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 is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The UN RCO supports countries in achieving their development priorities and the SDGs, operating in various countries worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position is a fixed-term role located in the UN Resident Coordination Office in Apia, Samoa. The incumbent will provide substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to achieve the SDGs. This role involves advising on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, supporting the UNCT working group for effective strategy implementation, and liaising with UN entities to define value propositions for local partnerships. The officer will also participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, support management of pooled funds, and work closely with finance experts to promote partnerships that support financing for the SDGs. Additionally, the officer will contribute to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships for SDG achievement, including advice on the UN Partnership Strategy and support for monitoring and assessment of the strategy.
• Liaise with UN entities to package local UN partnerships and serve as a point of contact for external stakeholders.
• Support the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in identifying risks and opportunities related to partnerships and provide inputs on due diligence processes.
• Participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, monitor existing partnerships, and support the development of resource mobilization strategies.
• Work closely with finance experts to promote partnerships for financing SDGs and prepare briefing papers on partnership issues.
• Contribute to knowledge management by researching best practices and supporting the UNCT with a knowledge repository of potential donors.
• Analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making and reporting.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

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 an advantage. 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. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management within development cooperation or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in preparing project/programme proposals and developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies. Experience in supporting Development Financing of SDGs is desirable, along with two years of 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 UN language 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 Samoa only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, SAMOA nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for any relocation costs. The United Nations Secretariat 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.