National Professional 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’s 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 UN RCO in Azerbaijan is tasked with supporting the country in achieving its development priorities and the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is a fixed-term limited role within the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Baku, Azerbaijan. The incumbent will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader. The primary functions of this role include providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The officer will assist in the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, support resource mobilization initiatives, and work closely with the Resident Coordinator and other UN country team experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs. The position also involves knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. 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 for the UN Azerbaijan Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, providing support in developing resource mobilization strategies and monitoring existing partnerships.
• Work closely with the Resident Coordinator and the Head of RCO to support development partners’ coordination mechanisms in Azerbaijan, providing secretariat support to forums and coordinating the mapping of development partners’ assistance.
• Collaborate with the RCO Economist and other UN country team experts to promote partnerships for financing the SDGs, preparing briefing papers, and contributing to advocacy and communication efforts.
• Contribute to knowledge management and capacity development relating to partnerships and resource mobilization, promoting collaboration and analyzing best practices in SDG partnerships.

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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in preparing project/programme proposals and developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies. Experience in supporting financing for SDGs is desirable, along with at least two years of work experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Azerbaijani is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).

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 Azerbaijan only, and candidates residing outside Azerbaijan 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. All applicants must follow the online application process and provide complete and accurate information.