Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) support countries in achieving development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of a global reform, these offices, led by empowered UN Resident Coordinators, operate under the UN Secretariat. The RCO in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is integral to this system, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture to accelerate the 2030 Agenda.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer, based in Nouakchott, Mauritania, plays a crucial role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in fostering strategic partnerships to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves providing substantive support for strategic planning, coordinating engagement with civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The role contributes to developing and implementing UN partnership strategies aligned with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. It also involves advising on high-level partnerships, donor engagement, resource mobilization, and strategic positioning, ensuring the UNCT effectively leverages external relationships to achieve its development objectives and mobilize necessary resources.
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 entities to achieve SDGs. This includes advising on the UN Partnership Strategy, providing strategic support to the Resident Coordinator on high-level partnerships, donor engagement, and resource mobilization. The role involves liaising with UN entities, serving as a key contact for external stakeholders, and building interfaces with development partners, government, private sector, and civil society. The officer will support the identification of risks and opportunities in partnerships, provide input on due diligence, and facilitate engagement with private sector actors for SDG implementation. Additionally, the role involves participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supporting the management of pooled funds, and advising on resource mobilization strategies. Collaboration with the RCO Economist and finance experts is key to promoting partnerships for SDG financing, including engagement with International Financial Institutions. The officer also contributes to 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 strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society is essential. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships, resource mobilization strategies, and supporting SDG financing is also required. Experience in UN interagency coordination, promoting knowledge management, and applied partnerships in specific sectors are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Creativity, Strategic Partnership Development, Project Management, Resource Mobilization, Stakeholder Engagement, Data Analysis, Knowledge Management.