Partnerships Specialist (Multiple positions
| Location | Douala, Cameroon |
| Date Posted | June 25, 2021 |
| Category |
Administration
|
| Job Type |
Full-time
|
| Currency | CFA |
Description
To expand our work in Madagascar and in Cameroon by strengthening our value proposition, fortifying our internal capacity to respond rapidly to funders' and government requests, enhancing our added value in our contribution to UNCT in the UNSDCF process and to the country's National Development Plans, UNOPS is recruiting a Partnerships Specialist to support technical proposals that will help to build further the pipeline in Madagascar and Cameroon.
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Multi-country Office Director or Business and Partnerships Advisor for the Multi-country Office (CMCO) and in close coordination with the Regional Office and the Partnerships Group, the Partnerships Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the partnership and program development plan for the offices and countries managed by the Multi Country / Country Director or the HQ Partnerships Group. This may also include new countries where UNOPS is planning to initiate or broaden operations.
UNOPS Congo Multi-country Office (CDMCO) is based in Kinshasa and covers 11 countries, among which Madagascar. The Multi-country Office is responsible for managing the strategic and operational risks associated with part of the regional portfolio of commitments, while developing and delivering financially efficient services that contribute to sustainable results for partners and to the achievement of UNOPS managerial results. The key functions of the Partnership Development team are to develop business opportunities in the sub-region as well as to expand CDMCO's program portfolio.
- Partnership and program development planning:
- Develop a comprehensive partnership and program development plan in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies. 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 grow a pipeline opportunities for all countries in scope of the UNOPS Multi-Country or Country Office or the HQ Partnership Group. Ensure plan reflects in-house capacity, typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources.
- Examines risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Multi Country / Country office and proposes 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 to UNOPS HQ and Regional Office 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 Multi Country / Country Office in line with UNOPS strategic and Regional objectives.
- In coordination with the Communications and Reporting personnel, when available, gather content for communications and outreach materials for any countries managed within the scope of the UNOPS office or by the Partnerships Group.
3. Representation and inter-agency partnership:
- Establish and further develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organizations to diversify project opportunities within the Multi Country / Country Office or Partnership Group.
- Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with the Communications Officer, when required.
- On behalf of the (Multi) Country Office Director and / or Head of Program, 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, UNSDCF, 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:
- 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 maximize 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.
Master's Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Engineering, Political Science, Communications or International Relations is required.
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Engineering, Political Science, Communications or International Relations
with an additional two ( 2 ) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance degree.
- PRINCE2 certification, at least at Foundation Level, or Project Management Professional (PMP) methodologies is desirable.
- A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in either International Development and / or Partnerships Development including demonstrated experience in:
- Developing and executing partnership and program development plans;
- Project development and proposal writing;
- Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organizations is an asset.
- Project and program management experience is an asset
- Prior experience working in international organizations, international development, post-disaster and / or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.
- Experience of Google Suite and or Web-based Management Systems is an advantage.
Fluency in both French and English is required
 |
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, direct 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: International Individual Contractor Agreements (IICA)
Contract level: IICA2 (ICS-10)
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - 'Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- 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
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- Both Duty Stations Antananarivo and Yaoundé are the Family Duty Stations
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
- CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
- NB: This VA is also open to both Nationals of Madagascar and Cameroon, a Madagascar National or Cameroon National selected will be contracted under a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 10)