The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ...
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. PLG has a unit in Copenhagen and liaison offices in Amman, Bangkok, Brussels, Geneva, Nairobi, Tokyo and Washington DC. PLG deals with partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme, UNHCR, WHO, UN-Habitat,, Islamic Development Bank and national governments.
The role reports to the Director of PLG and will be responsible for developing and managing all contacts, events, and initiatives with strategic partners (governments, DFIs, UN agencies, private sector, etc) to position and engage UNOPS at the earliest and highest level of discussions. The incumbent will achieve this by leveraging the existing network of contacts, and developing new where necessary, in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade Commissions, Donor Agencies, and Diplomatic Missions of the selected target countries, in addition to sister agencies, and the existing portfolio of private sector and academic partners. In order to further develop these relationships the Head of Unit - Partnerships will work closely with the regional offices to engage the respective management teams in defining needs and matching opportunities with actors cited above. The incumbent will exercise a strong sense of commercial diplomacy, articulate the operationalization of the sustainable development goals as partnering opportunities, understand policy and operations as well as represent the value of the organization in his/her personal interaction and communications. He/she shall also manage a team of specialists and analysts to fulfill the role, and travel regularly to the partner locations and regions as required. In some occasions, he/she might be required to act as officer-in-charge for the PLG team as part of his support role to the Director.