Partnership Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established to help countries eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable human development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to end poverty, reduce inequalities, and protect the planet in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP China has been active for over 46 years, collaborating with various phases of China's development as outlined in the Government of China's Five-Year Plans. The organization focuses on integrating the SDGs into development decisions, promoting a transition to an inclusive, low-carbon economy, and protecting biodiversity. UNDP China engages with over 15 ministries and government representatives across 28 provinces, leveraging its global network to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices for advancing the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Development Specialist (PDS) plays a crucial role in developing strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources from local governments, the private sector, and philanthropic foundations to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in China at the sub-national levels. Reporting directly to the Deputy Resident Representative, the PDS is responsible for formulating strategies related to resource mobilization and partnerships, conducting analyses to identify opportunities for collaboration, and developing medium-term partnership strategies. The PDS will also engage with various stakeholders to advocate for UNDP’s development services, ensuring that partnership engagements align with UNDP’s corporate templates and due diligence processes. This position is integral to the UNDP China Management Team, contributing to the overall mission of advancing sustainable development in China.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulate country office (CO) analysis and strategies related to resource mobilization and partnerships building. Conduct external and internal analyses to assess CO opportunities for domestic resource mobilization, identifying partner-specific intelligence and aligning CO competencies with partner needs.
• Undertake strategic engagements to establish partnerships and mobilize resources from local governments, the private sector, and philanthropic foundations. Develop and implement a medium-term partnership strategy and annual action plans for engagement.
• Negotiate, draft, and revise financing agreements with funding donors in collaboration with UNDP’s Implementing Partners.
• Lead the development of pipeline projects, including inputs for funding proposals, concept notes, and project documents.
• Ensure adherence to UNDP’s financial rules and regulations in project implementation and partnership engagement.
• Facilitate knowledge building and sharing, contributing to CO knowledge management efforts and conducting training on resource mobilization and partnerships building.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the stated areas combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in management advisory services, with hands-on experience in designing, monitoring, and evaluating development portfolios and projects.
• At least 5 years of experience engaging with ministries, local governments, or the private sector in designing and implementing development initiatives in China.
• Familiarity with computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
• Experience in resource mobilization and developing pipeline projects is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, or Social Sciences. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 7 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be at the national and/or international level, focusing on management advisory services and the design, monitoring, and evaluation of development portfolios and projects. Candidates should have substantial experience in engaging with local governments, ministries, or the private sector in China, particularly in sustainable development initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as well as fluency in Mandarin, the national language of the duty station. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a tiered application process, and candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria based on their current employment status with UNDP/UNCDF/UNV. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures a fair recruitment process. Selected candidates may undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to UNDP's standards and principles. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.