programme component. That component works to strengthen strategic partnerships, mobilise resources, explore innovative financing and improve the use of existing investments so that spending on children delivers measurable, equitable and sustainable results. It also supports the Country Programme Document 2026-2030.

What you will do

The officer provides research, analysis, coordination and partnership support to Partnership Specialists and senior management. Duties include gathering and analysing information about the external environment, turning it into evidence-based insights, and sharing it with colleagues. The officer also assists with partner and stakeholder engagement, resource mobilisation such as donor engagement, funding analysis, proposals and reporting, and supports policy influence work.

Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a field such as international studies, political science, communications, international development, international relations or public policy, plus at least one year of relevant experience in areas such as programme or partnership management, resource mobilisation, donor relations, external relations, policy analysis or international development. Skills in negotiation, networking and communication are sought, and fluency in English is required. Another official UN language or a local language is an asset. Preferred experience includes fundraising, UNICEF or UN experience, knowledge of the South African private sector, donor communication, proposal and report writing, donor field visits, and country-level work in fragile or humanitarian settings.

UNICEF also looks for competencies including building partnerships, ethical awareness, driving results, innovation, managing complexity, strategic thinking and collaboration.

Who can apply

This is a national officer post, and eligible national candidates are encouraged to apply. UNICEF will not facilitate visas or work authorisation for National Officer positions, so candidates must already be eligible to work in South Africa. Government employees who are selected normally need to resign before joining.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through the UNICEF recruitment system under job number 595114. UNICEF charges no fee at any stage of recruitment and does not ask for bank details. Selected candidates face reference and background checks and medical clearance, and staff may be asked to support humanitarian responses.

Key dates

The post was advertised on August 14, 2026, and the deadline is August 28, 2026, South Africa Standard Time.