Senior National Partnership

Duties and Responsibilities

I. Background: Background Iraq is entering a critical phase in its engagement with the United Nations, marked by the ongoing transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), the handover of residual tasks to the UN Country Team (UNCT), and the shift towards a development-focused UN presence. The finalization and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF will be the primary instrument guiding UN Government partnership over the coming years. In parallel, several key processes are underway, including the transition of the Baghdad and Erbil compounds from UNAMI to the Government of Iraq and subsequently to the UNCT, as well as the establishment of cost-efficient common premises arrangements under UNDP leadership. In addition, the UN Iraq Partnership Fund (UNIPF) is expected to play an increasingly important role in mobilizing and channeling resources to advance UNSDCF priorities. To ensure these processes are advanced in close alignment with Iraq s national priorities and with strong government ownership, the Resident Coordinator seeks the support of a Senior National Partnership and Resource Mobilization Consultant. The consultant will provide direct support to the RC in managing partnership with key Iraqi counterparts at the highest levels, navigating the political and institutional landscape to advance the UN s strategic priorities. The Advisor will facilitate negotiations with Government entities, strengthen political ownership of the UNSDCF, and secure commitments to ensure the UN s transition is sustainable, coordinated, and fully aligned with Iraq s national priorities. II. Duties and Responsibilities: Key Responsibilities Under the guidance of the RC, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support to the establishment of the UN Iraq Partnership Fund o Engage with MoF, MoP, PMO, and the Parliamentary Finance Committee to advocate for and secure Government co-financing of the UNSDCF. o Facilitate political support and practical arrangements for the operationalization of the UNIPF. 2. Finalization of the UNSDCF o In close collaboration with Sr Coordination Advisor, facilitate negotiations with Ministry of Planning (MoP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and the Prime Minister s Office (PMO) to secure agreement and signature of the UNSDCF. o Secure Government nominations for results groups and coordination mechanisms under the UNSDCF. o Ensure line ministries buy-in and commitment for joint implementation of UNSDCF priorities. 3. Transition issues o Support the RC in engaging Government counterparts on the transitional issues including Humanitarian-development-political nexus. o Advise on operational issues related to the premises transition, including securing Government endorsement for the co-location of non-UN entities. 4. Other Duties o Assist in resolving operational issues with the Government, including ensuring freedom of movement for UN personnel in project implementation and monitoring. o Carry out any additional tasks assigned by the RC in support of UN-Government cooperation and the UN s transition process. o Support quality of Arabic texts and translations English-Arabic translation to ensure it meets government standards. o Provide advice on programmatic issues to ensure alignment with national plans and priorities o Facilitate discussions with MoP and MoFA to streamline reporting mechanisms on UNCT activities. III. Deliverables Briefing notes and talking points for RC engagements with Government. Documentation of agreements or progress made with Government entities on UNSDCF, UNIPF, and premises transition. Written recommendations to the RC on advancing negotiations with the Government. Final report summarizing progress, achievements, and recommendations for continued engagement.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor's degree in political science, law, public administration, international relations, or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in political affairs, government relations, or international development cooperation is required. Proven track record of advising senior government officials and engaging in high-level negotiations is required. Strong understanding of UN programming tools (UNSDCF, trust funds) and mission transition processes is required. Excellent diplomatic, facilitation, and negotiation skills is required.