National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General 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 supporting countries to meet their development priorities and the SDGs, with the UN Resident Coordinator acting as the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The UN RCO in Manama, Bahrain, is part of this global initiative, focusing on strategic partnerships and resource mobilization to facilitate sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Manama, Bahrain. The role involves providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UN Country Team (UNCT) partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to achieve the SDGs. The officer will assist in developing and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This includes monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of partnerships, conducting liaison with various UN entities, and supporting the Resident Coordinator in identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships. The officer will also participate in resource mobilization initiatives, advocating for pooled funds, and contributing to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships with civil society and the private sector.
• Advise on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy.
• Support the establishment of a UNCT working group for effective implementation and monitoring of the strategy.
• Liaise with UN entities to define a value proposition for local partnerships.
• Assist the Resident Coordinator in identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships.
• Support the development of locally tailored partnerships and resource mobilization strategies.
• Monitor existing partnerships and analyze funding streams from various sources.
• Contribute to the design of joint programmes for resource mobilization.
• Promote knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization. 1
• Document and analyze data trends for decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. They should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender equality in their work. The role requires excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to set clear goals and prioritize tasks effectively. Teamwork and communication skills are essential, as the officer will work collaboratively with colleagues and engage with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or a related field 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 advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management within the context of development cooperation is required. Experience in developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies is essential. Familiarity with financing for the SDGs and experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).

Additional Notes:
This is a Temporary Job Opening with an appointment duration of 364 days, without any expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of Bahrain only, and candidates must have national experience or knowledge of the local context. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.