Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), part of the UN Secretariat's reform, support countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs under empowered UN Resident Coordinators. The RCO in Asuncion, Paraguay, operates within the UN 2.0 framework, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture to accelerate the 2030 Agenda.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer serves as the primary advisor to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) in Asuncion, Paraguay, focusing on strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization to accelerate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role involves leading the development and execution of partnership and resource mobilization strategies, cultivating relationships with diverse partners, and mobilizing financing and collective action to support Cooperation Framework priorities. The officer leverages evidence and analysis from UNCT experts while driving external engagement and partnership development, contributing to the UN's mission-driven culture and UN 2.0 shift.
Responsibilities
The Partnerships Officer is responsible for supporting strategic planning and coordination of UNCT partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector for SDG achievement. This includes developing and implementing UN Partnership Strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and monitoring their effectiveness. The role involves liaising with UN entities, serving as a key contact for external stakeholders, and building relationships with development partners. The officer will lead due diligence processes for partnership opportunities, support the identification of initiatives connecting private sector innovation with national priorities, and facilitate dialogue on SDG financing pathways. Additionally, the role involves supporting joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, managing pooled funds, and advising on corporate policies for resource management. Collaboration with the RCO Economist and other UNCT experts is crucial for promoting partnerships and financing for SDGs. The officer also contributes to knowledge management, capacity development, and communications related to partnerships and resource mobilization.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in strategic partnerships, project management, and resource mobilization within development cooperation is required. Experience in developing strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society, along with multi-stakeholder coordination, proposal preparation, and resource mobilization strategies, is essential. Experience in UN interagency coordination, South-South and Triangular cooperation, knowledge management, SDG financing, and inclusion strategies is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation are core competencies. Specific skills include applying sustainable development theories, conducting independent research and analysis, data interpretation for decision-making, effective communication, collaboration, valuing diverse expertise, and maintaining professional integrity under pressure.