Partnerships Advisor - Liaison

Background Information - Job-specific
The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) is a global functional entity within UNOPS, responsible for driving the strategic development and growth of both new and existing partnerships. Working in close collaboration with UNOPS groups, regional and country offices, PLG engages with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to advance the goals outlined in the UNOPS Strategic Plan. PLG comprises a network of liaison offices strategically located in Brussels, Copenhagen, , Tokyo, Rome, and Washington D.C., each responsible for managing relationships with designated key global partners. These offices also provide partner-specific advice and support to UNOPS offices at the operational level. A cross-cutting Partnerships Development Team, based in Copenhagen, provides strategic guidance, conducts partner intelligence and analysis, and develops tools and resources to enhance the outreach and positioning efforts of partnership colleagues worldwide. Under the supervision of the Director of the Partnerships and liaison Group (PLG) the incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation of the UNOPS /Japan partnership strategy. He/she will analyze UNOPS’ present status with Japan, pursue partnership opportunities, build on existing relationships and ensure that actions and initiatives undertaken improve and support partnership management systems to achieve long-term success. The incumbent leads on initiating new discussions to identify pathways of future cooperation in support of sustainable development. This is an excellent opportunity to lead and shape UNOPS' strategic partnerships with Japanese institutions, contributing to the organization's global mission and sustainable development goals. The position offers a unique platform to influence policy, drive innovation, and foster collaboration across diverse sectors, enhancing UNOPS' impact and visibility in the international arena. Liaison acts as an authoritative specialist, bringing new thinking and originating new policies, approaches, and standards for UNOPS' engagement with Japan. The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of the UNOPS/Japan partnership strategy, fostering relationships with key stakeholders and driving strategic business development opportunities. Functional Responsibilities
Representation and Networking for Positioning UNOPS

• Under the guidance of the Director, PLG, act as the primary representative of UNOPS in meetings with the Government of Japan, JICA, the private sector, foundations and other Japanese institutions.
• Engage with relevant UN and national/non-UN coordination mechanisms and represent UNOPS. Build and maintain strong external relationships and be a competent partner for others.
• Participate in key partnership building meetings and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up to deliver tangible results.
• Represent UNOPS in strategic and relevant conferences and events in Japan and lead on supporting UNOPS Offices to engage or participate in Japan supported events at regional or country level.
• Under the guidance of the Director, PLG, expand UNOPS outreach by exploring new partnership opportunities with foundations, INGOs, academia, and the private sector.
• Meet and build working relationships with key staff in Japanese institutions. Maintain and nurture a large network amongst relevant institutions of the Government of Japan, mainly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA, private sectors, academics, INGOs, and others.
• Establish a close working relationship with and be an active, contributing member of the UN Team in Japan, and coordinate with the representatives of the UN agencies, funds, and programmes in Japan.
• Abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans, and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• In close cooperation with the Communications Unit, develop relevant UNOPS capacity statements and information materials to outreach targeted audiences. Development and Implementation of Strategic Partnership
  
  
  • Research, analyse, and develop the Japan partnership strategy, in alignment with UNOPS strategic plan, UNOPS regional strategies, and Japan’s policies.
  • Advises the Director of PLG on opportunities for expanding the UNOPS portfolio.
  • Facilitate high-level meetings between UNOPS senior management and Japan.
  • Develop internal guidelines, procedures, and tools of Japan funds; monitor performance standards/indicators and control mechanisms throughout UNOPS to ensure the quality of project implementation.
  • Develop internal feedback mechanisms to continuously improve both the form and content of partner outreach and project development activities. Program and Project Identification, Formulation, and Support to Field Offices
    
    • Research and analyse specific donor development financing and programming priorities to identify potential funding opportunities and develop respective project proposals in line with UNOPS strategy.
    • Advise field offices in the area of business development through opportunities analysis, partnerships development, and programme design.
    • Actively facilitate the identification, design, formulation, and negotiation of new projects and programs in the field.
    • Provide project development support, advice, and assistance to Regional Directors, Country Directors, and Project Managers in conjunction with Japanese funds.
    • Monitor communications, follow-up activities, and proposal submissions with key partners and donors.
    • Coordinate and lead the preparation of business and project proposals in response to specific opportunities. 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
      
    • Masters degree or equivalent with 7 years of relevant experience.
  • Bachelors degree or equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience. A relevant degree in International Relations, Business Administration, or related field is desirable. Experience
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in partnership development, development financing, government relations, or international development is required.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing partnership strategies is required.

Contract type: Fixed-term appointment (Staff)
Contract level: P4
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

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.

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.

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.