Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence)

The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) supports the Grants and Resource Management Section by preparing due diligence reports for private sector partners, responding to donor assessment requests, and assisting with audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions. The role involves coordinating due diligence processes to limit reputational risk and supporting resource mobilization efforts.

Responsibilities

• 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 Section.
• Prepare communication and training material about DDA's services (due diligence guidelines and training material updates in line with the UN and best practices, as well as the online material).
• Under the guidance of the Head of Section, prepare documents and presentations for meetings of the Committee for the Review of High-Risk Projects.
• Assist in the preparation of responses to assessment questions received from potential donors.
• Maintain a database of frequently asked questions and responses.
• Under the guidance of the Head of Section, support Sectors/Field Offices/Institutes undergoing audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions.

Requirements

• 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 afore-mentioned fields, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• 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 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.
• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and very good knowledge of the other language.
• 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 ability to identify client needs and suggest appropriate solutions.
• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

Skills

• Due Diligence
• UNSDG Due Diligence Approach
• Financial Analysis
• Report Writing
• Online Research