Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which operate under the leadership of an independent UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office responsible for overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO's mission is to ensure that the UN system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The organization operates globally, with a commitment to fostering partnerships that advance the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in establishing and managing strategic partnerships aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This position involves providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of partnerships with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector. The officer is responsible for developing and implementing the UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy, facilitating collaboration among UN entities, and engaging with external partners to enhance the UN's impact in the country. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for partnerships and resource mobilization, as well as a commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion in all initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Assisting with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships for SDG achievement. This includes leading the development and implementation of the UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy, conducting liaison with UN entities, and providing substantive support to the Resident Coordinator in identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships.
• Participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supporting the management of pooled funds for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and advising on corporate policies related to resource management.
• Working closely with the Resident Coordinator Office Economist and other finance experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs. This involves preparing briefing papers, contributing to advocacy efforts, and designing innovative proposals for partnership engagement.
• Contributing to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization, including researching best practices, maintaining a knowledge repository of potential donors, and proposing new approaches to enhance partnership effectiveness.

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 designing and implementing partnerships, preparing project proposals, and promoting inclusion strategies that advance gender equality and human rights. Familiarity with knowledge management in development cooperation and experience in applied partnerships in areas such as food systems, digital transformation, and climate action are desirable.

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 considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience, with a proven track record in strategic support to partnerships and resource mobilization. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing and managing partnerships across various sectors, including government, private sector, and civil society. Experience in preparing project proposals and implementing resource mobilization strategies is also essential. Additional experience in promoting gender equality and inclusion, as well as knowledge management in development cooperation, is desirable.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Macedonian is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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 workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. This position is open only to nationals of North Macedonia, and candidates must possess knowledge of the national context, language, and culture. The recruitment process will include a substantive assessment and competency-based interview. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.