Partnerships Development Advisor (Retainer)

Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Office supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities, providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies such as WHO, UNHCR and WFP, and other international organizations. In 2014, the UNOPS Executive Director established the UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub (ETOH), which manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti.

UNOPS ETOH activities range from tailor-made administration, operations, human resources and logistics support for implementation of development and humanitarian projects; infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services to partners to facilitate effective procurement, supply and financial management.

Under the leadership of the Hub Director, the incumbent will work to develop and implement a framework in support of the overall ETOH business development strategy. 

As a key member of ETOH’s partnerships team, the Partnerships Development Advisor will facilitate the development and implementation of UNOPS’s partnership strategy, working closely with Ethiopia-based Partners including the United Nations, Member States, Private Sector, Foundations, NGOs and Academia.

He/she will analyse UNOPS’s present strategic positioning, pursue partnership and business opportunities, assist with programme development and assist the Hub Director with technical negotiations. In addition to prospecting, the incumbent will also build on existing partnerships, ensuring that actions and initiatives undertaken are aimed at improving the business and partnership management systems and initiatives required by UNOPS to achieve long-term success.

The incumbent will support the Hub Director in servicing inter-agency meetings and in contributing to the joint activities of partners.

The Partnerships Development Advisor forms part of the partnerships team and reports to the ETOH Director and assume the following responsibilities:

Outreach and business development strategy:

• Play an advisory role throughout development and implementation of the 2018-19 ETOH business and partnerships strategy.
• Work closely with the partnerships unit on broader Hub outreach.
• Advise / support senior management and operational staff on new partnership and funding opportunities. Focus specifically on expanding partnership prospects with private sector and foundations.
• Research and analyse specific donor programming priorities in order to identify potential funding opportunities appropriate to UNOPS’s strategy and mandate. Develop related project proposals in line with the UNOPS strategy and donor priorities.
• Advise the partnerships unit and support its business planning process to define high-priority clients, countries, sectors and service areas.
• Advise the ETOH Director and Partnerships Team Lead on opportunities for expanding the ETOH portfolio.
• Contribute to internal feedback mechanisms to continuously improve both the form and content of partner outreach and project development activities.

Developing and deepening partnerships:

• Develop and deepen partnerships with selected key partners by building and maintaining professional relationships at appropriate levels.
• Expand UNOPS outreach by exploring new partnership opportunities with Foundations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
• Participate in key partnership-building meetings, and ensure systematic and timely follow-up.
• Represent UNOPS in relevant UN and donor conferences and events
• Showcase UNOPS capabilities and value-added, and enhance the understanding of UNOPS with relevant partners.
• In close cooperation with the Communications Unit, develop relevant UNOPS capacity statements and information materials.

Project identification, formulation and support to field offices

• Actively participate in and advise on the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programmes in response to specific opportunities, and follow-up with submissions with key partners and donors.
• Advise and contribute to ongoing humanitarian and development projects.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, international relations, law, public policy, development studies, political and social science, or directly related field.

• At least seven years progressively responsible experience in the areas of international business development, project development & management and strategic client relationships.
• Strong background in the humanitarian and development sectors, with at least 5 years of proven ability to prospect and manage complex programmes.
• Proven ability to work with government donors and a network of development partners.
• At least five years of experience in working on development and humanitarian issues with the UN: three years work experience in Ethiopia is essential.
• Experience in innovative development programs and financing mechanisms is an asset.

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Arabic or additional UN languages would be an asset.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• High sense of responsibility
• Excellent knowledge of protocol

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Ability to adhere to work assignments and meet designated deadlines.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views

• 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.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.