Partnerships and Communications Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Partnerships and Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting the Director, Geneva Office in the implementation of their partnership, business development and strategic communication responsibilities related to the Geneva Office (GVA).

The role supports the GVA Office to expand their footprint across the defined GVA business lines, as defined by the strategic plan, including: hosting, trust funds, program and advisory services.

The Specialist reports to the Director, Geneva Office, and works in close coordination with the Office of the Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR).

The role also works collaboratively with the Partnerships Senior Advisor - Geneva Liaison, within the Partnerships and Liaison Group, to identify opportunities for the Geneva Office, within the UNOPS global portfolio and with partners based in Switzerland.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Functions / Key Results Expected

2. Partnership development planning

3. Development and follow up of business development opportunities
4. Strategic communication in Geneva
5. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Partnership development planning Working in close collaboration with the Director, Geneva Office, the Office of the Regional Director for ECR and the Partnerships Senior Advisor - Geneva Liaison:

• Development of a comprehensive partnership development plan for the Geneva Office within its business lines and the ECR Region, in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies.
• Provide input on strategic positioning of UNOPS Geneva Office and identify main partners in the potential operational niches identified, as well as growth pipeline opportunities within the Geneva Office business lines.
• Ensure that the partnership plan reflects in-house capacity, typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources.
• Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Geneva Office and propose appropriate responses to ensure sustainable growth.

• Coordinate and promote collaboration between relevant Partnerships personnel at local, liaison and HQ level, and key personnel across the Geneva Office, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.

  2. Develop and follow up business development opportunities Under the guidance of the Director, Geneva Office, to enhance business development capacity by:

• Monitor and evaluate external trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within the UNOPS Geneva Office mandate and existing capacity.

• Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS Geneva Office interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities.
• Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners.
• Create and maintain oneUNOPS opportunities and engagement functionalities in alignment with UNOPS corporate guidelines.
• Coordinate technical and financial requirements, and negotiate proposals to close new project opportunities.
• Drafts agreements and/or contractual documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.
• Understand and clearly explain UNOPS pricing policy to partners.
• Contribute to the diversification of the Geneva Office in line with UNOPS strategic and Regional objectives.
• Establish and further develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organisations to diversify project opportunities for the Geneva Office, in close coordination with the Partnerships Senior Advisor - Geneva Liaison.

• Build a network of key partners, keeping abreast of evolving trends (social, economic, and political), including the application of innovation to project and partnership development.

  3. Strategic communication in Geneva

• Undertake public information, communication and outreach activities in collaboration with the ECR Communication Unit and UNOPS Communication Group, when required.
• Coordinate any joint communication activities to be carried out between UNOPS Geneva Office and the various projects/programmes and Hosted Entities.
• Promote UNOPS branding standards for all communication products of the Geneva Office.
• Manage the delivery of conferences, workshops, seminars and / or other external communication activities as required.
• Conceptualize all publications and communication outputs, including coordinating planning, sequencing and prioritization.

• Provide advice to Geneva Office leadership on communication strategy, policy, methods and tool utilization.

  4. Knowledge management and innovation

• Implement standards, tools and templates provided by HQ to effectively manage partnership and project development within the team to enhance/maintain UNOPS effectiveness as a provider of project services for sustainable results.
• Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximise performance and sustain achievements in project and partnership development.
• Help build partnerships capacity and negotiation skills among project managers
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building within project and partnership development.
• Provide regular feedback on existing systems, tools and resources to ensure its relevance to day-to-day operations.

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Partnerships Specialist impacts on the performance of the Geneva Office by maintaining a robust and diverse pipeline of project opportunities, which leads to sustainable growth of the UNOPS’ presence and strengthens the achievements of UNOPS management results and the fulfilment of its mandate.

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

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Engineering, Political Science, Communications or International Relations.
• A combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience At least 5 years of experience in partnerships and/or communications in an international development environment. Demonstrated experience in:

• Developing and executing partnership and programme development plans is required;
• Project development and proposal writing is required;
• Acquisition of projects is a strong asset;
• Project and programme management experience is an asset
• Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organisations is highly desired.
• Prior experience working in international organisations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.

Language - Full working knowledge of English is essential. - Fluency in one or more additional official UNOPS languages is an advantage.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International ICA 2 (I-ICA 2) Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

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

*************This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.*************

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.