Partnerships Specialist

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. 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.

UNOPS Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) drives the development and expansion of new

and existing partnerships in collaboration with UNOPS headquarters groups, regions and

countries. PLG consists of a network of liaison offices and a cross-cutting partnership

development team based in Copenhagen.

PLG's Liaison Offices in Amman, Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo, Washington DC,

and Nairobi manage the relations and development of partnerships with UNOPS key global

partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, US, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Nordics,

UN agencies and others. The Copenhagen-based team provides partnership development

support across the organization, incl. partner data and analytics, global business development,

events and outreach management, and knowledge-sharing. This role will be part of the

Washington Liaison Office.

The Washington Liaison Office's (WLO) mission is to strengthen the partnership with the

World Bank Group, the US Government (the State Department, USAID, the Millennium

Challenge Corporation), other DC-based institutions, and the Government of Canada.

In close coordination with relevant colleagues, the IFI Specialist is responsible for supporting

the Head of the Washington Liaison Office in relationship management of the World Bank as

well as providing analytical inputs to a strategy for UNOPS enhanced engagement with

international financial institutions (IFIs). Following endorsement of the IFI strategy at corporate

level, the Partnerships Specialist will also be responsible for supporting colleagues in implementation of

the IFI strategy. When necessary they will also assist in managing relations with government

partners in the United States and/or Canada or with other relevant entities in Washington DC. Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Head of the Washington Liaison Office, the IFI Specialist will have

the following functional responsibilities:

1.Relationship management with the World Bank Group

2.Strategic positioning of UNOPS in the IFI landscape

3.Visibility and knowledge management

Deepen the strong WBG-UNOPS partnership through: (1) continuous support to internal and

external colleagues at all stages of the project cycle, (2) strengthening of knowledge links

between UNOPS and WB teams, and (3) identification of new opportunities and modalities

where UNOPS can add value to WB engagements.

Support the Head of the Washington Liaison Office to launch and coordinate a corporate effort

to understand, communicate and strengthen the UNOPS value proposition as it relates to

international financial institutions (IFIs). Support the development and then implementation of

the UNOPS IFI Partnership Strategy, working with a wide array of internal stakeholders under

the leadership of the Head of the Washington Liaison Office.

Facilitate high-level meetings between senior management of UNOPS and WLO partners,

including during key events such as the WB/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings. Support the

creation and sharing of knowledge products related to IFIs and WLO partners, including

identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned, with a view of

continuous improvement of our partner engagement in the field.

1.Relationship management with the World Bank Group

● Provide advice and assistance to UNOPS Country Managers and Project Managers in

regard to partnering with the WB, including through one or more annual field support

missions;

● Facilitate the implementation of existing and new Framework Agreements with the World

Bank, including dissemination and periodic updates of the forthcoming Operational

Guidelines.

● Advise UNOPS Country Offices on appropriate engagement modalities with the World

Bank, including through targeted training.

● Engage regularly with designated focal points at the WB (in Operations Policy and Country

Services as well as Corporate Relations) and add to WLO's existing network of contacts in

the WB Global Practices and regional units.

● Where appropriate, support UNOPS country office or WB colleagues in resolving

project-specific or corporate-level issues that may occur during project formulation,

negotiation, implementation, closure or post-closure stages.

● Identify recurrent issues in the UNOPS-WB portfolio and develop strategies to address

them.

2.Strategic positioning of UNOPS in the IFI landscape

● Build on WLO relationships with relevant functional units across the organization to identify

a set of internal stakeholders relevant to the IFI strategy consultation.

● Assist the Head of the Washington Liaison Office in implementing a consultative process

with internal (and potentially external) stakeholders, and document the findings.

● Conduct initial assessment of the IFI landscape, noting those that are already managed by

PLG or regional partnerships colleagues as well as those which represent new potential

UNOPS partners.

● Building on existing strategies developed by WLO/PLG and regional partnerships

colleagues, and the results of the IFI strategy consultation, provide analytical and narrative

inputs to a draft UNOPS IFI Partnership Strategy.

● Assist the Head of the Washington Liaison Office with the finalization of the IFI Partnership

Strategy and associated action plan, in consultation with relevant colleagues.

● Support UNOPS colleagues in implementation of the IFI Partnership Strategy, leading on

particular aspects as agreed in the action plan.

● Provide continuous analysis and guidance on funding trends and opportunities in the IFI

landscape, for those partners which are not already managed by PLG or regional

partnerships colleagues.

● Where relevant, support colleagues in developing framework agreements with prospective

IFI partners to facilitate future cooperation.

3.Visibility and knowledge management

● Prepare and coordinate high-level visits and other activities to support the strategic

positioning of UNOPS with the World Bank, other WLO partners and other IFIs.

● Support the organization of high-level speaking opportunities for the UNOPS Executive

Office and other members of the UNOPS Senior Leadership Team, including the

preparation of background materials.

● Coordinate UNOPS engagement at the WB/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings.

● Support WLO efforts to develop knowledge partnerships with think tanks relevant to

UNOPS' work, including the preparation of joint events.

● Keep abreast of the latest trends in reforms to the international development financing

architecture, including multilateral development bank harmonization and reform, to inform

UNOPS positioning efforts.

● Design and develop internal knowledge products and external outreach material on

UNOPS ability to expand implementation capacity and speed disbursement of IFI-financed

activities.

● Provide ongoing updates to internal and external stakeholders, such as via newsletters or

other periodic communications.

Impact of Results:

Successful implementation of these Terms of Reference will support UNOPS' continued

delivery to its largest partner (the World Bank) while also diversifying the UNOPS' partner

base. The IFI Specialist will support a more unified service offering to IFI partners and

generate efficiencies across the portfolio. IFIs and their client governments will benefit from the

enhanced implementation capacity provided by UNOPS under the framework agreements

supported by the IFI Specialist.

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. 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 preferrably in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Engineering, Political Science, Economics, Communications or International Relations.
• 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:

• At least 5 years of experience in international development, public affairs, program development and/or strategic relationship management is required.

• Broad understanding of the international financial institutions (IFI) landscape, and in particular familiarity with the World Bank, is a requirement.

• Experience developing and implementing strategic approaches using a consultative approach with a variety of internal or external stakeholders is a strong asset.

• Establishing or managing partnerships with international financial institutions, UN agencies, international development organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organisations is a strong asset.

• Professional experience in a developing country context is an asset.

• Operational experience with the World Bank Group and/or another international financial institution is a distinct advantage.

• Prior experience working in relevant US or Canadian government agencies would also be an advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.

• Fluency in one or more additional official UNOPS languages is an advantage.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type

• 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.