Partnership Officer

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. 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.  

On 24 February 2022, the military of the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with strikes across the territory of Ukraine. Since then, Russia’s invasion imposes a severe humanitarian and socio-economic toll, global energy and food crisis, large-scale destruction of the country's infrastructure, and disruptions in the provision of critical services and degradation of social fabrics and communities’ ties, triggering one of the world’s most significant forced displacements. 

Severe attacks on energy and critical infrastructure facilities leave millions of people without electricity, water or heating supply, struggling to access water, food, health services, materials to repair homes, among others. The continued attacks cause substantial damage to the country’s economy and agricultural production, and also affect the poorest countries worldwide.

UNOPS support to partners spans the humanitarian-development nexus from emergency response to building back better, across the housing, health, education, transport, energy and mine action sectors, through infrastructure, procurement and technical assistance / project management interventions, with the ultimate aim of supporting the country on its EU accession and in its achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The UNOPS Office in Poland, operating under the auspices of the UNOPS Ukraine Multi-Country Office in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network Poland, will aim to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts. This will be achieved through leveraging contributions from the Polish government and private sector, including in-kind donations to deliver building materials, specialized equipment and other goods to Ukraine with a focus on Building Back Better. Furthermore, the UNOPS Office in Poland will facilitate journey of Ukraine and Moldova towards European Union accession by drawing upon the valuable experiences of Poland's own EU integration and membership.

Under the overall guidance of the Partnerships Senior Officer, the incumbent is supporting a variety of regional programmatic activities, supporting the UAMCO team, with high quality and accuracy of work. The Partnerships Officer will support in implementing the partnerships and programme development plan.

• Scan partnerships opportunities (facilitate assessments of client needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others);

• Liaise extensively with Government agencies at operational levels to promote UNOPS engagement, visibility and operations in Poland

• Provide support in formulation and implementation of annual Partnerships work plans;

• Support active promotion of UNOPS services by building a network of key partners and clients, keeping abreast of social, economic, and political trends;

• Support establishing contacts with potential partners and organizing high-level meetings and negotiations, and prepare subsequent plan of action and follow-up for potential partnership development opportunities;

• Actively participate in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programmes;

• Draft concept notes and technical briefs for further discussion with partners and donors;

• Identify potential partners to pursue new partnership opportunities and ensure portfolio growth by promoting quality service to maintain a competitive edge;

• Prepare letters for Expression of Interest for potential partnerships when considered consistent with UNOPS’ mandate, goals and development strategy;

• Assist in the preparation of project proposals per donors’ requests.

• Close interaction with Programme/Project staff to share information and knowledge; and to provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective partner relations;

• Carry out field visits for needs assessments for potential engagements;

• Liaise with UN partner agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations for programme development and information dissemination purposes;

• Draft agreements for the implementation of new projects, addressing questions and issues raised by colleagues and ensuring their expeditious approval;

• Support the engagement acceptance process on internal ERP system including engagement reviews;

• Review and comment on technical and progress reports prepared by projects and provision of advice as needed to improve content and quality;

• Perform other related duties as required.

• Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, political science, international relations or related fields is required, OR 

• A first level university degree in Business Administration, political science, international relations or related field with 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience project development, report writing, strategic planning including experience at the international level, partnerships and fundraising.

• Experience working on development and/or humanitarian assistance in the region is required.

• Previous experience in the UN is desirable. Experience dealing with bilateral and multilateral donors is required.

• 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. 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.