UN Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office to oversee the resident coordinator system, ensuring it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The DCO focuses on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight to foster a mission-driven organizational culture. The Partnerships Officer position is integral to this mission, providing support for strategic partnerships aimed at achieving the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer is responsible for providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UN Country Team (UNCT) partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to advance the SDGs. This role involves advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting the establishment of working groups for effective strategy implementation, and liaising with various UN entities to define value propositions for local partnerships. The officer will also assist in identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships, ensuring compliance with UN regulations, and developing tailored partnerships that align with local needs. The position requires active participation in resource mobilization initiatives and management of pooled funds to support the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, as well as collaboration with finance experts to promote financing for the SDGs. Additionally, the officer will contribute to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level, ensuring best practices are shared and implemented effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders for SDG achievement. This includes advising on the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting working groups for strategy implementation, and liaising with UN entities to package local partnerships.
• Participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, providing support for the development and implementation of resource mobilization strategies and monitoring existing partnerships.
• Work closely with the Resident Coordinator Office economist and UNCT finance experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs, preparing briefing papers and contributing to advocacy efforts.
• Contribute to knowledge management and capacity development, promoting collaboration and sharing best practices within the UN system. This includes maintaining a knowledge repository of potential donors and analyzing successful models of SDG partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic support to partnerships, project/programme management, and resource mobilization in development cooperation. Experience in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships across various sectors is essential, along with a proven track record in resource mobilization strategies and preparing project proposals. Desirable qualifications include experience in providing policy advice, promoting gender equality and inclusion strategies, and knowledge management in development cooperation. Familiarity with UN interagency coordination and financing for the SDGs is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in strategic support to partnerships, project/programme management, and resource mobilization. Candidates should have a strong background in developing and sustaining partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society organizations, as well as experience in resource mobilization strategies and project proposal preparation. Additional experience in policy advice, gender equality, youth participation, and knowledge management is desirable, along with familiarity with UN interagency coordination and financing for the SDGs.

Languages:
English and Russian are mandatory working languages for this position, with English required at UN Level II proficiency and Russian also required at the same level. Knowledge of Belarusian is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of Belarus only, and candidates must have national experience or knowledge of the national language and culture. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce.