The UN Secretary-General launched a global reform on 1 January 2019, repositioning the UN Development System to deliver more effectively on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.
UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator, support countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs.
Position: Fixed-term limited. Located in the UN RCO, Apia, Samoa, reporting to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader.
Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
Strategic Planning & Partnerships
Provide advice on development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Lead development of a partnerships intelligence system mapping private sector, philanthropic, and development-finance opportunities for SDG acceleration.
Support UNCT working groups to implement, monitor, and assess strategies, identify emerging opportunities, and recommend mid-term adjustments.
Liaise with UN entities at country, regional, and HQ levels to define a value proposition for local UN partnerships.
Serve as an entry point for external stakeholders seeking guidance on UNCT partnership opportunities.
Advise RC/UNCT on risks and opportunities related to specific partnerships and propose mitigation measures.
Provide inputs on due diligence for potential investment and partnership opportunities, following UN regulations.
Design context-specific partnership frameworks leveraging UN entities and external partners to advance national SDG priorities.
Act as liaison to Global Compact Local Networks, advising Local Network Boards or working with regional hubs to promote the UN Global Compact Ten Principles.
Joint Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
Support RC/UNCT in developing and implementing locally tailored resource mobilization strategies for Cooperation Framework priorities.
Monitor and analyze existing partnerships, including traditional and non-traditional partners and donors (high net-worth individuals, private sector, innovative funds).
Analyze funding streams from internal and external sources and support proposal preparation.
Assist in preparation of the Funding Framework of the UNSDCF.
Support design and coordination of joint programmes for resource mobilization.
Advise RC/UNCT on corporate policies for effective resource management, including pooled funds.
Assist in establishing and managing the country-based SDG Fund, in collaboration with the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office where relevant.
Financing for SDGs
Advise RC/UNCT on partnership opportunities and financing instruments, aligned with Common Country Analysis (CCA), Cooperation Framework, and Integrated National Financing Framework.
Prepare briefing papers and discussion points on partnership issues related to financing for development.
Contribute to advocacy, communications, and dialogues with partners to improve development assistance policies and practices.
Collaborate with the RCO Economist to engage relevant counterparts in developing partnerships around SDG financing.
Design and execute innovative proposals to strengthen UNCT engagement and generate financial resources for SDGs.
Knowledge Management & Capacity Development
Promote collaboration, innovation, and good practices through local, regional, and global communities of practice within the RCO system.
Research and present lessons learned from UN partnership initiatives to strengthen the UN’s partnership orientation.
Maintain a knowledge repository of potential donors at national and sub-national levels.
Monitor best practices and successful SDG partnerships and resource mobilization models.
Provide advice on global guidelines, tools, and materials related to partnerships, resource mobilization, and donor engagement.
Keep abreast of emerging approaches and propose new ways of working.
Collect and analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights using graphs, charts, tables, and visualizations.
Document background information and ensure all data requirements are met.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Strong knowledge of sustainable development concepts; ability to conduct independent research and analysis; incorporate gender perspectives; demonstrate professional competence and persistence under pressure.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly; listens actively; adapts style and format to the audience; ensures two-way communication.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals; identifies priorities; allocates time and resources effectively; monitors and adjusts plans as needed.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business/public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or related field is required.
Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
Completion of degree or non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage.
Work Experience
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management in development cooperation or related area.
Experience preparing project/programme proposals.
Experience developing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies.
Experience supporting SDG financing is desirable.
Two years’ experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English required.
Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
Assessment
Candidates may be assessed via a substantive exercise (e.g., written test) followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Fixed-term limited position for one year, subject to funding, budget approval, and mandate extension.
Position open to Samoa nationals only, recruited locally or within commuting distance.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be reassigned periodically.
The UN Secretariat promotes gender balance and geographic diversity. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.
Online applications are strongly encouraged.
Deadline : Oct 24, 2025
Start your application
Applications for this position must be completed on the recruiting organization's website.
