Partnerships Senior Advisor

Partnership and Liaison Group

PLG is dedicated to supporting our partners by providing services that increase the effectiveness of peace and security, humanitarian and development projects worldwide. To advance the 2030 Agenda – including supporting climate actions and promoting equal opportunities – UNOPS aims to engage in collaborative partnerships with a focus on sharing our expertise in infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources and financial services. PLG works with a variety of partners, from the UN family to governments, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector. UNOPS partners call on us to supplement their own capacities, improve efficiency and transparency, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness and ensure quality.

As a corporate function, PLG specifically:

• Leads on global partnership engagement and management

• Ensures that UNOPS strategic priorities are reflected across partnership engagements

• Serves as a resource for the Executive Office and UNOPS at large to advance on the UNOPS strategy through tailored data and analysis services

• Tasked to drive high level thought leadership on partnership diversification and growth 

• Steer partnership-related policy discussions, including the development of corporate framework initiatives

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Director Partnership and Liaison Group, and in close cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Executive Director Delivery and Partnership, the Partnership Senior Advisor will provide technical expertise to PLG - and UNOPS overall- in strengthening and systematize its engagement with Multi-lateral Development Banks (MDBs) and International Finance Institutions (IFIs), non-traditional partners and the private sector with the aim of partnership growth and diversification based on UNOPS’ distinct value proposition in advancing on the global development agenda. In coordination with the Director PLG, the Partnership Senior Advisor will work closely with the PLG Liaison Offices to ensure strategic alignment and progress on partnership engagement strategies, including those related to engagements with MDB/IFIs, non-traditional partners and the private sector.The work of the Advisor will be informed by the UNOPS focus on supporting its eight Mission Hubs.

PLG is at the center of UNOPS’ corporate partnership work, and in light of the evolving partnership landscape, additional support is needed to support PLG in implementing an evidence-based pathway for forward-looking engagement and follow up with MDBs, IFI’s non-traditional donors and the private sector. Coordination, follow up and performance management are essential to drive growth, diversification and building the UNOPS value addition. 

The Snr. Advisor should have a high level of expertise and professional experience in working with and managing partners, both in policy and operational roles.

This position requires the ability to travel on missions and this is expected from the recommended candidate. 

1. Monitor and deliver regular analysis on strategic developments and trends related to the development financing eco-system, in support of UNOPS positioning with MDBs, IFIs, private sector and new and emerging partners. 

2. Lead and coordinate with allocated resources and team members, Liaison and Regional Offices, to develop and define forward looking engagement strategies for key emerging partners, incl. MDB’s, private sector, and opportunities on blended financing. Lead on the development of pilot initiatives to scale up private sector partnerships.

3. Taking corporate and regional priorities and existing engagements into consideration, and in alignment with the new UNOPS Strategic Plan 2026-2029, develop forward looking approaches and entry points to strengthen and deepen partnership engagement and to strategically build the UNOPS value proposition profile with priority partners, with MDB’s, IFI’s and the private sector, as well as new and emerging partners.

4. Serve as the key PLG coordinator to assist with monitoring performance of priority partner engagements, associated risks and opportunities. Follow up and work with relevant Regional Offices, Liaison Offices, Practice Leads at HQ to manage relations as needs emerge. 

5. In coordination with relevant Liaison Offices and Practice Groups, follow up with key partners on discussions, agreed actions and initiatives to support continuity and progress on agreed partnership pathways. This includes providing support to and follow up from annual meetings, strategic dialogues, workshops or other.

6. Conceptualize, develop and initiate concrete partnership opportunities to expand ongoing initiatives or pilot and test new solutions, including innovative ways of cooperating to achieve shared development priorities. 

7. Co-lead partner discussions and the identification and development of new development financing mechanisms, incl. blended finance, PPP’s or other. Engage with potential private sector partners or philanthropies to advance discussions.

8. Provide guidance and support to UNOPS Regional and Country Offices during the development and the implementation of MDB, IFI or private sector financed projects, including policy and operational guidance in line with established frameworks. 

9. Lead on coordinating with Regional and Country Offices, as well as relevant HQ Practice Groups, on proposal development for key priority partners, as well as the resolution of challenges related to key institutional MDB, IFI or private sector partners, as they may emerge.

10. Support PLG workplan implementation and the tracking of engagement strategy performance to strengthen and accelerate performance. Coordinate and work with relevant Liaison Offices to ensure workplan performance is on track. 

11. Assist management to deliver on other emerging priority tasks, particularly during peak planning periods such as budget preparation, key events/missions planned by the Executive Office, other.

• Advanced University Degree either in Business Administration, Finance, Social Sciences, Law, Political Sciences, International Relations, Developments Studies or other relevant discipline is required.
• University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience working for/with international organizations, MDB’s, IFI’s or other financial institutions is required.

• Demonstrated planning and conceptual skills to develop and draft strategies, frameworks and action plans  is required. 

• Proven track record of engaging in outreach and negotiations in a finance and/or development financing context  is required.

• Proven records of building strong relationships and/or senior stakeholder management roles are required.

• Record of professional experience where consistently exercise discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information were expected is required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable policy frameworks related to international development financing and institutional contracting is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in English is required.

• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

• 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. 

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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 

• 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.