Individual Contractor – Partnership Development and Project Implementation Assistant

Background

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), established in 1963, is the dedicated training arm of the United Nations. Its mandate is to enhance the effectiveness of the UN through capacity development, while supporting national efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNITAR provides innovative learning and knowledge-sharing solutions to government officials and other stakeholders, with a particular focus on developing countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and communities in vulnerable or conflict-affected contexts.

The Institute’s work covers a broad spectrum of thematic areas, including supporting capacity development for the 2030 Agenda, strengthening multilateralism, advancing environmental sustainability and green development, enhancing resilience and humanitarian assistance, promoting sustainable peace, and fostering economic development and social inclusion.

In addition, UNITAR conducts applied research on innovative learning methods, tools, and solutions to address pressing global challenges such as disaster risk reduction, humanitarian emergencies, and the application of emerging technologies for sustainable development.

General Objectives of the Assignment

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Specialist, Technology, Finance and Trade Programme Unit, the Individual Contractor will support the effective implementation of projects, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to resource mobilization efforts in line with UNITAR’s strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Project Delivery: Plan, coordinate, and implement UNITAR projects to ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs.
• Partnership Development: Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with strategic partners across government, private sector, academia, and civil society.
• Resource Mobilization: Identify funding opportunities, prepare pitches, and support negotiations to secure financial and in-kind contributions.
• Proposal Development: Draft concept notes, project proposals, partnership agreements, and donor reports.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support UNITAR representatives at meetings, workshops, and events, maintaining strong working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Track project progress against agreed work plans, ensure accountability, and contribute to internal and donor reporting.
• Capacity Building: Assist in organizing and delivering knowledge-sharing and training activities to strengthen the capacities of partners and beneficiaries.
• Innovation: Contribute to the identification and application of innovative tools, approaches, and technologies to enhance the effectiveness and reach of UNITAR’s work.

Deliverables

The Individual Contractor is expected to deliver the following outputs during the contract period:

• A detailed work plan outlining priorities, activities, and targets;
• A mapping of potential partners and funding opportunities;
• Draft concept notes, proposals, or donor reports for priority initiatives;
• Documented engagement with targeted partners and donors, including outcomes achieved;
• Organization of knowledge-sharing or capacity-building events;
• Periodic progress reports on project implementation and partnership development;
• Securing of partnership agreements or resource commitments;
• A final report summarizing achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for follow-up.

Performance Indicators

The performance of the Individual Contractor will be assessed based on the following indicators:

• Partnership Development: Number and quality of partnerships established or strengthened in support of project objectives.
• Resource Mobilization: Amount of funding and in-kind contributions secured from diverse sources.
• Project Implementation: Timeliness and quality of delivery of planned activities and achievement of expected outputs.

Reporting Structure

The Individual Contractor will report directly to the Senior Programme Specialist, Technology, Finance and Trade Programme Unit, Division for Prosperity.

Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in project management, partnership development, and resource mobilization.
• Previous experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or development partners is desirable.
• Proven ability to deliver results within tight timelines.

Language: Fluency in English, French, and Arabic (both oral and written) is required.

Additional Competencies:

• Excellent drafting and communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured written outputs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with online research tools.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively, independently, and in a multicultural environment.