National UNV Specialist: Partnerships Officer with UNRC in KSA

Mission and objectives

The UN Secretary-General’s bold new global reform agenda launched on 1 January 2019, in response to General Assembly resolution 71/243, repositions the UN Development System to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for dignity, prosperity, and peace on a healthy planet. Central to this process, and as further mandated by General Assembly resolution 72/279, a new generation of UN Resident Coordinator Offices across the world are being strengthened under the leadership of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at country level.

Context

This assignment is part of UNV’s disability inclusion strategy. UNV seeks to 1) provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to serve as UN Volunteers, 2) enable UN partners to expand the diversity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their workforce worldwide, 3) build a talent pipeline of qualified professionals with disabilities who can contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and global levels, with focus on national capacity. It also contributes to the UNCT efforts to promote disability inclusion and make the UN an inclusive workplace.

National Specialist volunteers in Saudi Arabia are entitled to: – Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) in the amount of SAR 13,616.74 – Entry Lumpsum USD 400 – Annual and learning leaves; – Free Medical and life insurance; and – Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Assignment is reserved for persons with disabilities

Reasonable Accommodation: The UN system is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and taking appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to access employment opportunities and benefit equally from employment-related opportunities by providing reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may differ depending on the disability and individual requirements. It means “necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms “(Article 2, UN CRPD). The Host Office is in charge of funding and putting in place reasonable accommodation measures that may be required.

Accessibility The UNCT conducted, in 2022, a comprehensive renovation of the UN House in Riyadh that contributed to improving its accessibility. The renovation considered disability inclusion requirements regarding physical access to the premises to some extent, based on an accessibility assessment. This included offices, conference rooms, toilets, kitchen, etc. In terms of digital accessibility, the UNCT communications are being adjusted to consider disability inclusion requirements. Additional adjustments and works have also been made in 2023, including (i) installing directional tactile tracks to guide the visually impaired and (ii) installing Braille buttons in the elevators to help the visually impaired colleagues and visitors. Although an accessibility plan has yet to be developed, the UNCT is considering conducting an assessment and developing one based on the identified gaps.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the RC Office, the Partnership officer will be assigned the following duties: • Support joint UNCT strategic partnership for SDG achievement for the UN-Saudi Arabia Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026). • Work closely with the Resident Coordinator and the Head of RCO to support development partners’ coordination mechanism in Saudi Arabia. • Work closely with the UN Country Team to promote partnership initiatives in support of accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) • Work closely with the Resident Coordinator and the Head of RCO to support implementing the joint UNCT partnerships strategy and engage relevant counterparts, including academia, civil society, the private sector, and other relevant partners. • Act as a focal point for the Academia for SDGs Network and follow up on the implementation of its action plan in close consultation with the Interim Working Group. • Serve as secretariat to the Interim Working Group.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in development cooperation or related areas are required. Experience with academia and civil society is an asset. • Experience in developing and/or implementing partnerships or resource mobilization strategies is required. • Excellent communication and drafting skills are required. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a diverse environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Desired skills: • Experience in preparing project/programme proposals is an asset. • An affinity with or interest in development cooperation, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Social work, Development programmes

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in sustainable development, social sciences, or a related area is desirable.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management