Background Information - Job-specific
FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse.
UN Global Pulse
UN Global Pulse is the Secretary Generalโs Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Our teams are spread across the world, with hubs in Uganda, Indonesia, Finland and the United States. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with digital innovation in the UN family, UN Global Pulse unites specialists from the digital and social sciences in search of solutions to the worldโs most pressing problems, from conflict to climate change.
We aim to reduce the risks that innovation involves and move towards the opportunities. We restore public trust in technology by making it inclusive, accessible and ethical. Our input brings value to the work of the UN and external partners in protecting the vulnerable and defending human rights.
The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) Support efforts to advance innovations ii) Contribute to the development of global frameworks, and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family.
The incumbent of this position will be a staff member of UNOPS, under its full responsibility.
Functional ResponsibilitiesTo achieve its goals, UN Global Pulse is looking for a Partnerships Lead. The Partnerships Lead is a critical position within the UN Global Pulse Network and supports the Global Leadership team by offering advice, support and expertise in developing financial and non-financial partnerships globally. The success and sustainability of the Global Pulse Network is directly linked to its ability to raise additional funds.
Under the supervision of and guidance by the Head of Office, the Partnerships Lead is responsible for supporting the strategic development, planning and implementation of the fundraising programs related to Private Partnerships, Shared Value Partnerships and Government/Institutional Partnerships.
Following guidance from the supervisor, the incumbent will encourage and facilitate the engagement of all staff to support the expansion and utilisation of Partnerships, both financial and non-financial. In addition, the incumbent ensures that any fundraising and related activities are well-integrated in the local context and fosters a solid working relationship with each UN Global Pulse Hub.
The Partnerships Lead will develop, support and facilitate actions aimed at strengthening the relationship between UN Global Pulse Hubs, EOSG, and the wider UN Network as well as keeping these various stakeholders aware of UN Global Pulseโs activities.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the incumbent will execute the following duties:
1) Design and implementation of the UN Global Pulse Partnerships Strategy
The incumbent will be expected to draft the UN Global Pulse Partnerships Strategy, which will be a multi-year mobilization plan that will be in line with the organizationโs overarching goals and objectives as well as containing local Hub nuances to reflect their specific priorities and advocacy strategies.
This will also require the incumbent to map, design and develop how best to operationalise and implement this strategy which will include sharing knowledge across all hubs and local Partnership Leads to support their individual growth and development.
The incumbent will then be required to periodically update/refine the strategy in line with on-going monitoring and evaluation reports and recommendations.
2) Development of adequate systems and databases
The incumbent will be required to develop new and efficient processes, systems and guidelines to support resource mobilisation across the network. Expected results could include: a) Identifying a new prospect/partner management database system to effectively track and record all partnership engagement.
b) Drafting new guidelines to support with due diligence and researching prospects ensuring any outreach is in line with Global Pulse and the wider UN guidelines for engaging with external partners.
c) Drafting an effective management process and set of guidelines to support the wider network in prospecting new partners ensuring both efficiency and ownership across the network.
3) Development and implementation of prospect engagement plans
The incumbent will be tasked with developing a new prospect engagement plan to help identify ways of generating meaningful and valuable new prospects before further managing and converting these prospects to donors. Expected results could include: a) Developing an internal communication and learning strategy for all UN Global Pulse staff to understand the objectives of the Partnership Strategy and understand how partnerships can support both their own work and the growth/development of UN Global Pulse. This strategy will help structure UN Global Pulseโs outreach to new prospects ensuring they are both strategically aligned and meaningful to UN Global Pulseโs work.
b) Working with all UN Global Pulse hubs to implement a new pathway to manage and support the prospect journey. This includes ensuring prospect templates are available including research review and due diligence templates.
c) Lead due diligence discussions with hubs and local Partnerships teams to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities.
d) Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels.
e) Building and nurturing a pipeline of donors to support the needs-based resourcing and strategic development of workstreams short and long-term including drafting proposals, partnership contracts as required.
4) Development and implementation of donor development and stewardship plans
The incumbent will be required to develop and implement new structures to help both manage, steward and develop current UN Global Pulse Partners globally. The aim of this will be to not only maintain relationships and resources but to deepen and expand engagement to ensure longevity and constant development for partners. Expected results could include: a) Contribute to the development of each hub budget through securing Partnership and Philanthropy income, including income and shared-value targets, and report in a timely manner according to agreed annual budgets and plans.
b) Develop and implement a donor development and stewardship plan to increase donor retention and improve life-time value of donors.
c) Engage regularly across the UN Global Pulse Network to develop the capacity of colleagues ensuring they have the right knowledge, methods, tools, and resources to actively support the implementation, operation and management of partner engagement plans.
d) Develop and/or oversee cordial relations with relevant corporate donors and media partners when it is related for fundraising in order to seek their increased financial and other types of support for UN Global Pulse.
e) Creating new innovative products and non-financial opportunities for further engagement and stewardship.
f) Support with the development, maintenance, updating and enhancement of all the fundraising communication messages and materials used for partnership engagement and stewardship
g) Maintaining open communication and accurate reporting to ensure partnership contracts are adhered to, expectations are met and donor satisfaction remains high.
The result will be the establishment and effective management of a committed set of donors who will support the immediate operational needs of the UN Global Pulse Network and lay the foundations of a sustainable financing model for the organisation.
5) Supporting cross organisational advocacy efforts to increase brand awareness and visibility of UN Global Pulseโs work both internally and externally
Raising the profile and brand awareness of the work UN Global Pulse does is not only value for prospects and partners but also for credibility and recognition within the UN System. The incumbent will be expected to support the wider UN Global Pulse Communication Strategy to ensure any opportunities to leverage or build on brand/visibility moments are captured. Expected results could include: a) Engaging with internal UN and external partners on a regular basis to identify opportunities (webinars, conferences, academic publications) to raise the profile of UN Global Pulse.
b) Ensure that pertinent contributions are made to reports to the relevant internal stakeholders across the UN Network including EOSG.
c) Developing a series of events and visibility moments to not only drive increased brand visibility for current partners but support identifying new projects, partners and networks that UN Global Pulse could engage with.
d) Representing UN Global Pulse at both internal and external events as required.
The result is that UN Global Pulse remains a trusted, respected and valued innovation partner to all its internal and external stakeholders. Impact of Results
The result of this role will be a fully functioning, effective system and management process in place which will help to deliver and implement UN Global Pulseโs Partnerships Strategy.
The incumbent will support and directly contribute to: i) UN Global Pulseโs strategic engagement across the UN System, creating and promoting inter-agency collaboration wherever possible
ii) Increasing strategic engagement with external partners including Member States, Regional/international organisations, INGOs/NGOs, Academia, Foundations and the Private Sector.
The incumbent will be primarily accountable to the leadership of UN Global Pulse, including the Global Capabilities Hub in Helsinki and will also report to senior leadership. In the first year, the focus of the role will be heavily weighted to defining and embedding internal processes and management systems as well as beginning to identify and develop a prospect pipeline. Beyond the first year the focus of the role will shift to more external engagement and partnership development, while maintaining and managing internal processes and systems and ensuring all staff are equipped to leverage partnerships within their individual work streams.
This role will ensure the implementation of the Partnerships Strategy and associated internal management processes are aligned across the UN Global Pulse Network and will identify internal training/capacity building needs in support of the implementation of the Partnership Strategy. The incumbent will ensure the outputs and outcomes of the role are aligned with and support UN Global Pulseโs wider work on UN 2.0 including innovation, data, futures and foresight, behavioural science and digital transformation.
The incumbent will continuously monitor needs, trends and developments in partnerships and resource mobilisation for UN Global Pulse and provide strategic advice, direction, revision, and recommendations for action across the Network and UN senior management.
The establishment, effective management and operation of Global Pulseโs Partnerships Strategy will directly result in: i) Better designed and more impactful partnerships including shared-value partnerships
ii) A greater source of sustainable financing to deliver UN Global Pulseโs mission and vision
iii) An enhanced reputation and increased brand awareness of UN Global Pulse both within and outside of the UN.
FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) preferably in International Relations, Business Administration, Communications, or other related field to the post description with five (5) years of relevant experience is required. A first level university degree (undergraduate, Bachelor's, or equivalent) with seven (7) years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
Required:
Relevant experience is defined as experience in partnerships and/or resource mobilization. Experience with private sector fundraising in a UN or humanitarian setting. Experience in developing and implementing strategic private sector fundraising plans, including budget management. Desirable (the following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)Experience in international philanthropic partnerships in the UN context. Experience with managing projects with a variety of stakeholders. Experience in establishing and implementing partnership strategies and plans in a UN context. Experience in developing and managing partnership databases and tracking systems. Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage. 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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Staff Contract level: P3 Contract duration: Fixed-term staff contracts - '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
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. 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. This position will be based in Helsinki, Finland which is a family duty Station. 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.