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Partnerships Advisor

Accra

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Accra
  • Grade: Mid level - LICA-11, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
    • Partnerships
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Ghana Operational Hub based in Accra – Ghana with Country Offices in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. UNOPS GHOH has developed a compelling solid reputation across the globe in the delivery of its core mandates in the areas of Project Management, Infrastructure and Procurement.
What drives us is a passion to fight inequalities and to provide opportunities to those most vulnerable. This means we often work in the most challenging environments, building foundations for communities to function and people to live with dignity and respect. To succeed here, you'll need to be able to combine creativity with the organizational skills to manage numerous different projects to tight deadlines simultaneously, as well as working with the different units to meet their expectations.

We are therefore, looking for intellectually curious talented qualified Ghanaians with solid Partnerships acumen with stakeholder focus and excellent communication skills to join the team as Partnerships Advisor for the Ghana Office

Things happen quickly at UNOPS- Ghana Operational Hub and the work culture encourages you to be an enthusiastic team player - a self-starter who can work cross-functionally and isn't frightened to take risks or try out new ways of doing things within UNOPS.



Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Ghana Operational Hub Director and, in close coordination with the Regional Office and the Partnerships Practice Group, the Partnerships Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing the partnership and programme development plan for the Operational Hub.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  1. Partnership and programme development planning
  2. Development and follow up of partnership opportunities
  3. Representation, inter-agency collaboration and partnership development
  4. Knowledge management and innovation

1.    Partnership and programme development planning

  • Develop a comprehensive partnership and programme development plan in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies, including country context, analysis of the regional and national development and humanitarian landscape, identification of main partners, strategic positioning of UNOPS in the potential operational niches identified, as well as grow a pipeline opportunities for all countries within scope of the Ghana Operational Hub. Ensure plan reflects in-house capacity, typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources.
  • Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Ghana Operational Hub 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.

2.     Develop opportunities

  • Monitor and evaluate humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within UNOPS mandate and existing capacity.
  • Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities
  • Provide advice and feedback to GHOH Director, Regional Office and UNOPS HQ 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.
  • Maintain the system 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 Ghana Operational Hub in line with UNOPS strategic and Regional objectives.
  • In coordination with the Communications and Reporting personnel, when available, gather content for communications and outreach materials for any countries managed by the hub.

3.     Representation and inter-agency partnership

  • Establish partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organizations to diversify project opportunities within the Operational Hub.
  • Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with the Communications Officer, when required.
  • On behalf of the Ghana Operational Hub Director and/or Head of Programme, participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings including addressing project development issues in consultation with UNOPS project managers and technical experts when required. Take part in UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNDAF, response plans, etc.
  • 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.

4.     Knowledge management and innovation

  • Implement standards, tools and templates provided by HQ to effectively manage partnership and project development within the Ghana Operational Hub 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 maximize 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. 
Impact of Results  The effective and successful achievement of results by the Partnerships Advisor impacts on the performance of the Operational Hub by maintaining a robust and diverse pipeline of project opportunities, which leads to sustainable growth and strengthens the achievements of UNOPS management results and the fulfillment of its mandate. 

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.
A  Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the Master’s Degree.

A Diploma Certification with 11 years of Relevant work experience will also be considered.

Experience A minimum of 7 years of experience in an international development including demonstrated experience in:
- Developing and executing partnership and programme development plans;
- Project development and proposal writing;
- Acquisition of projects;  
- Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organizations is required.

 Prior experience working in project and programme management experience, international organizations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts is desirable.

Language  Full working knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

Fluency in one or more additional official UNOPS languages is an advantage.

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.
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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement
Contract level: LICA-11
Contract duration: 1 year

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 

Background Information - UNOPS

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. 

Additional Considerations

  • 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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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