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. As part of a global reform, RCOs operate under the UN Development System, with the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) providing oversight. This role is situated within the RCO in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, supporting strategic partnerships for SDG achievement.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Officer provides crucial advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) to foster strategic partnerships aimed at 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 opportunities for collaboration. The role also supports resource mobilization initiatives, manages pooled funds, and advises on financing for development options. By building strong interfaces with external partners and contributing to knowledge management, the officer enhances the UNCT's effectiveness in advancing development priorities and SDGs at the country level.
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. This includes advising on UN Partnership Strategy development and implementation, facilitating UNCT working groups, and liaising with UN entities globally. The role serves as a key contact for external partners, builds interfaces with development partners, and supports risk/opportunity identification for partnerships. Additionally, the officer participates in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supports the management of pooled funds for the Cooperation Framework, and advises on resource mobilization strategies. Collaboration with the RCO Economist and finance experts is essential to promote partnerships for SDG financing, including preparing briefing papers and contributing to dialogues. The role also contributes to knowledge management and capacity development related to partnerships and resource mobilization by promoting best practices and supporting 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 in developing and implementing strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society is essential. Experience with resource mobilization strategies and proposal preparation is also required. Desirable experience includes inclusion strategies, knowledge management, UN interagency coordination, SDG financing, specific applied partnership areas (e.g., food systems, digital transformation), and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism in sustainable development, research, and analysis; strong planning and organizing abilities; effective communication skills, including clear speaking and writing, active listening, and tailoring messages to audiences.