JOB DESCRIPTION

We are ISO, the largest developer of International Standards. We bring together experts, to share knowledge and develop standards that provide solutions to global challenges. This is because we believe that great things happen when the world agrees. We have an exciting opportunity at our Central Secretariat in Geneva.

ISO is committed to be an equal opportunity employer and to creating a culture and environment where each employee is an active contributor to our collective success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin and culture, disability, or age.

Partnerships officer (100%)
Role

The Partnerships Officer will play a pivotal role in supporting ISO’s engagement with external stakeholders and strengthening internal coordination around partnership efforts. This role is central to developing, implementing, and harmonizing partnership frameworks and principles that underpin ISO’s collaboration with a wide range of actors, including international bodies, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

Working closely with internal teams, the Officer will ensure coherence in the organization’s approach to partnerships, scope potential partner organizations, track engagements, support the assessment, reporting and onboarding of new partners, and help monitor the delivery of commitments. The Officer will also prepare partner briefs and provide direct support to ISO staff in their engagement with external counterparts.

Given the dynamic nature of partnership environments, the position demands strategic acumen, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.

Key responsibilities

Internal Coordination and Strategic Framework Development

Coordinate partnership initiatives across departments to ensure internal alignment and consistency with ISO’s strategic goals.
Support the development and maintain ISO’s partnership frameworks, principles, and guidance tools to support coherent collaboration efforts.
Facilitate regular information sharing and alignment meetings among relevant units to support integrated partner engagement.
Provide strategic input into partnership planning and organizational engagement strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

Prepare partner briefs, talking points, and background materials to support ISO staff in engagement with key external stakeholders.
Manage day-to-day engagement with select external organizations and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key partners.
Coordinate internal briefings and debriefings following external engagements to ensure follow-up actions are tracked and delivered.

Partner Assessment & Formalization of Collaborations

Conduct due diligence assessments and contribute to the evaluation of potential partners, ensuring alignment with ISO values and strategic objectives.
Support the drafting, negotiation, and review of MoUs, cooperation agreements, and partnership documentation.
Ensure that formal collaborations comply with ISO’s governance framework, risk management practices, and partnership policies

Delivery and Accountability on Commitments

Monitor and coordinate the implementation of ISO’s partnership commitments, ensuring deliverables are tracked, documented, and reported.
Maintain tools and systems for tracking active partnerships and monitoring implementation progress.
Identify implementation challenges and coordinate cross-functional solutions to maintain trust and accountability with partners.
Report to: Head of Sustainability and Partnerships
Qualification and Experience

Degree in international relations, political science, public administration, law, or a related field.
5 to 8 years of relevant experience in partnerships, external relations, stakeholder engagement, or organizational coordination.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing collaborative frameworks in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Proven track record in supporting leadership-level engagement with external partners.
Experience with drafting and managing MoUs, agreements, and partnership governance documents.
Fluency in English, with strong written and oral communication skills are required. French and other languages would be a plus.
Skills

Attention to detail and organizational skills: Proven ability to manage complex coordination tasks, track multiple workstreams, and deliver high-quality outputs.
Strategic thinking: Ability to connect partnership activities to broader organizational priorities and anticipate external trends.
Agility and flexibility: Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities and evolving mandates.
Collaboration and communication: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across teams and cultures.
Problem-solving and resilience: Capacity to identify risks, troubleshoot delivery issues, and adapt to changing contexts.
Adheres to ISO’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Growth Mindset, and Pushing Boundaries.

Deadline for applications: 2 June EOB

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements