Associate Partnerships Officer

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Post Number: BSP 022

Grade: P-2

Parent Sector: Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 30-MAY-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

The post is situated in the Donor Due Diligence and Audits (DDA) Unit of the Grants and Resource Management Section of the Division for Partnerships. The Division for Partnerships, within the Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP), is responsible for coordinating UNESCO's public and private partners including key interlocutors from bilateral donors, United Nations and multilateral organizations, regional institutions such as the European Union (EU) and regional banks, civil society, philanthropy, foundations and corporations. It works to diversify and expand UNESCO's donor base and provide backstopping and guidance to UNESCO Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Category 1 Institutes in support of their efforts to engage with partners and mobilize resources. The Division for Partnerships is responsible for the elaboration of strategies for partnership and resource mobilization, in line with UN reform and best practices in these areas.

The Donor Due Diligence and Audits (DDA) Unit is responsible for: coordinating the due diligence process for private sector upstream partners thereby limiting the Organization's exposure to reputational risk; coordinating responses to donor assessments/questions thereby contributing to the Organization's resource mobilization efforts; and coordinating audit and verification of project funds. In this capacity, the DDA unit proactively works with colleagues from the UNESCO Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Institutes, as well as with relevant central services.

The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) works under the direct supervision of the Head of the DDA Unit and the overall responsibility of the Director of the Division for Partnerships. The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) will be responsible for preparing due diligence reports for private sector upstream partners, and responding to donor assessment requests as well as providing support to Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Institutes undergoing audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions.

Within this context, specific duties of the Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) will include:

Due Diligence for private and business sector upstream partners:

• Maintain the system for recording, monitoring, and updating requests for due diligence clearance received from Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Institutes.
• Liaise with Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Institutes as needed to ensure the proper and timely functioning of the due diligence process (e.g. soliciting additional information, responding to questions raised, etc.).
• Prepare draft consultation letters to the National Commissions to inform them of potential cooperation between UNESCO and private sector entities registered in their countries, and monitor responses.
• Conduct online searches of potential private and business sector donor entities.
• Prepare the first draft of the due diligence reports for review by the Head of the Unit.

Donor Assessments:

• Assist in the preparation of responses to assessment questions received from potential donors.
• Maintain a database of frequently asked questions and responses.

Project audits and verifications:

• Under the guidance of the Head of the Unit, support Sectors/Field Offices/Institutes undergoing audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions.

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

• Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of finance, business administration, law, economics, accounting, audit or a related field. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in the field of due diligence or a related field, of which preferably one (1) year acquired at the international level.
• Strong understanding of due diligence processes and general understanding of the UNSDG common approach to due diligence.
• Good analytical and report writing skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed online searches, ability to review lengthy corporate reports, and summarize essential issues in a clear and effective manner.
• Demonstrated openness to constant improvement, the application of new approaches and strategic innovations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, participate in unit meetings and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules and manage competing priorities, organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet established deadlines.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

Work Experience

• Professional experience gained in multicultural working environments.
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN System.
• Client oriented with an ability to identify client needs and suggest appropriate solutions.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $.

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step may be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment