Partnerships Officer

UNOPS Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG)  has the mandate to support: (1)  the development and expansion of new and existing partnerships, in collaboration with UNOPS headquarters groups, regions and countries; and (2) the strengthening of UNOPS positioning across the United Nations System, Member States, intergovernmental, and inter-agency bodies as required.  The Group creates and maintains strategies, policies, standards, tools and templates and facilitates training related to partnerships. PLG supports the Director, Regional Portfolios to operationalize approved partnerships strategies across UNOPS regions and countries. 

PLG consists of a network of liaison offices spread globally; as well as a central team based in UNOPS Headquarters in Copenhagen. Liaison offices manage relationships with UNOPS key global partners and provide support to offices managing relations with these partners throughout the project cycle. The Washington Liaison Office (WLO) represents UNOPS in Washington, D.C. The office's mission is to strengthen the partnership with the World Bank, the US Government ( the State Department, USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation), the International Development Finance Corporation, other DC-based institutions, and the Government of Canada.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Office and, in close collaboration with the WLO team and the Partnerships Group, the Partnerships and Communication Officer will be supporting: 

• Outreach and Communication: 

• Partnership Development and Analysis

• Office Management Support 

 Outreach and Communication: 

• Support the preparation of a local communication and partnership strategy for Washington based partners, which aligns with UNOPS global communications and partnership themes;

• Act as the focal point for local office communication vis a vis UNOPS headquarters; 

• Prepare and coordinate high level visits and other activities to support the strategic positioning of UNOPS with the Liaison office partner base; 

• Organise and/or coordinate events in Washington (or elsewhere) for Washington based partners; 

• Develop and prepare communications and partnerships materials (e.g. factsheets, brochures, presentations about UNOPS and liaison office’s partner base) for communications, briefings, meetings, trainings and other events; 

• Lead the preparation and update of partnerships content for the office (e.g newsletter, guidance, lessons learned, best practices) to be published in UNOPS internal platforms 

• Guide and advise country offices on visibility and communications strategy (related to partner’s requirements) when requested. 

Partnership Development and Analysis: 

• Monitor partner development trends for Washington partners, and support the Head of Office in the identification of  areas of collaboration which intersect with UNOPS mandate and capacity;

• Advise colleagues during formulation, contracting and negotiations of projects for Washington based partners. Review reports upon request; 

• Develop guidance on partner engagement and contractualisation and disseminate in country offices;

• Maintain institutional databases and information systems such as directories of key contacts, projects portfolio and proposals pipeline; provide data to HQ as requested; 

• Conduct field missions or support the preparation of field visits upon request. 

Office management support: 

• The incumbent will be requested to lead administrative tasks including minor procurement, office related payments, travel support and liaising with HQ on administration duties.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in development studies, international affairs, political science or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required;
• A first level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• A minimum of 2 years (4 years for a bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in in partner or client relationships, business development and/or market analysis.
• Demonstrated excellent research and analysis skills related to partner/business development in an international setting;
• Demonstrated ability to use basic graphics programmes
• Field experience or experience in developing countries is considered an asset;
• Experience with international organizations or public institutions is considered an asset.

• Fluency in English and French are required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

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. 

• 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.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• 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.