Partnership 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 Partnership Officer position is a fixed-term limited role located in the UN Resident Coordination Office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 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 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 related to partnerships and ensuring effective engagement with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Partnership Officer include:

• Assisting with the provision of substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships, including advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, conducting liaison with UN entities, and providing support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in identifying risks and opportunities.
• Participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supporting the management of pooled funds, and developing locally tailored resource mobilization strategies.
• Working closely with the Resident Coordinator Office Economist and other UN country team finance experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs.
• Contributing to knowledge management and capacity development relating to partnerships and resource mobilization, including researching best practices and maintaining a knowledge repository of potential donors.
• Performing other relevant duties as assigned, ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders and promoting collaboration and innovation.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Partnership Officer position include a strong background in project/programme management, particularly in the context of development cooperation. Candidates must demonstrate a track record in developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies, as well as experience in preparing project proposals. A solid understanding of financing for the SDGs is desirable, along with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics. Candidates should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold 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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

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

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage. 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 Papua New Guinea only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, Papua New Guinea 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 are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted.