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 Resident Coordinators. The Abu Dhabi RCO, under the Head of Office, focuses on strategic partnerships to advance the 2030 Agenda and UN 2.0 initiatives, working with civil society, the private sector, and other partners.
Job purpose:
The Partnerships Officer in Abu Dhabi supports the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) by providing strategic advice and assistance on developing and implementing partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and other entities. This role is crucial for strengthening joint initiatives, advocacy, and resource mobilization efforts to achieve national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals. The officer acts as a key liaison for external stakeholders, helps package the UN's value proposition for partnerships, and contributes to identifying and mitigating risks associated with these collaborations.
The position also supports financing for development initiatives and knowledge management related to partnerships and resource mobilization within the UN system.
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 stakeholders. This includes advising on and implementing the UN Partnership Strategy, facilitating UNCT working groups, and liaising with UN entities to define a value proposition for local partnerships. The role involves serving as a key entry point for external partners, building interfaces with development partners, and supporting the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UNCT in identifying and mitigating partnership risks.
The officer also provides input on due diligence processes and supports the development of locally tailored partnerships. Additionally, the role involves participating in joint partnership and resource mobilization initiatives, supporting the management of pooled funds, and advising on strategies for financing development. The officer contributes to knowledge management by promoting collaboration, researching best practices, and supporting data analysis for informed decision-making.
Education:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in business/public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Further qualifications in data analytics, business analytics, or data science are advantageous.
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 with inclusion strategies (gender, youth, disability), knowledge management, UN interagency coordination, and specific partnership areas (e.g., food systems, digital transformation, climate action) is desirable.
Skills:
Professionalism in sustainable development, research, and data analysis; strong planning and organizing abilities; effective communication skills, including clear speaking and writing, active listening, and tailoring messages to audiences.
Required languages:
Arabic, English, French.
Desired languages:
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