Partnerships Specialist

About the Role

The Partnerships Specialist position is focused on driving strategic growth by establishing vital relationships, mobilizing resources, and broadening the program portfolio to facilitate sustainable development achievements. This role entails developing and executing partnership and program development strategies for the Multi-Country Office (MCO), emphasizing collaboration with governments, UN bodies, donors, and other stakeholders to enhance the office's portfolio and reinforce UNOPS' reputation as a dependable development partner.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and carry out a comprehensive partnership and program development plan that aligns with UNOPS' Strategic Plan and regional strategies by assessing the local context and pinpointing key partners to position UNOPS advantageously.
• Analyze risks and opportunities related to the strategic standing of the office and propose appropriate actions to ensure steady growth.
• Work jointly with partnerships staff at various organizational levels and coordinate with Country and Project Managers to ensure unified partner engagement.
• Keep abreast of humanitarian and development developments to detect collaboration prospects consistent with UNOPS’ goals.
• Scout for events, publications, and emerging trends that could catalyze new partnerships.
• Advise senior management on framework partnership agreements to widen regional opportunities.
• Assist in creating, shaping, and negotiating new projects and programs, including drafting essential documents like concept notes and agreements.
• Maintain thorough records of partnership opportunities using internal platforms, ensuring corporate compliance.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs and lead negotiations to finalize project proposals and contractual documentation.
• Communicate UNOPS pricing policy and value effectively to partners.
• Support diversification of the office’s project portfolio aligned to strategic objectives.
• Partner with communications teams to provide outreach content.
• Forge and reinforce collaborations with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, private sector, and other international bodies to widen project opportunities.
• Lead or contribute to advocacy and communication projects as needed.
• Participate in coordination forums representing the organization, updating on project developments in collaboration with internal experts.
• Engage in UN common country programming efforts including strategic analyses and sustainable development frameworks.
• Build and sustain a network of key partners, staying attuned to socio-political trends and innovations that bolster partnership development.
• Implement HQ-provided standards, tools, and templates to enhance the efficacy of partnership development.
• Contribute to the adoption of best practices and innovations to maximize impact and ensure sustainable project outcomes.
• Develop negotiation and partnership skills among Project Managers to improve stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing by disseminating lessons learned and best practices within the organization.
• Provide ongoing feedback on systems and tools to promote continuous enhancements.

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience.

Experience Required

• Proven background in international development encompassing partnership and program management, project proposal development, and establishing collaborations with UN agencies, governments, donors, or private sector entities.
• Experience working within multicultural or UN-system environments in developing countries.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in team leadership and supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within development or humanitarian sectors.
• Background in project and program management is highly advantageous.