Head of Tokyo Liaison office

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 142,459 USD and 183,671 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS is looking for a new colleague to join our Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG), to expand and build on our network with Japanese institutions and to support UNOPS business strategies to expand our global portfolio. We are looking for an excellent networker, someone who can build on and develop our existing partnership with Japan. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience working with strategic partnerships and political positioning, a good understanding of Japanese institutions and development context, as well as outstanding networking and communication skills. This role offers a demanding and exciting opportunity to contribute to UNOPS global partnerships team.

The Partnerships and liaison Group (PLG) supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities. By forging strategic relationships and working with partners, both in the field and at headquarters, PLG seeks to not only ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support, but also to integrate best practices and innovative solutions from experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector into UNOPS operations. Based in Copenhagen, PLG has active liaison offices in New York, Geneva, Brussels, Washington DC, and Nairobi and supports partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations Mine Action Service, UNEP, the Global Fund, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and others.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of the Partnerships and liaison Group (PLG) the incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation of the UNOPS /Japan partnership strategy. He/she will analyze UNOPS’ present status with Japan, pursue partnership and business opportunities, build on existing partnerships and ensure that actions and initiatives undertaken are aimed at improving the business and partnership management systems needed by UNOPS to achieve long-term success as a self-financing UN organization that provides value generating services to Japanese institutions. The initiatives presently to be undertaken include, but are not limited to, the following:

Representation and networking for positioning UNOPS

• Under the advice and guidance of the Director, PLG, be the primary representative of UNOPS in the meetings with the Government of Japan, JICA and other Japanese institutions

• Engage with relevant UN and national/ non-UN coordination mechanisms and represent UNOPS. Build and maintain strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others.

• Participate in key partnership building meetings and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up.

• Represent UNOPS in strategic and relevant conferences and events in Japan.
• Under the advice and guidance of the Director, PLG, expand UNOPS outreach by exploring new partnership opportunities with the foundations, INGO's, academia, and the private sector.
• Meet and build working relationships with key staff in Japanese institutions. Maintain and nurture a large network amongst relevant institutions of Government of Japan, mainly Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA, Private sectors, Academics, INGOs and others. Establish a close working relationship with and be an active, contributing member of the UN Team in Japan, and coordinate with the representatives of the UN agencies, funds and programmes in Japan.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• In close cooperation with the Communications Unit, develop relevant UNOPS capacity statements and information materials to outreach targeted audiences.

Development and implementation of strategic partnership

• Research, analyse and develop the Japan partnership strategy, in alignment with UNOPS strategic plan, UNOPS regional strategies and Japan’s policies.
• Advises the Director of PLG on opportunities for expanding the UNOPS portfolio.

• Facilitate high level meetings between UNOPS senior management and Japan.

• Develop internal guidelines, procedures and tools of Japan funds; monitor performance standards/indicators and control mechanisms throughout UNOPS to ensure the quality of project implementation.

• Develop internal feedback mechanisms to continuously improve both the form and content of partner outreach and project development activities.

Program and project identification, formulation and support to field offices

• Research and analyze specific donor programming priorities in the field in order to identify potential funding opportunities and develop respective project proposals in line with UNOPS strategy;
• Advise field offices in the area of business development through opportunities analysis, partnerships development and programme design.
• Actively facilitate the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs in the field.
• Provide project development support, advice, and assistance to Regional Directors, Country Directors and Project Managers in conjunction with Japanese funds.
• Monitor communications, follow-up activities and proposal submissions with key partners and donors.
• Coordinate and lead the preparation of business and project proposals in response to specific opportunities.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in Political Science, International Relations, Social Affairs, Law or other related field is required.

Experience:

• At least seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in the areas of business development, project development, project and programme management and/or client relationships is required;
• Within these 7 years, at least four (4) years progressively responsible experience in program and/or project management is required
• Within these 7 years, a minimum of 4 years of experience working with a network of development partners, governing bodies, and donors (in particular the Government of Japan and JICA), in the public or private sector is required;
• Prior experience with the UN is desirable;

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
• Fluent in written and spoken Japanese is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment Contract level: P4 Contract duration: One year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.