Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), part of the UN Secretariat's Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO), support countries in achieving the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Empowered UN Resident Coordinators lead these offices. The RCO in Manama, Bahrain, operates under the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital, innovation, and strategic foresight to accelerate SDG attainment through partnerships.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer in Manama, Bahrain, supports the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in developing and implementing strategic partnerships for SDG achievement. This role is crucial for aligning UN activities with national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The officer advises on partnership strategies, facilitates inter-agency collaboration, and acts as a key liaison for external stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society. The position contributes to resource mobilization, knowledge management, and the overall effectiveness of the UN's development operations in the country, ensuring alignment with UN 2.0 principles.
Responsibilities
The Partnerships Officer provides substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships for SDG achievement, advising on partnership strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Responsibilities include monitoring and reporting on joint workplans, liaising with UN entities, and serving as a primary contact for external partners. The role involves building interfaces with development partners, government, private sector, and civil society, and supporting due diligence for partnership opportunities. Additionally, the officer participates in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supports the management of pooled funds, and develops locally tailored resource mobilization strategies. This includes analyzing funding streams, reporting on SDG contributions, and advising on corporate policies for resource management. The role also promotes partnership initiatives for SDG financing, contributes to advocacy and dialogues, and supports knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization.
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 partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society is essential. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships and resource mobilization strategies is also required. Experience in UN interagency coordination and knowledge of UNINFO are desirable. Additional desirable experience includes inclusion strategies, data analytics, knowledge management, and applied partnerships in specific thematic areas.
Skills
Professionalism in applying sustainable development concepts, conducting research, and data analysis. Technological awareness and willingness to learn new technologies. Strong planning and organizing skills, including goal setting and resource allocation. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Ability to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure equal participation.