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Partnerships Office - Liaison (Only for Internal Candidates)

Brussels

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Brussels
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
    • Partnerships
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities. By forging strategic relationships and working with partners, both in the field and at headquarters, PLG seeks to not only ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support, but also to integrate best practices and innovative solutions from experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector into UNOPS operations. PLG has a unit in Copenhagen and liaison offices in Amman, Bangkok, Brussels, Geneva, Nairobi, Tokyo and Washington DC. PLG deals with partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme, UNHCR, WHO, UN-Habitat,, Islamic Development Bank and national governments.

The Brussels Liaison Office (BLO) is part of the Partnerships Practice Group (PPG) which supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities. By forging strategic relationships and working with partners, both in the field and at headquarters, PPG seeks to not only ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support, but also to integrate best practices and innovative solutions from experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector into UNOPS operations. Based in Copenhagen, PPG has active liaison offices in New York, Geneva, Brussels, Washington DC, and Nairobi.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of the Brussels Liaison Office, the Partnerships Advisor is responsible for supporting the development of the partnership with the EU and its institutions and developing new partnerships with Germany and France.

  1. Partnership and programme development planning

  2. Development and follow up of partnership opportunities

  3. Inter-agency collaboration and partnership development

  4. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Partnership and programme development planning

The incumbent is responsible to support the development and implementation of the UNOPS /EU partnership strategy. He/she will analyze UNOPS’ present status in the EC, pursue partnership and business opportunities, build on existing partnerships and ensure that actions and initiatives undertaken are aimed at improving the partnership management systems needed by UNOPS to achieve long-term success as a self-financing UN organization that provides value generating services to the EC. 

  • Support the Head of the Brussels Liaison Office with the development and implementation of the UNOPS-EC partnership strategy, pursue business acquisition and advise senior management and operational staff. Ensure that UNOPS is able to clearly and accurately provide the EC with up-to-date information on how UNOPS pursues new business, delivers services and prices its provision of services. He/she will also ensure that UNOPS assumes projects and services on a full cost-recovery basis.

  • Support development of relationships with key staff in the EU, through a large network of key contacts at EU institutions, mainly DG DEVCO, EEAS, DG NEAR, DG ECHO and the EIB.

  • Develop good working relationships with the EIB, Germany and France to position UNOPS as a partner of choice.

  • Coach UNOPS Country Offices involved in business and projects with the EC and facilitate their participation in training opportunities and relevant EU events.

  • Facilitate high level meetings between senior management of UNOPS and the German (BMZ, KFW, etc) and French partners.

  • Support follow-up with the EC on the status of their future funds and projects relevant to UNOPS. Establish annual objectives in coordination with the UNOPS business plan.

  • Support UNOPS interaction with the European Parliament through political lobbying and advocacy;

  • In close cooperation with the communications department, develop UNOPS/EC capacity statements and relevant information materials. 

  • 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 c to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners covered by the Brussels Liaison Office.

  • Coach UNOPS offices on how best to develop new programs with Germany and France, looking at geographic and sectoral partner priorities 

  • Support developing framework agreements with relevant partner institutions to facilitate future cooperation and business development opportunities 

2. Develop opportunities 

  • Monitor and evaluate humanitarian, development and peace and security 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.

  • Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs for discussion with partners.

  • Understand and clearly explain UNOPS pricing policy to partner

3. Knowledge management and innovation 

  • 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 partnership colleagues within UNOPS while targeting the EU, Germany and France.

  • 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

  • Support with organization of high-level speaking opportunities for UNOPS EO and senior staff (EDDs, WRC3, etc.) 

4. Operations and Compliance Support

  • Act as FAFA focal point on operational and contractual questions at engagement level, and during and after implementation;  

  • Provide guidance on direct contracting and call for proposals to UNOPS COs, as well as hosted entities;  

  • As part of the RQG process, review proposal submission (narrative and financial) for quality control and assurance and compliance with internal and partner policy;  

  • Coordinate and provide guidance on verification processes, Residual Error Rate Study, and ECA audits, carried out by European Commission certified auditors ;  

  • Develop best practices, templates, guidance materials for COs jointly with IPAS and FG, and ensure knowledge management and sharing ;  

  • When needed, liaise with target partners personnel on issues arising at project implementation level.



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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, Communications, International Relations, European Studies or related studies.
  • A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
Experience:
  • Min. 7 years of experience in one or the combination of the following areas: international business development; project development, project management; strategic relationship and/or programme development plans.

  • Experience in working with a range of stakeholders and donors is desirable.

  • Broad understanding of UNOPS' mission and its partners, UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, as well as UN mandate is a strong asset.

  • Previous country or regional office experience with UNOPS is an asset.

  • Broad understanding of EC funds, programs, rules and regulations.

Language: 
  • Full working knowledge of English
  • Good command of both German and French is highly desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement  Contract level: IICA 3
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.


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 

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.
  • 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
This vacancy is now closed.
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