Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) was established as part of a global reform initiated by the UN Secretary-General on January 1, 201

• This reform aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the UN Development System in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The DCO operates under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The DCO is responsible for overseeing the resident coordinator system and ensuring that it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The organization emphasizes a mission-driven culture, data utilization, and innovative approaches to development.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Development Coordinator and the United Nations Kosovo Team (UNKT) in establishing strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources to achieve the SDGs. This position involves providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of partnerships with various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and the private sector. The officer is expected to monitor and implement the UNKT Resource Mobilization and Partnership Strategy, conduct liaison with UN entities, and build strong relationships with development partners. The role also includes participating in joint resource mobilization initiatives and contributing to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization in Kosovo.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNKT partnerships with government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector for SDG achievement.
• Advising on and monitoring the development and implementation of the UNKT Resource Mobilization and Partnership Strategy.
• Supporting relevant UNKT working groups for effective implementation and assessment of the strategy.
• Conducting liaison and coordination with UN entities to define value propositions for local partnerships.
• Building structured relations with critical development partners and providing support in identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships.
• Participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives and managing pooled fund resources for the UNKT Strategic Plan.
• Working closely with the Development Coordinator Office Economist and other UNKT experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs.
• Contributing to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization in Kosovo.

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 the context of development cooperation. Experience in developing strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society organizations is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies, preparing and evaluating project proposals, and promoting inclusion strategies that advance gender equality and youth participation. Experience in UN interagency coordination and knowledge management in development cooperation is desirable, as is experience in applied partnerships in areas such as food systems, digital transformation, and climate action.

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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is 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 proven track record in developing strategic partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, as well as experience in preparing and evaluating project proposals. Experience in promoting gender equality, youth participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities is desirable, along with experience in UN interagency coordination and knowledge management.

Languages:
English and Albanian are mandatory for this position, with proficiency at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Serbian is desirable, also at UN Level II. Candidates must demonstrate effective communication skills in these languages, as they are essential for collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders.

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 United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. This position is open to nationals of Kosovo only, and candidates must have national experience or knowledge of the national language and culture. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.