National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General 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, supporting countries in meeting their development priorities and achieving the SDGs. The UN RCO in Timor-Leste operates under the guidance of an independent UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level.

Job Overview:
The National Professional 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 primary function of this role is to provide 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 be involved in developing and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting resource mobilization initiatives, and promoting partnerships to finance the achievement of the SDGs. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer include assisting with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships, participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, and working closely with the Resident Coordinator Office economist and other UN country team finance experts. Specific tasks include advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, conducting liaison and coordination with UN entities, providing substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT, monitoring and analyzing resource mobilization partnerships, and contributing to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization. The officer will also be responsible for preparing briefing papers, supporting the design of joint programs, and ensuring effective engagement with relevant counterparts.

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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or a related area is required. Experience in preparing project/programme proposals and developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies is essential. Experience in supporting Development Financing of SDGs is desirable, along with two years of work experience in data analytics or a related area.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, or education. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, particularly in the context of development cooperation. Candidates should have a proven track record in preparing project/programme proposals and developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies. Experience in supporting Development Financing of SDGs is considered an asset, as is experience in data analytics or related fields, which is desirable but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tetum is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Portuguese is also desired, which would enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as being 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 the country 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 is free of charge, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.