Partnerships Officer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 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 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS has been present in Bangladesh since 2003. In 2014 UNOPS was established as a formal representation as a response to the UNOPS Executive Board in order to provide more substantial support to the Government of Bangladesh and other clients in the different areas focusing to Resilient Infrastructure Approach, Program & Project Management, Fund Management, Procurement, Human Resources, Financial Management emphasizing on building national capacities, improving the resilience of communities with a view of contributing to the implementation of the SDGs.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Partnerships Specialist the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Scan partnerships opportunities (facilitate assessments of client needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others);
• Liaise extensively with Government departments, local government and ministries at operational levels to promote UNOPS engagement, visibility and operations in Bangladesh
• Provide support in formulation and implementation of annual Partnerships work plans;
• Support active promotion of UNOPS services by building a network of key partners and clients, keeping abreast of social, economic, and political trends;
• Support establishing contacts with potential partners and organizing high-level meetings and negotiations, and prepare subsequent plan of action and follow-up for potential partnership development opportunities;
• Actively participate in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programmes;
• Draft concept notes and technical briefs for further discussion with partners and donors;
• Identify potential partners to pursue new partnership opportunities and ensure portfolio growth by promoting quality service to maintain a competitive edge;
• Prepare letters for Expression of Interest for potential partnerships when considered consistent with UNOPS’ mandate, goals and development strategy;
• Assist in the preparation of project proposals for tenders or donors’ requests.
• Close interaction with Programme/Project staff to share information and knowledge; and to provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective partner relations;
• Carry out field visits for needs assessments for potential engagements;
• Liaise with UN partner agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations for programme development and information dissemination purposes;
• Attend the relevant working groups and coordination meetings; Contributes to UN and/ or national planning processes and engage with the Partnerships Team to seek necessary guidance and support;
• Draft agreements for the implementation of new projects, addressing questions and issues raised by colleagues and ensuring their expeditious approval;
• Support the engagement acceptance process on internal ERP system including engagement reviews;
• Review and comment on technical and progress reports prepared by projects and provision of advice as needed to improve content and quality;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, political science, international relations or related fields. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience - Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in project development, report writing, strategic planning, partnerships and fundraising, including experience at the international level is required. - Experience working on development and/or humanitarian assistance in the region is required. - Previous experience in the UN is desirable. Experience dealing with bilateral and multilateral donors is required. - Computer literate, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Language - Fluency in English is required and working knowledge of Bengali is an asset.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local LICA Specialist (LICA 8) [NOA Equivalent] Contract duration: 1 year (Subject to availability of fund 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

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.