Partnerships & Advocacy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations that provides infrastructure, procurement, and project management services to help partners achieve sustainable development goals. Established to support the UN system, UNOPS operates globally, working with various partners including governments, NGOs, and the private sector. The organization is committed to promoting equality, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience in its projects, ensuring that they maximize positive impacts in peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian, and development initiatives. UNOPS aims to engage in collaborative partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of these projects, focusing on sharing expertise in infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources, and financial services. The organization is dedicated to advancing the 2030 Agenda, supporting climate actions, and promoting equal opportunities through its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships & Advocacy Officer will play a crucial role in supporting UNOPS initiatives in Iran, focusing on strengthening donor and stakeholder engagement. This position requires a deep understanding of the political, economic, and development context of Iran, as the officer will conduct analysis and research to identify relevant donors and funding opportunities. The officer will assist in preparing materials and key messages for engagement, ensuring that they align with the strategic goals of UNOPS. The role involves collaborating with internal colleagues to provide necessary support and contribute to the development of strategies, proposals, and project documents related to resource mobilization and donor engagement. The officer will also be responsible for maintaining up-to-date donor intelligence and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties and responsibilities of the Partnerships & Advocacy Officer include:

• Conducting continuous scanning of Iran’s political, economic, and development context to maintain up-to-date donor intelligence.
• Identifying, mapping, and assessing donor priorities and emerging funding mechanisms to establish an active pipeline of resource mobilization opportunities.
• Supporting the Project Manager in fostering synergies by participating in targeted outreach and meetings with UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.
• Brainstorming, pitching, and presenting strategic donor engagement opportunities for internal endorsement.
• Assisting in undertaking relevant internal reviews for donor engagement strategies.
• Drafting, designing, and customizing compelling resource mobilization materials tailored to specific audiences, including presentations, speaking points, and articles.
• Developing formal funding documents using required templates, including concept notes, proposals, project factsheets, and situational or donor briefs.
• Collaborating with the project team to consolidate data and ensure project achievements are accurately captured in formats suitable for donor outreach.
• Identifying and synthesizing best practices and lessons learned related to business development and donor engagement. 1
• Ensuring adherence to UNOPS resource mobilization SOPs and actively contributing to regional and global knowledge networks.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Partnerships & Advocacy Officer position should possess strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to understand and navigate the political and economic landscape of Iran. They should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with various stakeholders. The candidate should demonstrate creativity and innovation in developing resource mobilization materials and strategies. A commitment to continuous learning and respect for diversity are essential values for this role. Additionally, the candidate should have good teamwork skills and ICT awareness to collaborate effectively with the project team and utilize technology in their work.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in international relations, development studies, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas related to resource mobilization, donor engagement, or project management would be advantageous. A strong understanding of the UN system and its operations, particularly in relation to development and humanitarian efforts, is also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in resource mobilization, donor engagement, or project management. Experience working in the context of international development, particularly in Iran or similar environments, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully engaging with donors and stakeholders, as well as experience in developing proposals and funding documents.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Persian (Farsi) or other local languages would be considered an asset, as it would enhance the officer's ability to engage with local stakeholders and understand the cultural context.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UNV assignment, and the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of PKR 105,091 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. The position includes life health and permanent disability insurance, covering health insurance for up to 3 dependents, as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. The assignment is expected to be full-time, and the candidate should be prepared to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.