Partnerships Senior Advisor - Liaison

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) is a corporate unit which supports UNOPS efforts in building 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 ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support. Based in Copenhagen, PLG has active liaison offices in New York, Geneva, Brussels,  Bangkok, Tokyo, Washington DC, Amman and Nairobi.

UNOPS is looking for a new colleague to join our Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG), to expand and build on our network with partners based in Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, to support the expansion of UNOPS global portfolio. In particular you will be working with organizations in  the Geneva based humanitarian and health clusters, including among others,  UNHCR, WHO, Gavi and the Global Fund. You will also be supporting the development of our global portfolio with the Swiss Government.  We are looking for an excellent networker, someone who can build on and develop our existing partnerships and establish a solid base for new cooperation, especially in the field of health.  

The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience working with strategic partnerships and political positioning, an excellent  knowledge and understanding of the Geneva based health institutions as well as outstanding networking and communication skills. This role offers a demanding and exciting opportunity to contribute to UNOPS global partnerships team.

Under the supervision of the Director of the Partnerships Group (PLG) the incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation of the partnership strategy with Geneva based partners, including UNHCR, WHO, Gavi and the Global Fund. He/she will also work closely with the Swiss Government.  He/she will build on existing partnerships and ensure that actions and initiatives undertaken are aimed at achieving long-term success as a self-financing UN organization that provides value generating services to our Swiss-based-partners. The initiatives to be undertaken by the incumbent include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Deepen and expand the strategic engagement with Geneva based partners through the implementation of partnership engagement strategies, with a view of being: (1) known as a solutions organization, (2) recognized for the value of our services, and (3) a resource in helping our partners deliver their vision.

• Lead and expand the development of UNOPS partnerships with the Geneva’s health and humanitarian clusters, positioning UNOPS to offer support that enables key partners to deliver on their mandates. 

• Meet and build working relationships with key staff working with our Switzerland- based-partners. In particular, maintain and develop a large network amongst relevant WHO, the Global Fund,Gavi  and UNHCR personnel and within the Swiss Government.

• Provide advice and assistance to the Regional Directors, Country Directors and Heads of Programme in regard to partnering with Geneva based partners, including through field support missions, and provide continuous analysis and guidance on funding trends and opportunities.

• Spearhead the sharing of knowledge related to Geneva based partners across the organization, including identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned, with a view of continuous improvement of our partner engagement in the field.

• Facilitate the negotiation of new Framework Agreements, and/or MOUs with Geneva based-partners and maintain existing ones. Coach UNOPS offices globally on appropriate engagement modalities, including through targeted training.

• Facilitate high-level meetings between UNOPS senior management and Geneva based partners, including during key events such as relevant conferences and other forums. 

• Provide quality assurance of UNOPS portfolio with Geneva based partners with a view to ensure that projects are delivered effectively and efficiently

• The incumbent will set up a two-way regular communication process with UNOPS ECR leaders based in Geneva

• Develop the annual work plan, budget and targets for the liaison activity from Geneva and manage its implementation.

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in Political Science, International Relations, Social Affairs, Law or other related field is required

Experience: 

• A minimum of 10 years of International development experience with a focus on client relationships, is required

• Within these 10 years, at least five years as a business development and outreach professional is required

• Within these 10 years, a minimum of 5 years of experience working with a network of development partners, governing bodies, and donors, is required

• Extensive experience working in or with the health sector (either public or private) and an established network in Geneva is required 

• Prior experience with the UN is an asset

Language:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential

• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

• Contract type: Staff 
• Contract level: P5 - Fixed term
• Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

• 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.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• 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.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.