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 Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General 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 mission to foster sustainable development through collaboration and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is a fixed-term role located in the UN Resident Coordination Office in Rabat, Morocco. The incumbent will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer and will be responsible for providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UN Country Team (UNCT) partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to achieve the SDGs. The role involves advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting resource mobilization initiatives, and contributing 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 related to partnerships and ensuring effective engagement with various stakeholders to promote financing for development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will assist with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships, including advising on the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting the implementation and monitoring of the strategy, and conducting liaison with UN entities. Responsibilities also include participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, managing pooled funds for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and working closely with finance experts to promote partnerships for financing the SDGs. The role requires contributing to knowledge management, analyzing best practices, and supporting the establishment of a knowledge repository of potential donors. Additionally, the incumbent will document data analysis requirements and provide insights through data visualization methods for planning and reporting purposes.

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 field. 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. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, as well as the ability to analyze data and make recommendations based on research.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills necessary for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management within the context of development cooperation is required. Candidates should have experience in preparing project proposals and developing partnership and resource mobilization strategies. Experience in supporting financing for the SDGs is desirable, as is working experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations. Additional experience in data analytics or related areas is also considered beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication in both languages. Fluency in Arabic is highly desirable, and 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), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of '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 Morocco only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, Moroccan nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for any travel and relocation costs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and the organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.