Org. Setting and Reporting
The UN Secretary-General’s 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. The UN Resident Coordinator System encompasses all organizations of the UN system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in the country. A reinvigorated Resident Coordinator System is at the centre of a repositioned United Nations Development System. The UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) is the designated representative of the UN Secretary General and leading the UN Country Team (UNCT) assumes the overall responsibility for – and coordination of – the development activities of the UN system. The UNRC Office for Mauritius and Seychelles has a multi-country (MCO) status and is responsible for Mauritius and Seychelles. Both Mauritius and Seychelles have signed their first UN and Government UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028. The implementation of both UNSDCFs has started in earnest from mid 2024. The effective implementation of the UNSDCFs requires the MCO to tap into the expertise, resources and co-programming opportunities of the 25 strong UN entities that have signed the UNSDCFs, multi-stakeholder partnership and coordination, policy and knowledge solutions, regional integration and innovative financing. Against this context, the role of the Partnership and Development Finance Officer is expected to contribute to the strategic positioning of the UN, management of joint UN country team results and the successful rollout of the UN multiyear programme of action to support the SDG acceleration as well as the Barbuda and Antigua plan of action. The Officer will report to the Strategic Planning Officer/RCO Team Leader (based in Mauritius).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent, will perform the following duties: 1. PROVIDE SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND FOR COORDINATION OF THE RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE, AND UNCT STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENT, CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR: • Supports UNCT in monitoring and assessing 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; • Serves as liaison to Global Compact Local Networks, assisting the Resident Coordinator in advising the Local Network Board and strengthening local UN engagement with the private sector; • Plans and facilitates liaison and coordination with UN entities at country, regional and HQ levels, to help package and define UN business strategies, including differentiated value propositions, to attract partners, both traditional and non-traditional; • Contributes to building public relations opportunities targeted to the diverse partners, in close collaboration with the UN Communications Group. 2. PARTICIPATES IN PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENING AND JOINT RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORKS: • Provides advice on the development and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy in alignment with and support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks; • Provides substantive support to RC/UNCT to develop joint resource mobilization strategy and implement locally-tailored resource mobilization strategies and initiatives, and identify appropriate data and benchmarks to measure progress and success; • Monitors and analyzes existing resource mobilization partnerships and relationships, including traditional and non-traditional partners and donors (including high net-worth individuals, private sector, and innovative funds) to be explored for collaboration with the UN; identifies risks and opportunities related to specific partnerships, and suggests mitigation measures as relevant; • Contributes to organization of the Development Partner Group dialogues (DPG) chaired by the UN RCO to strengthen development effectiveness and synergies; • Supports the RC/UNCT with analysis of funding streams from internal and external sources, enabling their timely and coordinated engagement around the preparation of proposals. • Supports the UNCT in preparing the additional Funding Framework for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in case of an existing funding gap; • Facilitates the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint programmes including joint SDG funds and programming processes for use in joint resource mobilization; • Provides substantive support to raise awareness about opportunities for working with the UN on SDG and ABAS investment opportunities; • Advises the RC/UNCT on corporate policies relating to effective management of resources, including through the establishment and use of pooled funds; • Assists in the establishment and management of the country-based SDG Fund, in close collaboration with the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (where relevant). 3. PROVIDES SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT ON FINANCING FOR ACCELERATING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS): • Provides substantive support on financing for development options, instruments, modalities to the RC/UNCT, in alignment with the Common Country Analysis (CCA), UNSDCFs, and similar processes; • Analyzes trends and provides advice on new and innovative financing mechanisms for development and SDG acceleration; • Prepare briefing papers and discussion points on issues related to financing for development for consideration by RC/UNCT; • Plans and facilitates engagements with external stakeholders – including the national government, international financial institutions and others – on financing for SDG acceleration; • Undertakes 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; • Assists in the establishment and management of the Joint SDG Fund, in close collaboration with UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (where relevant); • Undertakes the design and execution of innovative proposals to strengthen the UNCT engagement and reputation, and to generate more significant financial resources in support of the SDGs. 4. CONTRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO PARTNERSHIPS AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION: • Plans and facilitates the development, maintenance and sharing of knowledge and intelligence, to ensure RC/UNCT are informed and positioned to effectively generate and harness opportunities to engage with diverse partners; • 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 Resident Coordinator System and across the UN. Undertakes activities to strengthen the capacity of UNCTs to mainstream and promote SDG investment partnerships; • Provides substantive support for the discovery, evaluation and selection of partnership opportunities at the sourcing and origination stages; • 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; • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting; • Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented. • Performs other relevant duties as assigned by RCO Team Leader and the Resident Coordinator.
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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, sustainable development, social sciences, 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 non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is an advantage.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) 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. Working experience with government, International Development Partners and the UN is desirable. Experience in preparing project /programme proposals is required. Experience in developing and implementing partnership and resources mobilization strategies is required. Experience in analyzing and drafting reports is required. Experience in supporting Development Financing of SDGs is desirable. Two (2) years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and French languages (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of’ equals a rating of “confident in two of the four areas.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment or assignment against this post is for an initial period of one year and any extension will be subject to availability of funds. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF MAURITIUS ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, MAURITIUS nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Mauritius in the event of an employment offer. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. “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. ” 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. 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. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. 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. On-line 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. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.
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.