Proposal Writer(s), Multiple positions

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Background Information – Partnerships Liaison Group (PLG)

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities. By forging strategic relationships and working with partners, both in the field and at headquarters, PLG seeks to not only ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support, but also to integrate best practices and innovative solutions from experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector into UNOPS operations. Based in Copenhagen, PLG has liaison offices in Amman, Bangkok, Brussels, Tokyo (CPH based), Washington DC, and Nairobi and supports partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Environment, the Global Fund, USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, national governments, and others.

The Proposal Writer(s) will support UNOPS Business Development efforts by writing, editing, and producing competitive and high quality proposals and concept papers, both unsolicited and solicited for UNOPS partners and major international donors such as, but not limited to: World Bank, EU, DFID, Global Fund, USAID, SIDA, DANIDA, NORAD, UN Environment and other UN entities.

The proposal writer(s) will be responsible for the coordination and/or drafting and/or quality and compliance review of competitive proposals in different areas and for different types of services such as infrastructure (water and sanitation, transportation networks, shelter as well as education and health facilities), environment, and technical assistance in procurement and project management. The proposal writer(s) should be able to manage multiple assignments under time pressure.

In coordination with Country Offices, Regional Offices, Headquarters groups the proposal writer(s) will be responsible for:

• Project managing the development and writing of high quality concept notes, proposals and budgets 
• Signing off proposals to ensure their quality and compliance with donor requirements.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Master’s degree in relevant technical areas, including project management, procurement, and infrastructure, etc.;
• Demonstrated experience in proposal writing, preferably with OECD DAC donors, UN agencies and other major donors within the development sector;
• At least 5 years of experience in proposal and/or grant writing required, preferably within a services-based organisation;
• Experience of dealing with the proposal requirements and formats of different donors.
• Strong oral and written communications skills in at least one the following languages: English, French, Spanish
• Outstanding project management and coordination skills
• Knowledge of UNOPS products and services and tools and systems is an advantage but is not required;
• Field experience or experience in developing countries is considered an asset;
• Preferably prior knowledge of working in the UN context;
• Expertise in one of the following areas is an advantage, but not required: infrastructure (water and sanitation, transportation networks, shelter as well as education and health facilities), environment, and technical assistance in procurement and project management;
• Experience with international organizations or public institutions is also considered an asset;

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Previous budget preparation experience;
• Highly accurate with strong attention to detail when handling information;
• Mastery of Microsoft Office suite;
• Knowledge of major donors procurement process and key initiatives;
• Knowledge of the UN system and UNOPS focus areas in sustainable infrastructure, project management, and procurement is considered an asset;
• Leadership and Team player with the ability to work with culturally diverse teams;
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of technical experts across UNOPS offices;
• Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines effectively;
• Previous experience working in Latin America, Africa, Asia or Middle East;
• Ability to work rapidly with staff in the field directly and HQ staff remotely in writing and where necessary revising proposals;
• Good program design skills, including capacity to prepare logical, coherent and consistent documents

Required Competencies

• Integrity and inclusion;
• Partnering;
• Results orientation;
• Effective communication;
• Respect for Diversity;
• Solution focused;
• Leading Self and Others
• Commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Functional Competencies

• Knowledge Management and Learning
• Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues
• Manages relationships internally and externally efficiently and professionally
• Ability to adapt to changing task, priorities and conditions.
• Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office through different channels.
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Effective networking skills

Leadership and Self-Management

• Ability to adhere to work assignments and meet designated deadlines;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure; and
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views.

• 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.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.