Partnerships Officer

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 crucial role in this reform, led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General and oversees the UN Development System at the country level. The organization aims to support countries in achieving their development priorities and the SDGs, operating in various countries worldwide with a focus on collaboration and partnership.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position is a fixed-term limited role located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Timor-Leste. The incumbent will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader. The role involves providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UN Country Team (UNCT) strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to achieve the SDGs. The officer will assist in developing and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, support resource mobilization initiatives, and contribute to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities in partnerships, as well as engaging with various stakeholders to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society and the private sector. This includes advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting working groups for effective implementation, and conducting liaison with UN entities.
• Participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, providing support to develop locally tailored strategies and monitoring existing partnerships.
• Work closely with the Resident Coordinator Office economist and other finance experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs. This involves advising on partnership opportunities, preparing briefing papers, and contributing to advocacy efforts.
• Contribute to knowledge management and capacity development by promoting collaboration, researching best practices, and maintaining a knowledge repository of potential donors.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned, ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders and promoting innovative approaches to partnerships and resource mobilization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and accountability in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, or education is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management within the context of development cooperation or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in preparing project proposals and developing partnership and resource mobilization strategies. Experience in supporting Development Financing of SDGs is desirable, along with two years of work experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tetum is required for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term limited position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Timor-Leste only, and candidates residing outside Timor-Leste may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.