Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat's Resident Coordinator System (RCS) supports countries in achieving the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. This reform-driven system, led by empowered Resident Coordinators, operates under the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO). The RCO in Damascus, Syria, focuses on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture to accelerate SDG progress through strategic partnerships.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer in Damascus, Syria, provides crucial support to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in developing and implementing strategic partnerships to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role is integral to the UN's reform efforts, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of development operations. The officer will advise on partnership strategies, facilitate engagement with diverse stakeholders including civil society and the private sector, and contribute to resource mobilization initiatives. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovative approaches, the position aims to strengthen the UN's impact and support the achievement of national development priorities and global SDG targets.
Responsibilities
The Partnerships Officer is responsible for providing substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to achieve SDGs. This includes advising on and implementing UN Partnership Strategies, supporting working groups, and liaising with UN entities. The role involves serving as a key contact for external partners, building interfaces with development partners, government, private sector, and civil society, and providing support on due diligence for potential investments. The officer will also participate in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, support the management of pooled funds, and advise on resource mobilization strategies. Collaboration with RCO economists and finance experts to promote financing for development is essential, alongside contributing to knowledge management, capacity development, and data analysis for informed decision-making.
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 partnerships with UN, government, private sector, or civil society is essential. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships, resource mobilization strategies (including private sector financing), and preparing project proposals is also required. Experience in inclusion strategies, UN interagency coordination, financing for SDGs, and data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, client orientation, strategic planning, partnership development, resource mobilization, project management, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, gender mainstreaming.