Partnerships Officer

Job Description Roles & Responsibilities The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. Noting that strategic partnership entails nonmonetary partnership and can be used to strengthen joint initiatives/advocacy with external partners towards a common goal, including that of advancing SDGs, the Partnerships Officer provides advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT strategic partnerships for SDG achievement. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under the direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Partnerships Officer will be responsible for the following duties: PROVIDE SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR AND COORDINATION OF UN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENT, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, CIVIL SOCIETY, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND OTHER SDG ACHIEVEMENT. In collaboration with the Resident Coordinator (RC) and Head of RC Office, leads the development of the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with and support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; Supports the RC and UNCT on effective implementation, monitoring and assessment of the strategy at regular intervals to harness new emerging opportunities, to anticipate changes to the internal direction and external environment, and to make mid-term adjustments; Conducts liaison and coordination with UN entities at country, regional and HQ levels, to help package and define a value proposition for UN partnerships that can engage a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and other non-traditional partners; Serves as one of the key entry points for external stakeholders seeking guidance and support in navigating opportunities to partner with the UNCT; Builds strong interface with critical government, development partners, private sector, civil society and other partners; Provides substantive support to the RC and the UNCT in identifying risks and opportunities related to specific partnerships, and suggests mitigation measures as relevant; Provides inputs on due diligence processes of potential investment and partnership opportunities, in accordance with UN regulations and procedures; Provides substantive support to RC/UNCT to develop and implement locally tailored partnerships; Serves as liaison to UN Global Compact Local Networks, assisting the Resident Coordinator in advising the Local Network Board and strengthening local UN engagement with the private sector to promote the UN Global Compact Ten Principles and business support for the SDGs. PARTICIPATES IN JOINT PARTNERSHIP AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION INITIATIVES FOR THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK. Provides substantive support to RC/UNCT to develop and implement locally tailored resource mobilization strategies and initiatives for Cooperation Framework priorities, and identify appropriate data and benchmarks to measure progress and success; Monitors and analyzes existing resource mobilization partnerships and relationships, including traditional and non-traditional partners and development partners, donors (including high net-worth individuals, private sector, innovative funds) to be explored for direct funding to the UN SDGs; Supports the UNCT with analysis of funding streams from internal and external sources, enabling their timely and coordinated engagement around preparation of proposals; Supports the UNCT in preparation of the Funding Framework of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; Provides support to the design joint programmes for use in joint resource mobilization and coordination during the implementation of joint programmes as needed; Advises RC/UNCT and external partners on offers from specialized UN entities for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and ensuring the development of a youth partnership strategy to support the SG priorities on youths, disability inclusion, gender and other thematic issues; Advises the RC/UNCT on corporate policies relating to effective management of resources, including through the establishment and use of pooled funds; WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE RESIDENT COORDINATOR, HEAD OF RC OFFICE AND UN COUNTRY TEAM TO PROMOTE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT FINANCING FOR ACCELERATING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs). Provides advice on partnership opportunities to drive financing for development options, instruments, and modalities to the RC/UNCT,; Prepares briefing papers and discussion points on partnership issues related to financing for development for consideration by RC/UNCT; Contributes to advocacy, communications and dialogues with partners to improve development assistance policies and practice; Working in close collaboration with the RC/UNCT, ensures effective engagement of relevant counterparts, especially private sector, civil society and development partners, to develop engagement and partnerships around SDG financing; Undertakes the design and execution of innovative proposals to strengthen the UNCT engagement and reputation, and to generate greater financial resources in support of the SDGs. Desired Candidate Profile Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education or related area, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience and track record in strategic support to partnerships, project/programme management, resource mobilization in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience of developing strategic partnerships across government, private sector and civil society organizations is required. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships is required. Experience of resources mobilization strategies is required. Experience in preparing project /programme proposals is required. Experience of inclusion strategies that promote Gender equality, youth participation and inclusion of persons with disability is desirable. Experience in promoting knowledge management in the context of development cooperation is desirable. Experience in UN interagency coordination and in supporting financing of SDGs is desirable. Experience of applied partnerships in one or more of the following areas Food systems, Digital transformation, Jobs and social protection, energy, climate action and of Public-Private partnerships is desirable. Work experience of two (2) years or more in data analytics or a related area is desirable. English and Arabic are required. Company Industry NGOSocial ServicesCommunity ServicesNon-Profit Department / Functional Area Administration Keywords Partnerships Officer Get real-time job updates only on our App