Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence)

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization has a workforce of over 2,000 employees and operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. UNESCO aims to foster a culture of peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) is a pivotal role within the Grants and Resource Management (GRM) Section of the Division for Partnerships at UNESCO. This position is responsible for ensuring that the organization effectively manages its relationships with private sector partners while minimizing reputational risks. The officer will coordinate the due diligence process for private sector partners, respond to donor assessments, and support audits and verification of project funds. The role requires a proactive approach to liaising with various sectors within UNESCO to facilitate resource mobilization and ensure compliance with due diligence standards. The officer will also prepare reports and training materials to enhance the understanding and implementation of due diligence processes across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining a comprehensive system for tracking due diligence requests from various UNESCO sectors and ensuring timely responses.
• Liaising with Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Institutes to facilitate the due diligence process, including gathering necessary information and addressing inquiries.
• Drafting consultation letters to National Commissions regarding potential partnerships with private sector entities.
• Conducting thorough online research to identify potential private sector donors and preparing initial drafts of due diligence reports for review.
• Developing communication and training materials related to due diligence services, ensuring alignment with UN best practices.
• Assisting in the preparation of responses to donor assessment inquiries and maintaining a database of frequently asked questions.
• Supporting sectors and offices during audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions, ensuring compliance and transparency in financial reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in finance, business administration, law, economics, accounting, audit, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of due diligence processes and possess excellent analytical and report writing skills, with a keen attention to detail. Good written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to conduct detailed online searches and summarize complex information effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as finance, business administration, law, economics, accounting, or audit. A first-level university degree in these areas, combined with additional professional experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of due diligence and resource management within an international organization like UNESCO.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in due diligence or a related field, with a preference for at least one year of experience at the international level. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to navigate complex partnerships and manage the associated risks effectively. Familiarity with the workings of international organizations and the UN system is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to UNESCO's mission.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French (both written and spoken) is mandatory, along with very good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another official UNESCO language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The role is classified at the P-1/P-2 level, indicating a professional level of responsibility. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, starting at approximately $67,767 annually, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowances, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities.