PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER, NOC

UN; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

United Nations Resident Coordination Office Abu Dhabi seeks a Partnerships Officer to support the RC/UNCT in identifying and advancing strategic partnerships with civil society, private sector and other partners. The role involves advising on the UN Partnership Strategy, coordinating external engagements and ensuring alignment with the SG priorities on sustainable development and financing for development.

The incumbent will collaborate with the RC, UNCT and stakeholders, monitor partnerships,

Job description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary‑General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest‑ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary‑General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand‑alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift‑ anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. Noting that strategic partnership entails non‑monetary partnerships and can be used to strengthen joint initiatives and advocacy with external partners towards a common goal, the Partnerships Officer provides advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on strategic partnerships. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Responsibilities

1. PROVIDE SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR AND COORDINATION OF UNCT STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND OTHER PARTNERS.
   • Provides advice on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy;
   • Supports a UNCT working group or similar platform for the effective implementation, monitoring and assessment of the strategy at regular intervals to harness new emerging opportunities, to anticipate changes to the internal direction and external environment, and to make mid‑term adjustments;
   • Conducts liaison and coordination with UN entities at country level, to help package and define a value proposition for local UN partnerships that can engage a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and other non‑traditional partners;
   • Serves as one of the key entry points for external stakeholders seeking guidance and support in navigating opportunities to partner with the UNCT;
   • Builds strong interface with critical development partners, Government, private sector, civil society and other partners;
   • Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UNCT in identifying risks and opportunities related to specific partnerships, and suggests mitigation measures as relevant;
   • Provides inputs on due diligence processes of potential investment and partnership opportunities, in accordance with UN regulations and procedures;
   • Provides substantive support to RC/UNCT to develop and implement locally tailored partnerships;
   • Serves as liaison to Global Compact Local Networks (in countries where such Networks are established), assisting the Resident Coordinator in advising the Local Network Board and strengthening local UN engagement with the private sector.
2. PARTICIPATES IN JOINT PARTNERSHIP AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION INITIATIVES AND SUPPORTS MANAGEMENT OF POOLED FUNDS.
   • Provides substantive support to RC/UNCT to develop and implement locally tailored resource mobilization strategies and initiatives, and identify appropriate data and benchmarks to measure progress and success;
   • Monitors and analyzes existing resource mobilization partnerships and relationships, including traditional and non‑traditional partners and development partners, donors (including high net‑worth individuals, private sector, innovative funds) to be explored for direct funding to the UN;
   • Supports the UNCT with analysis of funding streams from internal and external sources, enabling their timely and coordinated engagement around preparation of proposals;
   • Provides support to the design of joint programmes and coordination during the implementation of joint programmes as needed;
   • Advises RC/UNCT and external partners on offers from specialized UN entities and ensuring the development of a youth partnership strategy to support the SG priorities on youth, disability inclusion, gender and other thematic issues;
   • Advises the RC/UNCT on corporate policies relating to effective management of resources, including through the establishment and use of pooled funds;
   • Assists in the establishment and management of pooled funds, in close collaboration with the UN Multi‑Partner Trust Fund Office (where relevant).
3. WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE ECONOMIST AND OTHER UN COUNTRY TEAM FINANCE EXPERTS TO PROMOTE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT.
   • Provides advice on partnership opportunities to drive financing for development options, instruments and modalities to the RC/UNCT, in alignment with relevant national and UN processes;
   • Prepares briefing papers and discussion points on partnership issues related to financing for development for consideration by RC/UNCT;
   • Contributes to advocacy, communications and dialogues with partners to improve development assistance policies and practice;
   • Working in close collaboration with the RCO Economist, ensures effective engagement of relevant counterparts, especially private sector, civil society and development partners, to develop engagement and partnerships around financing for development;
   • Undertakes the design and execution of innovative proposals to strengthen the UNCT engagement and reputation, and to generate greater financial resources in support of UNCT priorities.
4. CONTRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO PARTNERSHIPS AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND MANAGEMENT AT THE COUNTRY LEVEL.
   • Promotes collaboration, peer support, innovation, good practices, lessons learned, needs, and opportunities through active participation in the local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks within the Resident Coordinator System and across the UN;
   • Researches, analyzes and presents best practices and lessons learned from implementation of UN partnership initiatives, with a view to advising the RC and UNCT on actions to strengthen the partnership orientation of the UN;
   • Supports the UNCT with a knowledge repository of potential donors at national and sub‑national levels;
   • Monitors and analyzes best practices and successful models of partnerships and resource mobilization implemented by the UN in country and elsewhere;
   • Provides advice on global/corporate guidelines, tools and other materials related to partnerships, resource mobilization and donor engagement;
   • Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches in the area of partnerships, resource mobilization and donor engagement, and proposes new ways of working, where relevant;
   • Reflects on processes of his/her work area at key milestones and generates knowledge valuable to others in the RC System/UN Country Teams;
   • Works closely with the Data Analyst and Communications officers on data, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), reporting analytics and communication of same;
   • Collects, documents and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through reports and data visualization methods to enable data‑driven planning, decision‑making, presentation and reporting;
   • Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis;
   • Performs other related tasks as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision‑making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two‑way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education or related area, is required. A first‑level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non‑degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience and track record in strategic support to partnerships, project/programme management, resource mobilization in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience of developing strategic partnerships across government, private sector and civil society organizations is required. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships is required. Experience of resources mobilization strategies is required. Experience in preparing project /programme proposals is required. Experience in inclusion strategies that promote Gender equality, youth participation and inclusion of persons with disability is desirable. Experience in promoting knowledge management in the context of development cooperation is desirable. Experience in UN interagency coordination is desirable. Experience of applied partnerships in one or more of the following areas – Food systems, Digital transformation, Jobs and social protection, energy, climate action and of Public‑Private partnerships is desirable. Two (2) years or more in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages

Required LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIArabicUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency‑based interview by phone/teleconference (MS Teams) or in‑person where possible.

Special Notice

This is a Fixed Term position. Appointment against this position is available for a duration of one (1) year and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. The appointment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. THIS RECRUITMENT REMAINS SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY, CLASSIFICATION, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, UAE nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to UAE in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary‑General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G‑6 and G‑7 levels may count towards experience requirements. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on‑line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On‑line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non‑smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary‑General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D‑2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account‑holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable i