Partnerships Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting 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 SDGs. 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 non-monetary partnerships and can be used to strengthen joint initiatives and advocacy with external partners towards a common goal, the Partnerships Officer provides advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on strategic partnerships. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Partnerships Officer will be responsible for the following

Duties

• PROVIDE SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR AND COORDINATION OF UNCT STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND OTHER PARTNERS. Provides advice on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy; Supports a UNCT working group or similar platform for the 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 level, to help package and define a value proposition for local 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 development partners, Government, private sector, civil society and other partners; Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator (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 Global Compact Local Networks (in countries where such Networks are established), assisting the Resident Coordinator in advising the Local Network Board and strengthening local UN engagement with the private sector
• PARTICIPATES IN JOINT PARTNERSHIP AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION INITIATIVES AND SUPPORTS MANAGEMENT OF POOLED FUNDS. Provides substantive support to RC/UNCT to develop and implement locally tailored resource mobilization strategies and initiatives, 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; Supports the UNCT with analysis of funding streams from internal and external sources, enabling their timely and coordinated engagement around preparation of proposals; Provides support to the design of joint programmes and coordination during the implementation of joint programmes as needed; Advises RC/UNCT and external partners on offers from specialized UN entities and ensuring the development of a youth partnership strategy to support the SG priorities on youth, 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; Assists in the establishment and management of pooled funds, in close collaboration with the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (where relevant)
• WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE ECONOMIST AND OTHER UN COUNTRY TEAM FINANCE EXPERTS TO PROMOTE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT. Provides advice on partnership opportunities to drive financing for development options, instruments and modalities to the RC/UNCT, in alignment with relevant national and UN processes; 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 RCO Economist, ensures effective engagement of relevant counterparts, especially private sector, civil society and development partners, to develop engagement and partnerships around financing for development; Undertakes the design and execution of innovative proposals to strengthen the UNCT engagement and reputation, and to generate greater financial resources in support of UNCT priorities

Desired Candidate Profile

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 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. Two (2) years or more in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required.