Partnerships Officer, Noc

Org. Setting and Reporting

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 SDG's.

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 partnership and can be used to strengthen joint initiatives/advocacy with external partners towards a common goal, including that of advancing SDGs, the Partnerships Officer provides advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT strategic partnerships for SDG achievement. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under the direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator.

Within delegated authority, the Partnerships Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• In collaboration with the Resident Coordinator (RC) and Head of RC Office, leads the development of the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with and support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework;
• Supports the RC and UNCT on 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, regional and HQ levels, to help package and define a value proposition for 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 government, development partners, private sector, civil society and other partners;
• Provides substantive support to the 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 UN Global Compact Local Networks, assisting the Resident Coordinator in advising the Local Network…