Partnerships Development Associate (Internal UNOPS candidates)

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organisation’s mandate in project management, infrastructure and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services and capacity building and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability and accountability of Projects. Key projects in Sri Lanka include the Technical Project Management support for the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka funded by KOICA. UNOPS Sri Lanka also facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

The incumbent is responsible for performing the following duties:

1. Partnerships Development 

• Provide support in researching potential opportunities for partnerships;

• Keep abreast of social, economic, and political trends in the Sri Lanka, and provide background notes and analysis, as needed;

• Support and update the donor mapping exercise;

• Support identification and drafting of new projects and programmes, including concept notes and project documents;

• Support partnerships development through active outreach to current and potential partners, based on background research, assessments of client needs, analysis of partner surveys, preparation of stakeholder profiles;

• Support in the coordination and participate in meetings with donors and partners and produce high quality meeting minutes and action-oriented summaries;

• Collaborate with relevant Partnerships personnel as well as Project Managers, Project/Programme staff and Technical Specialists, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners;

• Support in reflecting engagements and amendments on oneUNOPS Projects in coordination with Partnership Development Manager compile and prepare Partnerships updates/highlights to be shared with the region;

• Carry out field visits for needs assessments and/ or preparatory work for preparation of proposals;

• Prepare background notes, briefings, and other materials for the senior management;

• Support the development of UNOPS visibility materials, including fact sheets, press releases, etc., in close coordination with the Communications Officer;

• Undertake missions to field offices and projects, as needed.

• Support the Reporting Specialist and Partnerships team in drafting donor reports, as required.

• Implement standards, tools and templates provided by HQ and the region to effectively manage partnership and project development within SAMCO to enhance/maintain UNOPS effectiveness as a provider of project services for sustainable results;

• 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;

• Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practices and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements in partnership and project development.

• High School Diploma is required with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or

• First University Degree Bachelor’s (with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience) preferably in any of following disciplines: international affairs, business administration, social sciences, economics, environmental studies, development studies or another field relevant to international development assistance is desirable.

• Minimum of 2 years experience in partnerships, programme, project management or reporting is required.

• Experience in the country or region is required.

• High proficiency with computers, and other software/ platforms related to the position's field of expertise is required.

• Knowledge of UN policies, procedures, and operations is an asset.

• Prior experience of working in the UN, International Organizations and Development Banks is highly desired.

• Good experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is an asset.

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA-6
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

• 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.

• The position is stationed in Colombo, Srilanka, which is a family duty station.

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.