Partnerships Senior Advisor – Washington Liaison At unops

Job categories : Partnerships

Vacancy code : VA/2021/B0047/22171

Level : ICS-12

Department/office : RP, PLG, Partnerships and Liaison Group

Duty station : Washington DC, United States of America

Contract type : Fixed Term

Contract level : P5

Duration : 1 year, renewable upon satisfactory performance and budget availability

Application period : 12-Jul-2021 to 09-Aug-2021

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS is looking for a new colleague to join our Partnerships Group (PLG), to expand our network with Washington DC-based partners and support UNOPS partnerships strategies to expand our global portfolios. We’re looking for an excellent networker who can build on and develop our existing partnership with the World Bank and the US Government. The ideal candidate has a good understanding of the Washington development landscape, including demonstrated experience working with DC-based partners in HQ and the field, as well as outstanding networking and communication skills. This role offers a demanding and exciting opportunity to contribute to UNOPS global partnerships team.

As part of the Partnerships Group, the UNOPS Washington Liaison Office (WLO), aims to bring the organization closer to key global partners based in the Washington DC area, with a focus on the World Bank (WB), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of State (DoS), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The WLO seeks to link UNOPS strategic solutions to partner delivery challenges with a view of improving their client’s performance related to project management, infrastructure, procurement, and organizational maturity.

The Partnerships 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. Based in Copenhagen, PLG has active liaison offices in New York, Geneva, Brussels, Washington DC, and Nairobi and supports partners such as the World Bank, USAID, the European Union, UNEP, the Global Fund, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and others.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of the Partnership Group (PLG) the incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation of the partnership strategy with both the World Bank Group (WB) and the US Government (USG). He/she will build on existing partnerships and ensure that actions and initiatives undertaken are aimed at achieving long-term success as a self-financing UN organization that provides value generating services to our DC-partners. The initiatives to be undertaken by the incumbent include, but are not limited to, the following:

Be the primary representative of UNOPS in all meetings with the World Bank Group and the US Government.
Deepen and expand the strategic engagement with DC-partners through the enhancement and implementation of the partnership engagement strategies, with a view of being: (1) known as a solutions organization, (2) recognized for the value of our services, and (3) a resource in helping our partners deliver their vision.
Lead and support the further development and implementation of the UNOPS-WB and UNOPS-USG partnership strategy through the pursuit of project and program development and advice senior management and operational staff on all partnership related topics.
Meet and build working relationships with key staff working with our DC-partners. In particular, maintain and develop a large network amongst relevant WB and USG stakeholders, including but not limited to OPCS vice-presidency, global practices and regional vice-presidencies in the World Bank, as well as MCC, DoS, USAID, and OFDA in the US Government.
Provide advice and assistance to Regional Directors, Country Directors and Project Managers in regard to partnering with WB and USG, including through field support missions, and provide continuous analysis and guidance on funding trends and opportunities.
Spearhead the sharing of knowledge related to DC-partners across the organization, including identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned, with a view of continuous improvement of our partner engagement in the field.
Facilitate the negotiation of new Framework Agreements, and/or MOUs with DC-partners and maintain existing ones (for example with the World Bank). Coach UNOPS Country Offices on appropriate engagement modalities, including through targeted trainings.
Facilitate high-level meetings between senior management of UNOPS and DC-partners, including during key events such as the WB spring and annual meetings.
Provide quality assurance of UNOPS portfolio with DC-partners with a view to ensure that projects are delivered effectively and efficiently.
Establish a close working relationship with and be an active, contributing member of the UN Washington Team and coordinate with the representatives of the UN agencies, funds and programmes in DC.
Manage UNOPS Washington Liaison Office, including the preparation of annual work-plans, targets and budgets, and coaching and leading the WLO team. The incumbent is also responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in Political Science, International Relations, Social Affairs, Law, Project Management, Business Administration, or other related field in required.
Bachelor’s Degree in combination with 12 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of Advance University Degree.

Experience:

At least 10 years of experience in an international development or business environment, including leading roles in managing projects, is required.
Within these 10 years, at least four years sound experience in the area of partnership development and management is required.
Prior proven experience in engaging with the World Bank and/or US Government is a requirement.
Prior working experience with the UN in a field environment, preferable in a fragile or conflict affected state, is desirable.

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