UN Partnerships Officer

UN Partnerships Officer

United Nations Secretariat

October 7, 2026November 8, 2026Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed 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 pivotal role in this transformation, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) has been established as a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat to oversee 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 Partnerships Officer will support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) in developing strategic partnerships to achieve development priorities and SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer is responsible for providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other partners. This role involves advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting a working group for effective implementation, and conducting liaison with UN entities to define value propositions for local partnerships. The officer will also participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supporting the management of pooled funds and developing resource mobilization strategies. Additionally, the officer will work closely with the Resident Coordinator Office Economist and other finance experts to promote partnerships that support financing for development. The role includes contributing to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level, ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders, and generating insights through data analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other partners. This includes advising on the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting working groups for implementation, and liaising with UN entities to package local partnerships.
  • Participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, providing support to develop resource mobilization strategies and monitoring existing partnerships.
  • Work closely with the Resident Coordinator Office Economist to promote partnerships for financing development, preparing briefing papers, and contributing to advocacy efforts.
  • Contribute to knowledge management and capacity development, promoting collaboration and sharing best practices within the UN system.
  • Conduct research and analysis to present best practices and lessons learned, supporting the UNCT in strengthening partnership orientation.
  • Document and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making and reporting.

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 development cooperation. Experience in developing strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society organizations is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and implementing partnerships, as well as experience in resource mobilization strategies and preparing project proposals. Desirable qualifications include experience in promoting gender equality, youth participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities, as well as knowledge management in development cooperation and UN interagency coordination.

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:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic support to partnerships, project/programme management, and resource mobilization in development cooperation is required. Candidates should have experience in developing strategic partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, as well as preparing project proposals. Experience in promoting gender equality, youth participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities is desirable. Familiarity with UN interagency coordination and applied partnerships in areas such as food systems, digital transformation, and climate action is also beneficial.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages at UN Level II. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position.

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 position is open to nationals of the United Arab Emirates only, and candidates must possess national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, and systems. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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