Partnerships Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), part of the UN Secretariat's Resident Coordinator System, support countries in achieving development priorities and the SDGs. This role is within the UN RCO in Gaborone, Botswana, reporting to the Head of RCO. The office supports the UN Country Team (UNCT) in advancing SDGs through strategic partnerships.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer provides strategic advice and support to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in Gaborone, Botswana, to foster partnerships for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves developing and implementing a UN Partnership Strategy aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The role facilitates engagement with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, development partners, and the private sector, to strengthen joint initiatives and advocacy. The officer also supports resource mobilization efforts, manages pooled funds, and contributes to knowledge management and capacity development within the Resident Coordinator System, aligning with the UN 2.0 reform agenda focused on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, monitoring and assessing its effectiveness. Coordinate with UN entities at country, regional, and HQ levels to define a value proposition for partnerships. Serve as a key contact point for external stakeholders seeking to partner with the UNCT, building strong relationships with government, development partners, private sector, and civil society. Identify and mitigate risks and opportunities related to partnerships, providing input on due diligence processes. Lead the Secretariat for the Development Partners Group (DPG) and liaise with Global Compact Local Networks. Support joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, including developing tailored strategies and analyzing funding streams. Assist in the establishment and management of pooled funds, such as the country-based SDG Fund. Advise on financing for development options and modalities, preparing briefing papers and contributing to dialogues. Promote knowledge management by researching and sharing best practices, maintaining a repository of potential partnerships and donors, and staying abreast of innovative approaches. Coordinate UNCT inter-agency working groups and analyze data for informed decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic partnership support, development financing, or resource mobilization is required. Experience in developing partnerships across government, development partners, private sector, and civil society is essential. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships and resource mobilization strategies is also required. Experience in data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Ability to apply sustainable development theories, Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and development financing, Data collection and analysis, Strategic partnership development, Resource mobilization, Knowledge management, Interagency coordination.