Partnerships Specialist - Liaison

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)

The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison will be responsible for developing and implementing the partnership development plan for Malawi where UNOPS is planning to broaden operations with key partners, such as the government, EU, World Bank, etc.

He/she will also be responsible for supporting project development and implementation coordination and managing relationships with donors, Government and implementing partners.

Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment Reporting primarily to the Project Manager as well as Partnerships Specialist as a secondary supervisor, the Partnerships Specialist - Liaison will be responsible for developing the strategic partnership with existing and potential key partners in Malawi. The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison will work in alignment with the KEMC Partnerships Development Office (PDO) in defining needs and matching partnering opportunities especially within the mandate of UNOPS. The incumbent will exercise a strong sense of diplomacy, articulate the operationalization of the sustainable development goals, understand policy and operations as well as represent the value of the organization in his/her personal interaction and communications.

The incumbent will also be a key member of the project management team, providing support to the project manager in the overall management of the project with particular focus on stakeholder relationship management.

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC), and in close coordination with the KEMC Partnerships Specialist, the Partnerships Specialist - Liaison will be tasked to:

• Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes, project proposals, budgets and legal agreements.
• Initiate and/or participate in meetings with potential partners and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up.
• Contribute to the analysis, mapping and identification of potential opportunities with partners such as the UN agencies, governments, IFIs, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, NGOs, academia, think tanks and private sector.
• Liaise and coordinate with the KEMC Senior Management Team and the KEMC PDO team.
• Advise the KEMC Partnerships Specialist on opportunities for expanding the UNOPS portfolio with priority partners.
• Build a network of key partners, keeping abreast of evolving social, economic and political trends.
• Provide business intelligence and analysis on the strategic partners to support meetings, projects and negotiations.
• 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.
• Support Project manager(s) with project management functions including representation and coordination with implementation partners, relevant government offices and the donors
• Coordinate necessary meetings, communications and reports with key stakeholders
• Proactively solve conflicts and address issues that could occur between UNOPS and stakeholders
• Respond to incidents and other events as may be necessary

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 is required. - 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 - A minimum of 5 years experience in development context or related fields is required. - A minimum of 2 years experience working in developing and implementing partnerships programmes is required. - A minimum of 2 years experience in developing countries and project implementation is required. - Working experience in Malawi is an added advantage. - Experience working with a development partner and donors in-country, is highly desirable. - Working experience within the UN system, bi-/multilateral donors, including the EU, and/or an international organization is an added advantage. - Skills in partnership building and project proposal development are essential.

Language Requirements - Full working knowledge of English is required. - Knowledge of a second UN or regional working language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: Local ICA Specialist ICA 10 Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance This is a local position, it is therefore open to Malawi Nationals

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.