Partnerships Specialist - Liaison (Retainer)

Mid Senior

Overview

Provide Liaison support with government counterparts and strengthen partnerships.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in International Relations, Public Relations, Public Policy, International Development, or related field is required.
• A first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in the above-mentioned field with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Minimum (5) years of experience in government liaison with a focus on project or policy development is required.
• Experience coordinating work between different sectors and stakeholders, particularly with government networks is required.
• Proven track record to establish and maintain strong working relations with senior officials in line ministries required.
• Fluency in English is required (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Working knowledge of a local language is highly desirable.

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 - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

UNOPS in Sri Lanka is based in Colombo and is responsible for helping the Government of Sri Lanka and partner organizations deliver social and economic rehabilitation in areas affected by the 2004 tsunami and decades of armed conflict. UNOPS in Sri Lanka helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including physical infrastructure, the environment and poverty mitigation. UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability, and accountability of Projects.

UNOPS Sri Lanka facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Currently, UNOPS is conducting about $5 million pharmaceutical procurement to strengthen the Sri Lanka health system and support the people in need.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called SACEP ( South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the World Bank-funded PLEASE Project in South Asia. One of UNOPS’s deliverables is the construction of a state-of-the-art, carbon-reduced environment-friendly HQ. The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison Will be part of the UNOPS Sri Lanka MCO team and will provide Liaison support with government counterparts to all projects across the different offices. The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison will report to the Infrastructure Project Manager under the Senior Program Manager of SACEP project in Sri Lanka with a secondary reporting line to Sri Lanka Multi Country-Office Head of Programme. UNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called SACEP ( South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the World Bank-funded PLEASE Project in South Asia. One of UNOPS’s deliverables is the construction of a state-of-the-art, carbon-reduced environment-friendly HQ. The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison Will be part of the UNOPS Sri Lanka MCO team and will provide Liaison support with government counterparts to all projects across the different offices.

The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison will report to the Infrastructure Project Manager under the Senior Program Manager of SACEP project in Sri Lanka with a secondary reporting line to Sri Lanka Multi Country-Office Head of Programme.The Partnership Specialist Liaison will report directly to the Infrastructure Project Manager and will ensure full coordination with the project managers and other project team members.

The Partnership Specialist - Liaison will support UNOPS LKMCO and in particular the SACEP Project in the identification of potential collaboration opportunities with the SAARC Governments including Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL).

Functional Responsibilities

• Liaise with GoSL counterparts and support UNOPS in the identification and development of programme implementation in Sri Lanka, with a focus on procurement, infrastructure development, and project management related to SACEP programme;
• Develop, build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government counterparts such as Urban Development Authority, Municipal council, Central Environmental Council etc and identify and pursue partnership opportunities as per the agreed work plan;
• Network and solidify relationships between UNOPS and governmental authorities;
• Contribute to coordinating and communicating with other stakeholders UNOPS’ value addition in view of consolidating UNOPS’ profile in country;
• Support UNOPS personnel and consultants and provide inputs through liaison with the GoSL through UNOPS;
• Provide technical assistance to the development of UNOPS proposals;
• Assist in the identification, design, formulation, and negotiation of new projects and programmes under SACEP.
• Provide support on any new initiatives by securing GoSL support and provide advice to UNOPS LKMCO on strategies for obtaining such support;
• Assist ministries and other stakeholders where required with focus on quality assurance and quality control of project documents; and
• Undertake other partnerships duties, as required.
• The Specialist is expected to liaise with the Government of Sri Lanka and Ministries to be identified as priority Ministries along with the Head of Program, Specialized Agencies, Diplomatic Missions, SACEP, World Bank and other stakeholders as needed.

Deliverables

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Program Manager, the Liaison will report to the Infrastructure Project Manager on a regular basis. The Liaison Officer shall submit a monthly Progress Report outlining the assistance provided against a set of agreed activities and outputs, and shall outline the Liaison Officer’s progress towards the achievement of such objectives. Each Progress report is required by the end of each calendar month. The progress Report will be used as a supporting document for processing the invoice for payment of the fees.

The Progress Report shall provide an overview of meetings, findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding the following:

• The Ministry and or department where meetings, discussions were held, content of the discussions, decisions/approvals obtained.
• Operationalization of programmatic actions support for the identification and development of partnership development plans in accordance with UNOPS’ partnership process;
• Programme development and implementation support to SACEP project; and
• New networks and entry points for UNOPS in the identified initiatives.

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:

• Advanced university degree (masters or equivalent) in International Relations, Public Relations, Public Policy, International Development, or related field is required.

• A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned field with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

  Experience:

• Minimum (5) years of experience in government liaison with a focus on project or policy development is required.

• Experience coordinating work between different sectors and stakeholders, particularly with government networks is required;
• Proven track record to establish and maintain strong working relations with senior officials in line ministries required;
• Prior experience in quality assurance and quality control of project documents is an added advantage.
• Experience in project design and/or project document development is an asset.
• Experience at a senior level in the Sri Lankan public service an added advantage;
• Experience at a senior level in development cooperation and coordination with International Organizations is an added advantage

Language: - Fluency in English is required (speaking, reading, and writing) - Working knowledge of a local language is highly desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA)

Contract level: Local ICA Specialist (LICA 10) - Retainer

Contract duration: One year, with possibility of extension.

More information on retainer contracts:

• A retainer ICA does not accord any exclusivity to the Individual Contractor with respect to the Services listed in the job description. UNOPS shall have no limitation on its right to obtain Services of the same kind from any other source at any time.
• A retainer Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor may be required intermittently.
• A retainer ICA will specify a unit price (e.g. amount per day actually worked). For budgetary purposes, a monetary limit will be specified at the time the ICA is awarded and issued.
• UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of Services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA.
• Payment will be made only after completion of work (if any) or reaching agreed milestones.

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

• This vacancy is open ONLY for SRI LANKAN nationals.
• 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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org