Partnerships Officer

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. 

The UNOPS Hub in Amman implements projects on behalf of UN agencies and bilateral donors and in close coordination with the Government and authorities and multiple NGOs and civil society organizations in a variety of sectors and areas (incl. human rights, constitutional support, electoral support, health, private sector development, water, and local area development). The functional objective of UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner and in line with the principles, rules and regulations of UNOPS, so as to achieve the outcomes sought by the clients and, as full member of the UN Country Team Iraq and Jordan. The Hub’s Business Plan envisages enlargement of the UNOPS Operations to extend its project management and operational services to governments, United Nations organizations, Donors and non-governmental organizations at sub-regional level to include Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Yemen..etc.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

Under the overall supervision of the Hub Director and Representative and direct supervision of the Partnerships Advisor the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Provide support to the Sub-Regional Business Development Advisor, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Scan opportunities for partner intelligence (facilitate assessments of partner needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others);
• Provide support in formulation and implementation of annual workplans;
• Support active promotion of UNOPS services by building a network of key partners, keeping abreast of social, economic, and political trends;
• Support establishing contacts with potential partners and organizing high-level meetings and negotiations, and prepare subsequent plan of action and follow-up for potential partnership development opportunities;
• Actively participate in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs;
• Draft concept notes and project document briefs for further discussion with donors;
• Identify potential partners to pursue new opportunities and ensure portfolio growth by promoting quality service to maintain a competitive edge;
• Prepare letters for Expression of Interest for potential projects when considered consistent with UNOPS’ mandate, goals and development strategy;
• Assist in the preparation of project proposals.
• Identify requirements related to communication materials and the distribution thereof, as well as any reports/publications required for existing and potential partners;
• Close interaction with Programme/Project staff to share information and knowledge; and to provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective partnerships.
• Carry out field visits for needs assessments;
• Liaise with UN partner agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations for program development and information dissemination purposes.
• Draft agreements and/or contractual documents for the implementation of new projects, addressing questions and issues raised by colleagues and ensuring their expeditious approval;
• Review and comment on technical and progress reports prepared by projects and provision of advice as needed to improve content and quality.
• Perform other related duties as required. 

• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills (spoken/written), including the ability to listen to and incorporate the views of stakeholders; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (both verbally and in written); ability to tailor language, tone, style and format to match the audience.
• Teamwork:  Proven ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Client orientation: Ability to identify clients’ needs and suggest appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients.
• Planning and Organizing: Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; and, ability to identify priority activities and adjust them as required.

Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, political science, international relations or related fields. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience project development, research and report writing, strategic planning including experience at the international level, and facilitating partnerships.
• Good knowledge of the situation and challenges in the Middle East. 
• Prior working experience in the region is required.
• Experience with inter-agency and governmental planning processes.
• Computer literate, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in the UN system is an asset.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Arabic language is preferred. 

• 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.