Partnerships 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 United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

UNOPS in Georgia

UNOPS Georgia was established in mid-2018 to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ portfolio in the country. The office currently provides implementation services to several projects where UNOPS works closely with development partners and the Government of Georgia, focusing on the education, security, and healthcare sectors. This includes a flagship EU project to create and operationalize an Eastern Partnership School that caters to 6 countries in the sub-region.

UNOPS Georgia, which is overseen by AUMCO, is focused on providing efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the Government of Georgia achieve its national priorities and in alignment with the UNSCDF.

Under the direct supervision of the Country Manager, and in collaboration with the MCO Partnerships Specialist, the incumbent will act as the country focal point between UNOPS and the different Ministries, government agencies, donors and international financial institutions, and non-governmental organisations to support acquisition of new projects and programmes, and improve stakeholder communications, and generally ensure that the engagements are mutually beneficial.

The incumbent will also work to support the MCO Director and Partnerships Specialist with partnership and project development efforts in the sub-region (in Azerbaijan and Armenia, alongside Georgia), with regular travel (up to 50% of the assignment) to these countries.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Partnership and programme development planning
2. Development and follow up of partnership opportunities
3. Representation, inter-agency collaboration and partnership development
4. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Partnership and programme development planning - Develop a comprehensive partnership and programme development plan in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies. This includes country context, analysis of the regional and national development and humanitarian landscape, identification of main partners, strategic positioning of UNOPS in the potential operational niches identified, as well as grow a pipeline opportunities for all countries in scope of the UNOPS Multi-Country/Country Office. Ensure the 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 Country Office in the sub-region and propose appropriate responses to ensure sustainable growth. - Coordinate and collaborate with relevant partnerships personnel at local, liaison and HQ level, as well as Project Managers and project personnel of the country offices covered by the office, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.

2. Develop opportunities - Monitor and evaluate humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within the UNOPS mandate and existing capacity. - Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities. - Provide advice and feedback to UNOPS HQ and Regional Office on the development of framework partnership agreements that can increase opportunities at the regional/country level. - 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 Country Office and in the sub-region in line with UNOPS strategic and regional objectives. In coordination with the communications and reporting personnel, when available, gather content for communications and outreach materials for any countries managed within the scope of the UNOPS office.

3. Representation and inter-agency partnership - Establish and further develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organisations to diversify project opportunities within the Country Office and in the sub-region. - Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with the communications focal point(s), when required. - As assigned by the MCO Director and Country Manager, participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings including addressing project development issues in consultation with UNOPS project managers and technical experts when required. Take part in UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNDAF, response plans, etc. - 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.

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.

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: Essentials

• Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organisations.
• Developing and executing partnership and programme development plans;
• Project development and proposal writing;
• Acquisition of projects.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the South Caucasus in a similar capacity will be considered an important asset.
• Project and programme management experience is an asset.
• Prior experience working in international organisations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.

Language Requirements: - Full working knowledge of English is essential. - Working knowledge of the Russian language will be considered a distinct advantage.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: 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

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.

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.