Partnerships Officer - Liaison

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

The Zambia Water Resources Development Project’s (WRDP) Project Development Objective (PDO) supported the implementation of an integrated framework for the development and management of water resources in Zambia. The project, financed by the World Bank (USD 50 M), became effective on December 24, 2013 and closed on November 30, 2018. The project consisted of three main components: A) water resources management; B) water resources development; and C) institutional support. The project was implemented by the Zambian Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (MWDSEP).

Despite the efforts of both the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and the World Bank; for an array of reasons, WRDP was closed in 2018, with non-compliance in regards to social and environmental safeguards, and dam safety issues unresolved. In March of 2020, UNOPS was engaged by Irrigation Development Support Project (IDSP) Phase 1 to provide services including: planning (support of surveillance and emergency preparedness) for 10 dams and design, updating of environmental and social safeguards instruments to comply with World Bank social and environmental policies for 10 dams and tendering of the works for 10 dams. The agreement for IDSP Phase 1 is scheduled to end on 31 January 2023.

The project is proceeding to Phase 2, during which the goal is to protect local communities in the impacted area of 10 dams across Zambia and to comply with environmental and social safeguards in accordance with the Government of Zambia (GRZ) and World Bank policies. There are imminent risks posed by the 10 dams in their current state.

Due to the urgency in implementing the solutions, it has been agreed to split Phase 2 into two overlapping sequential stages that allows to implement the solution for seven (7) dams (Ngolongozya, Makaba, Ndondi, Nachibanga, Kawiko, Nabowa and Kanyika) while working in parallel to finalize the Detailed Design and procurement award for the remaining three (3) dams (Chibalashi, Katembula and Chikowa

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Partnership Officer Liaison is responsible for performing the following duties:

1. Project liaison and stakeholder coordination support and Reporting
2. Support to partnership development and strategic positioning
3. Participation in inter-agency collaboration and meetings
4. Knowledge Management and Innovation

Project liaison and stakeholder coordination support

• Support the Project Manager in implementing the Governance and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies.
• Supports the Project Manager in establishing and implementing an effective communication plan to satisfy partners’ and UNOPS reporting and communication/visibility requirements
• Supports the Project Manager to effectively, timely and proactively manage stakeholder relationships through regular contacts with key partners by documenting and providing feedback, risk register, lessons learned and best practices;
• Actively contributes to the project planning process;
• Actively supports the Project Manager in the preparation of external project reports and communication related documents.
• Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents.
• Maintain the following records: Quality Register, Configuration Item Records and all other registers/logs delegated by the Project Manager.
• Support the Project Manager in maintaining the following: (I). Project Document Archive, (ii). Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by Organizational Directive (OD) 12.
• Supports the Project Manager in the compilation, consolidation and analysis of relevant data related to the project(s)
• Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of project narrative reports.
• Support the Project Manager in the review documents prepared by the Consultants for community participation and investments, i.e. presentations, work procedures, surveys, reports etc and give substantive recommendations for improvement.
• Support the Project Manager and Social Leader in collecting and transcribing relevant information from the local community and municipality during field and/or office visits and meetings.
• Liaise with IDSP, the World Bank, and other stakeholders in ensuring that all parties are updated about the project
• Support the Project Manager in preparation of monthly internal and donor reports.
• Support to consultants in the course of their assignment, preparation of their reports, and compilation for submission to the client.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Manager or other UNOPS KEMC Senior Management.
• Support in all aspects of work related to the country’s participation in the WB-IDSP program.
• Preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for required inputs in the project (staff, individual and institutional consultancy services, procurement of goods and services, organization of training, seminars, etc.), with expert and/or client support as required;
• Support the Project Manager in preparation of bid documents.
• # of concept notes and project ideas developed and submitted to potential donors.
• # of new engagements negotiated and closed with the project teams involved.
• Support the Project Manager with the preparation of briefing notes as required.
• Support the Project Manager in following up on contractor’s reports, and follow up recommendations on the reports submitted.
• Support in the preparation, coordination and documentation of workshops/meetings during project implementation.

Support to partnership development and strategic positioning

• In coordination with the KEMC Partnership Development Office (PDO) , the Partnership Officer Liaison contributes in the development and preparation of a comprehensive partnership and programme development plan in line with UNOPS KEMC Business Plan. This includes country context, analysis of the national development landscape, identification of main partners and strategic positioning of UNOPS in the potential operational niches and in alignment with the national priorities and within the UN Strategic Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) identified. The Partnership Officer Liaison also ensures the plan reflects the in-house capacity, typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources based out of the Zambia office.
• Contribute to active positioning and expansion of UNOPS portfolio by building a network of key partners, keeping abreast of social, economic, and political trends.
• Examine and keep the KEMC Director and PDO informed of risks and opportunities to contribute to the UN’s efforts in Zambia to assist the GRZ with achievement of SDGs UNOPS office in Zambia and propose appropriate responses to ensure the continued UNOPS relevance and added value in Zambia.
• Collaborate with relevant partnerships personnel, project manager and project personnel of the country office to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.
• Contribute in the monitoring and evaluation of economic, political and development trends / needs in Zambia to identify areas of collaboration with the government and development partners within the UNOPS mandate and priorities under the KEMC business plan.
• Support the PDO and KEMC Director to monitor events, publications, and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities.
• Establish and maintain contacts with potential partners, organize meetings, consultations and negotiations, and prepare subsequent records of meetings, plan of action and follow-up for potential partnership development opportunities.
• Coordinate and draft concept notes and proposals with guidance and support from PDO; and create and process new engagements for approval in the UNOPS online platform in compliance with internal guidelines.
• Understand and clearly explain UNOPS pricing policy to partners.
• In coordination with the Project Manager and KEMC Communications Associate, garner content for communications and outreach materials.

Participation in inter-agency collaboration and meetings

• Assist the KEMC Director and PDO in establishing and further developing partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, foundations, and international NGOs to grow and diversify project opportunities within Zambia.
• Liaise and coordinate with UN partner agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations as required for programme development, reporting and information dissemination purposes.
• Serve as the focal point and participate in, and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor, and government coordination meetings including addressing project development issues in consultation with UNOPS project manager and technical experts, as required.
• Assist the team with the UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, humanitarian response plans (if applicable), etc. in coordination with the PDO and KEMC Director.
• 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.

Knowledge Management and Innovation

• In close coordination with the PDO, contributes in the implementation of standards, tools and templates provided by HQ to effectively manage partnership and project development.
• Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practices and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements in project and partnership development.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building within projects and partnership development.
• Liaise with the Programme Management Office (PMO) Team Members to complete project assurance related tasks.
• Support the coordination and management of communications

IV. Impact of results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Partnership Officer Liaison impacts on the performance of the Project and Partnerships Development in Zambia to enable UNOPS contribute robustly and meaningfully to UN’s efforts in assisting the GRZ in advancing its development agenda and achieving the SDGs.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Development Studies, Political Science, Communications or International Relations or other relevant discipline is required.

Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in programme management, International development, partnerships or resource mobilization is required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in project development and coordination with private or public sector organizations is required.
• Experience in developing and maintaining partnerships with bilateral and/or multilateral donors, UN agencies, international development organizations, national governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organizations is required.
• Previous experience in project and programme management support, reporting and/or coordination experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of UN System policies, procedures, and operations is an asset, and
• Prior experience of working in the UN or in other International Organizations is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge in any other UN language is desirable.

Competencies

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.

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.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level : ICS8 (LICA 8)
3. 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

Background Information - Kenya

Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Multi Country Office in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa, including Zambia where UNOPS is physically present. The current portfolio includes transactional projects in partnership with the UN Agencies based in Nairobi and elsewhere in the sub-region, such as UN-Habitat, UNEP, WHO and UNHCR and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.