Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat's Resident Coordinator System (RCS) supports countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs. Following a 2019 reform, the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) now exercises oversight of the RCS. A 2026 recalibration aligns the system with UN 2.0 principles. The Partnerships Officer, based in San Jose, Costa Rica, supports the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) in strategic partnerships for SDG achievement.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer provides crucial support to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in San Jose, Costa Rica, to foster strategic partnerships aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role involves advising on and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, aligning it with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The officer will engage with diverse stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to identify and develop partnership opportunities. A key function is supporting resource mobilization efforts, including pooled funds, and analyzing funding streams to enhance UNCT effectiveness. The position also contributes to knowledge management and capacity development in partnerships and resource mobilization, ensuring alignment with UN 2.0 principles and data-driven approaches.
Responsibilities
The Partnerships Officer is responsible for providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other entities to achieve SDGs. This includes advising on and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, developing national partnership strategies, and liaising with UN entities globally. The role involves serving as a key contact for external stakeholders, building interfaces with development partners, and supporting the RC/UNCT in identifying partnership risks and opportunities. Additionally, the officer supports joint UNCT strategic partnerships for SDG achievement and resource mobilization, monitors partnerships, analyzes funding streams, and assists in preparing the Funding Framework. The position also promotes partnerships for financing development, contributes to advocacy, and supports knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization. Data analysis and reporting are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in strategic partnership support, project/programme management, and resource mobilization within development cooperation is required. Experience in developing strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society is essential. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships, preparing proposals, and supporting SDG financing is also required. Experience in data analytics and UN interagency coordination is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Strategic Partnership Development, Project/Programme Management, Resource Mobilization, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Knowledge Management, Capacity Development.