Partnership Development Specialist [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Country Office is part of UNDP—the United Nations' global development network. UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to end poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, as well as protect the planet, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these efforts aim to ensure that improvements in human wellbeing remain within ecological boundaries. We also help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities and institutional capabilities, as well as build resilience, in order to achieve the SDGs.  

UNDP China has been working in China over the past 46 years, partnering to advance various phases of China’s development outlined in the Government of China’s Five-Year Plans. UNDP assists China in integrating the SDGs into development decisions, promotes the transition to an inclusive, low-carbon economy and a sustainable society, protects biodiversity, and informs China’s international development cooperation engagement to advance global progress on the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement. In addition, UNDP leverages its global network and South-South Cooperation (SSC) to facilitate mutual knowledge and experience sharing between China and partner countries on best practices and lessons learned to advance the SDGs. 

UNDP China’s implementation modalities currently engage more than 15 Ministries and government representatives at the national and sub-national levels in 28 provinces. UNDP China also actively engages the UN system, multilateral and regional institutions, the private sector, philanthropic foundations, academia and think tanks, inter-governmental bodies, as well as the media in accelerating the SDGs in China. 

The work programme implemented by UNDP in China is funded primarily by the global vertical funds, local provincial and municipal governments, private sector, philanthropic foundations and academia. To further accelerate the scale of resource mobilization efforts to support the acceleration of the SDGs at the sub-national levels in China as outlined in the UNDP Country Programme Document 2026-2030, UNDP China is now seeking an experienced Partnership Development Specialist to further develop strategic partnerships and deepen domestic resource mobilization efforts with local governments, private sector and philanthropic foundations. 

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Partnership Development Specialist (PDS) provides facilitation and support in developing strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources from local governments, private sector and philanthropic foundations to advance the SDGs in China at the sub-national levels. The Partnership Development Specialist works closely with Programme, Operations, and other teams to ensure effective programme implementation.  

The Partnership Development Specialist will be one of the members of the UNDP China Management Team and provide regular updates on development opportunities, trends and innovative new development models to accelerate the SDGs in China. 

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Formulate CO analysis and strategies related to resource mobilization and partnerships building 

Undertake strategic engagements to establish strategic partnerships and resource mobilization from local governments, private sector and philanthropic foundations to accelerate SDG progress 

 Lead development of pipeline projects that includes inputs to the programme technical team in developing funding proposals, concept notes and project documents.

Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing as required by the organization, focusing on the following results:

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Business Direction & Strategy

Partnership Management

Business Development

Business Management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Language Requirements:

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

Scam alert

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