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. 2024 is the third year of implementation of the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) in support of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS 1 2021-2025), Africa Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Cooperation Framework was signed by 25 UN entities/AFPs of which 15 are resident, and accredited to the Government, while 10 are non-resident. Only 14 entities/AFPs have Country Programmes while 11 are implementing regional and/global programmes through projects and/or specific activities. No IFIs and/or RDB are currently signatories to the CF. The total ask for implementation of the CF is an estimated USD 2.8 billion over five years. The Cooperation Framework is implemented in coordination with the Government through the Office of President and Cabinet (NDS1 implementation); Ministry of Finance (Aid Coordination and Efficiency); Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (SDG Implementation) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade (South-South/North South Triangular Cooperation). The country has a vibrant bilateral donor community, Civils Society, Academia and private sector. Although classified as a LMIC, Zimbabwe is encumbered by being a LLDC as well as experiencing high levels of fragility. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Harare, Zimbabwe, and will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Head of Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer, Partnerships will be responsible of the following duties: Summary of Functions: 1. Provides substantive support for strategic planning and coordination of UN Country Team (UNCT) strategic partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. 2. Guides joint UNCT strategic partnership for SDG achievement and resource mobilization for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, including supporting pooled funds. 3. Works closely with the Resident Coordinator Office economist and other UNCT finance experts to promote partnerships and joint initiatives in support of financing for accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. 4. Conducts knowledge management and capacity development activities relating to partnerships and resource mobilization and management at the country level. Description of Functions: 1. Provides substantive support for strategic planning for and coordination of UNCT strategic partnerships for SDG achievement: • Provides guidance on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with and support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in the country. • Guide and coordinate 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 entry points for external stakeholders seeking guidance and support in navigating opportunities to partner with the UNCT. • Advises the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UNCT in identifying risks and opportunities related to specific partnerships and suggests mitigation measures as relevant. • Provides analysis and recommendations on due diligence processes of potential investment and partnership opportunities, in accordance with UN regulations and procedures. • Advises the RC/UNCT on developing and implementing 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; in countries without an established Local Network, working with UN Global Compact regional hubs to promote the UN Global Compact Ten Principles and business support for the SDGs. 2. Guides joint UNCT strategic partnership for SDG achievement and resource mobilization for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, including supporting pooled funds: • Advises the RC/UNCT on developing and implementing locally tailored resource mobilization strategies and initiatives for Cooperation Framework priorities and identifies appropriate data and benchmarks to measure progress and success. • Monitors, analyzes and enhances existing resource mobilization partnerships and relationships, including traditional and non-traditional partners and donors (including high net-worth individuals, private sector, innovative funds) to be explored for direct funding to the UN. • Advises the UNCT with analysis of funding streams from internal and external sources, enabling their timely and coordinated engagement around preparation of proposals. • Plans and facilitates the design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint programmes and programming processes for use in joint resource mobilization. • Coordinates and advises the UNCT in preparation of the Funding Framework of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. • Advises RC/UNCT on offers from specialized UN entities for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and ensuring the development of a youth partnership strategy to support the SG priorities on youths, 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. • Advises on the establishment and management of the country-based SDG Fund, in close collaboration with UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (where relevant). 3. Works closely with the Resident Coordinator Office economist and other UNCT finance experts to promote partnerships initiatives in support of financing for accelerating the achievement of the SDGs: • Provides advice on partnership opportunities to drive financing for development options, instruments, modalities to the RC/UNCT, in alignment with the Common Country Analysis (CCA), Cooperation Framework, Integrated National Financing Framework and similar 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 SDG financing • Guides the design and execution of innovative proposals to strengthen the UNCT engagement and reputation, and to generate greater financial resources in support of the SDGs. 4. Conducts knowledge management and capacity development activities 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 to the local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks within the RC 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 SDG 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.

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. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in providing strategic support to partnerships, project/programme management, resource mobilization or development finance in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Previous working experience with multi-stakeholder coordination on the context of development cooperation or in the context of transitions or related area is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage. “Fluency equals a rating of “Fluent” in all four areas (read, speak, write and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of “Confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. 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. 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. 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. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. 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. Online 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. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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 internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.