Partnerships Advisor

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-11 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-11 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

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, Tokyo and Nairobi and supports partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, several UN agencies, the Global Fund, national governments, and others.

UNOPS recognises the importance of accelerating our efforts and working more effectively to forge stronger relationships, build a larger group of supporters and increase engagement with our key partners. In this context, UNOPS is looking for a Partnerships Advisor who will support UNOPS to enhance the partnership and engagement with one of our key partners, the government of Japan.

Functional Responsibilities

Functional responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Head of Tokyo Liaison office, the Partnerships Advisor is responsible for the following functions, in order to build greater awareness across key decision-makers for development aid and international affairs.

1. Development of strategic partnership

• Support the Head of Tokyo Liaison Office with the development of partnerships with new actors, such as Members of Parliaments, ministries other than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Japanese media. Ensure that UNOPS is able to clearly and accurately provide the Japanese counterparts with up-to-date information on how UNOPS operates, its comparative advantage, and how it can support the government of Japan to deliver on its international assistance priorities and benefit the people of Japan.
• Identify and propose a list of key actors/decision-makers in the parliament of Japan, government of Japan and Japanese media, and facilitate the targeted outreach and meeting arrangements as applicable.
• Advise on tailored partner-focused messaging which highlights UNOPS comparative advantage and how/where UNOPS can support the government of Japan to achieve its important foreign policy goals.

• Provide advice and feedback to the Head of Tokyo Liaison Office on opportunities to expand the partnership with new partners, as well as opportunities for efficient political positioning and advocacy to build greater awareness across the Japanese public.

  2. Knowledge management and innovation

• Monitor and analyse humanitarian and development trends of the government of Japan and needs to identify areas of collaboration and partnership expansion within UNOPS mandate and existing capacity.

• Contribute to the ongoing research, development, dissemination and implementation of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to maximise performance and sustain achievements in partnership development.

• Provide regular feedback on existing systems, tools, and resources to ensure its relevance to day-to-day operations.

• Advise on the policy-level issues related to partnerships and programme development for the Partnerships and Liaison Group and Tokyo Liaison Office.

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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 Social Affairs, Law or other related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelors) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience can be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

Minimum 7 years work experience in the area of public relations, lobbying, advocacy, and/or strategic communications is required.

Experience in working closely with the Japanese members of parliaments as well as the ministries in the government of Japan is required.

Knowledge and familiarity in the decision-making process in the government of Japan and the Japanese Parliament is required.

Language:

Fluency in Japanese and English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Part-time LICA (retainer)

Contract level: LICA-11/ ICS11

Contract duration: 1 year with possibility for extension

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx