Background Information - Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (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.
The Partnerships Specialist is a member of the UNOPS Amman Operational Hub’s Partnership team. The Operational Hub in Amman covers Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. The position is based in Amman, Jordan with some travel. Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Partnerships Advisor, and in close coordination with the Head of Programme, the Partnerships Specialist is responsible for developing partnerships, strategic positioning, and programme portfolios. In his/her capacity, the Partnerships Specialist also supports the Amman Multi-Country Office management with regards to UNOPS activities in the Amman Hub.
Functional Responsibilities
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Partnership and programme development planning
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Development and follow up of partnership opportunities
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Inter-agency collaboration and partnership development
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Knowledge management and innovation
1. Partnership and programme development planning
- Develop a comprehensive partnership and programme development plan in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan. This includes 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 support an increase in pipeline opportunities for countries in scope of the Amman Operational Hub. Ensure that the 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 Amman 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 office, 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 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 UNOPS portfolio in line with UNOPS strategic and regional objectives.
3. Inter-agency partnership
Establish and further develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organisations to diversify project opportunities. Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with the Communications Officer, when required. On behalf of the Amman Multi Country Office Director, 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
In coordination with the Partnerships Advisor, 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
Impact of Results:
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Partnerships Specialist impacts on the performance of the Amman Hub, the Middle East Regional Office and the Partnership Group by maintaining a robust and diverse pipeline of project opportunities, which leads to sustainable growth of the UNOPS’ presence and strengthens the achievements of UNOPS management results and the fulfilment of its mandate
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 Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, Communications or International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. 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.
Expereince:
At least 5 years of experience in an international development including demonstrated experience in:
Developing and implementing partnership strategies; Project development and proposal writing is required;
Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organisations is required.
Prior experience working in international organisations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts is a requirement. Prior experience with inter-agency, donor, and national coordination and planning mechanisms is desirable. Prior experience working in the Middle East would be an asset
Language Requirements:
Full working knowledge of English is essential. Fluency in Arabic is an advantage.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-2
Contract duration: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 Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.