Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat's Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), led by empowered Resident Coordinators, support countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs. This role is within the UN RCO in Havana, Cuba, supervised by the Head of the RCO. The RCO system is undergoing recalibration to align with UN 2.0 principles, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture to accelerate the 2030 Agenda.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer provides crucial advice and support to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) to foster strategic partnerships for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves developing and implementing UN Partnership Strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, engaging diverse stakeholders including civil society and the private sector, and identifying risks and opportunities. The role also supports resource mobilization initiatives, manages pooled funds, and promotes financing for development options. Additionally, the officer contributes to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization at the country level, ensuring effective collaboration and sharing of best practices within the UN system.
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 UN Partnership Strategies, supporting UNCT working groups, and liaising with UN entities globally. The role involves serving as a key contact for external stakeholders, building interfaces with development partners, and providing support for due diligence processes. The officer also participates in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supports the management of pooled funds for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and develops locally tailored resource mobilization strategies. Furthermore, the role promotes partnerships to support financing for development, contributes to advocacy and communication efforts, and enhances 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 developing strategic partnerships with UN, government, private sector, or civil society organizations is essential. Experience in inclusion strategies (gender, youth, disability), UN interagency coordination, knowledge management, and supporting SDG financing is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, client orientation, strategic planning, partnership development, resource mobilization, data analysis, knowledge management, interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement.