Partnerships Senior Advisor - Northern Europe Liaison

Contract

This is a IICA-3 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) is a corporate unit which supports UNOPS efforts in building 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 ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support. Based in Copenhagen, PLG has active liaison offices in New York, Geneva, Brussels, Copenhagen, Bangkok, Tokyo, Washington DC, Amman and Nairobi.

UNOPS is looking for a new colleague to join our Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG), to expand and build on our network with partners based in Northern Europe, particularly in the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, to support the expansion of UNOPS global portfolio. In particular you will be supporting the development of our global portfolio with all these Governments. We are looking for an excellent networker, someone who can build on and develop our existing partnerships and establish a solid base for new cooperation, especially in the field of health and climate change.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience working with strategic partnerships and political positioning, an excellent knowledge and understanding of such actors as well as outstanding networking and communication skills. This role offers a demanding and exciting opportunity to contribute to UNOPS global partnerships team.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of the Partnerships Group (PLG) the incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation of the partnership strategy with Northern Europe based partners. He/she will build on existing partnerships and ensure that actions and initiatives undertaken are aimed at achieving long-term success as a self-financing UN organization that provides value generating services to our partners. The initiatives to be undertaken by the incumbent include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Deepen and expand the strategic engagement with Northern Europe based partners through the implementation of partnership engagement strategies, with a view of being: (1) known as a solutions organization, (2) recognized for the value of our services, and (3) a resource in helping our partners deliver their vision.
• Lead and expand the development of UNOPS partnerships with these countries' international development agencies, positioning UNOPS to offer support that enables key partners to deliver on their mandates.
• Meet and build working relationships with key staff working with our Northern Europe based partners.
• Provide advice and assistance to the Regional Directors, Country Directors and Heads of Programme in regard to partnering with Geneva based partners, including through field support missions, and provide continuous analysis and guidance on funding trends and opportunities.
• Spearhead the sharing of knowledge related to Northern Europe based partners across the organization, including identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned, with a view of continuous improvement of our partner engagement in the field.
• Facilitate the negotiation of new Framework Agreements, and/or MOUs with Northern Europe based-partners and maintain existing ones. Coach UNOPS offices globally on appropriate engagement modalities, including through targeted training.
• Facilitate high-level meetings between UNOPS senior management and Northern Europe based partners, including during key events such as relevant conferences and other forums.
• Provide quality assurance of UNOPS portfolio with Northern Europe based partners with a view to ensure that projects are delivered effectively and efficiently
• Develop the annual work plan, budget and targets for the liaison activity and manage its implementation.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of International development experience with a focus on client relationships, is required.
• Within these 10 years, at least five years as a business development and outreach professional is required.
• Within these 10 years, a minimum of 5 years of experience working with a network of development partners, governing bodies, and donors, is required.
• Extensive experience working in or with Northern Europe based partners and an established network in at least one of the Northern Europe country is required.
• Prior experience with the UN is an asset.

Languages:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language 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. 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. 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: I-ICA-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

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.