Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) support countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs, operating under an empowered UN Resident Coordinator. As part of the UN Secretariat's Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO), RCOs are recalibrated to support the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital, innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The Partnerships Officer role is situated within the UN RCO in Baghdad, Iraq, reporting to the Head of Office.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer provides crucial advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in developing and implementing strategic partnerships essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role involves fostering non-monetary partnerships and strengthening joint initiatives and advocacy with diverse external partners. The officer will facilitate high-level dialogues, coordinate engagements with government officials and other stakeholders, and support the development and execution of locally tailored partnership strategies. Additionally, the position contributes to resource mobilization efforts, knowledge management, and capacity development related to partnerships and financing for development, aligning with the UN's reform agenda and the UN 2.0 framework.
Responsibilities
The Partnerships Officer is responsible for providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships with the Iraqi government, international development actors, civil society, and the private sector to achieve SDGs. This includes advising on and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, monitoring its effectiveness, and liaising with UN entities globally. The role involves serving as a key contact point for external stakeholders, building relationships with critical partners, and facilitating high-level dialogues. The officer will also support joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, including managing pooled funds and developing tailored resource mobilization strategies. Collaboration with the RCO Economist and finance experts is key to promoting financing for development options. Furthermore, the position contributes to knowledge management and capacity development by promoting best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches in partnerships and resource mobilization.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic partnership support, project/programme management, and resource mobilization within development cooperation is required. Essential experience includes developing strategic partnerships in Iraq across government, development organizations, and civil society; designing and implementing development partnerships; and managing resource mobilization strategies and proposal preparation. Experience in inclusion strategies (gender, youth, disability), UN interagency coordination, knowledge management, and SDG financing is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, ability to apply sustainable development concepts, conduct research and analysis, develop data collection sources, meet commitments, and remain calm under pressure. Planning and organizing skills, including setting goals, prioritizing, allocating resources, and managing time efficiently. Client orientation, focusing on understanding and meeting client needs, building trust, and maintaining productive partnerships.