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 (SDGs). 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. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Cairo, Egypt. The Partnerships Officer reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and Head of RCO. 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 Development Coordination Officer, Partnerships provides advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on strategic partnerships for SDG achievement.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Partnerships Officer will be responsible of the following duties:
- ASSISTS WITH THE PROVISION OF SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR AND COORDINATION OF UNCT STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND OTHERS ON SDG ACHIEVEMENT: Provides advice on and supports the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with and support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; 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, regional and HQ levels, 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 non-traditional partners; Leads technically the Secretariat of the Development Partners Group (DPG), including organizing the DPG meetings and supports the implementation of actions stemming from the DPG meetings.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 GC Network Board and strengthening local UN engagement with the private sector; in countries without an established Local GC Network, working with UN Global Compact regional hubs to promote the UN Global Compact Ten Principles and business support for the SDGs.
Desired Candidate Profile
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. 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 nondegree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five 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, development partners, private sector and civil society organizations is required. Experience of inclusion strategies that promote Gender equality, youth participation and inclusion of persons with disability is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing partnerships is required. Experience of resources mobilization strategies is required. Experience in UN interagency coordination is desirable. Experience in promoting knowledge management in the context of development cooperation and SDG implementation 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. Experience in preparing project /programme proposals and coordinating the implementation of Joint Programmes is required. Experience and command of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult)