Partnerships Advisor

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. 

Jerusalem Office – UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence

Since the opening of the Jerusalem Office in 2006, UNOPS has significantly strengthened its operations in Palestine. Our expert knowledge, skills and management systems contribute to the sustainable development of public infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, including Area C and East Jerusalem.

In recognition of its ability to affect and lead positive change, the Jerusalem Office  has been named the UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence.

The Jerusalem Office is the first UN office to receive the Level 4 P3M3 Maturity Model certification in project management by APMG. This certification demonstrates the well-structured, standardized and defined project management processes and methodologies applied to projects, generating the best results desired by our partners.

This achievement is part of a broader agenda to increase the Office’s impact on development projects, by improving our services and adding value to the outcomes of our partners’ works. The office has benchmarked its capabilities against international industry level standards and through this has achieved several prestigious certifications, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety), ISO 14001 (Environment Management) and Level 4 P3M3.

The Partnerships Advisor is a member of the Jerusalem Senior Management Team, with responsibility for programme development and partnerships.  The position is based in Jerusalem. Under the direct and strategic guidance of the Jerusalem Operations Center Director, the Partnerships Advisor is responsible for developing and implementing the office business development strategy and donor and client coordination. The Partnerships Advisor provides situation analyses, donor mapping and programme development in partnership with UNOPS’ existing and potential partners, including national governments, UN System, Donors and NGOs. The Partnerships Advisor demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity in the development of strategic programmes and direction for UNOPS implementation and business advisory services for the region; and initiates/leads creative responses in light of the evolving situation on the ground.

Guide and coordinate the expansion of UNOPS operations and services:

• Under the direction of the Jerusalem Operations Center Director leads and develops future growth and expansion plans for the UNOPS programmes and ensures that those plans conform to the overall strategic plan of the region and the organization;
• Lead  and supervise the partnerships team within Jerusalem Operations Center including sub offices as relevant.
• Develops and maintains close working relationships and serves as a focal point for donors and local authorities and implementing partners to promote UNOPS as a credible partner in programme management and other related services, as well as expanding its strategic partnership instruments;
• Identifies and develops potential new project and partnership opportunities related to UNOPS’ services and supports in preparing and delivering complex proposals and partnerships within UNOPS focus areas, while focusing on strategic partnerships and diverse funding sources.
• Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Jerusalem Operations Center 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 hub to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.
• Represent UNOPS at relevant sector working groups , conferences, wrokshops.

Build and maintain strong partnerships with governments, UN agencies, donors and NGOs:

• Actively pursues new project and partnership opportunities and participates in meetings and negotiations with donors/clients to ensure the most cost effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services;.
• Support partners in examining all available options for effective project implementation and achievement of results while promoting national ownership;
  • Participates at Inter-Agency planning and cluster meetings for the UN System development and humanitarian plans;
  • 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.
• Ensures disciplined approach to business case development which balances costs and revenues, within the mandate and spirit of the United Nations and the Pricing Policy of UNOPS;
• Focuses on client services, keeping them informed of portfolio progress and results achievement through provision of verbal and written periodic reports;
• Interacts actively with clients to solicit feedback and gauge client satisfaction.

Guide programme development and results monitoring:

• Ensure programmes/projects developed are in line with the Results Based Management (RBM) principles;
• Provides inputs and suggestions on all aspects related to the project formulation phase and analyzes implementation approaches for soundness, sustainability, gender mainstreaming, feasibility, resource availability and cost implications;
• Supports the formulation of projects results frameworks, ensuring together with Project Managers, the establishment of measurable long/short term targets for performance monitoring;
• Coordinate donor reporting and ensure timely submission of donor reports.

Develop opportunities:

• Monitor humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within UNOPS mandate and existing capacity.
• Provide advice and feedback to UNOPS HQ and Regional Office on the development of framework partnership agreements that can increase opportunities at the regional 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 Jerusalem Operations Center in line with UNOPS strategic and Regional objectives.

Knowledge management and innovation

Facilitates work and shares knowledge and expertise in Partnerships and Project Development and institutionalizes knowledge sharing within the section through:

• 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.

Performs any other duties such as acting as Officer in Charge (OIC) as and when requested.

• Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, Development, Business Administration, Communications or related field.
• Relevant Bachelor Degree in related studies, combined with at least two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above. 

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible United Nations experience in programme design and development, donor and external relations and inter-agency coordination. 
• Programme and project management experience is an asset.
• Practical experience working with the United Nations agencies and/or political missions in the current Middle East context.
• Demonstrated understanding of UN programming and inter-agency coordination.
• Certification in Prince II is an asset.
• Computer literate, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• 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.