Partnerships Senior Advisor - Liaison ( Head of Liaison Office) - Multiple locations

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 also seeks to ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation. PLG has a unit in Copenhagen and liaison offices in Amman, Brussels, Geneva, Nairobi, Tokyo and Washington DC. PLG engages with key partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, donor governments, UN agencies and other international financing institutions. 

Depending on the strategic operational needs of the organization the successful candidate will be required to relocate to one of the following duty stations: Manila, Seoul or Bangkok.

Under the overall guidance of the Partnerships Director, The Head of the Liaison Office (LO) will be responsible for promoting and strategic partnership between UNOPS and global partners based in Asia such as ADB, AIIB, KOICA and other key partners. He or she will establish and maintain contact through active outreach at all levels. 

More specifically, the incumbent will be entrusted with the following responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of UNOPS partnership strategy with Asia-based partners and governments, focusing in particular on Korea/KOICA, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

• Deepen and expand the strategic engagement with Asia-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

• Research and analyze specific donor programming priorities in order to identify potential funding opportunities and develop respective project proposals in line with UNOPS strategy;

• Support the partnership and opportunities planning process to define high-priority clients, countries, sectors, products and service areas; 

• Work in close collaboration with regional directors to ensure regional priorities are fully embedded into working plans and that global opportunities with Asia based global partners are expanding UNOPS portfolio;

• Develop internal feedback mechanisms to continuously improve both the form and content of partner outreach and project development activities. 

• Developing and deepening partnerships with selected partners (in particular Korea/KOICA, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through building and maintaining professional relationships at appropriate levels;

• Expand UNOPS outreach by exploring new partnership opportunities with the private foundations, INGO’s, academia, and the private sector;

• Participate in key partnership building meetings and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up. Represent UNOPS in relevant Partner conferences/events in Asia region;

• Showcase UNOPS capabilities and value-add, and enhance the understanding of UNOPS with relevant partners;

•  Advise field offices in business development opportunities analysis, partnerships development and programme design;

• Work in close consultation with the Asia Region and other regional offices in both building our partner strategies and in the implementation thereafter.

• Ongoing progress reporting to Partnerships Director as well as Regional Directors

• Provide project development support, advise, and assistance to Regional Directors, OC Directors and Project Managers, in conjunction with Asia-based partners;

• Actively participate in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, international relations, law, public policy, development studies, political science or directly related fields. 

• A first level university degree in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience and track record of working preferably on developing innovative solutions/partnerships and initiative in development/non-profit organizations. 

• 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 / prior proven experience working in or with global partners based in Asia (such as ADB, AIIB, KOICA and other key partners partners) and an established network in at least one of the Asian countries is highly desired.

• Field experience or experience in developing countries is considered an asset.

• Prior experience working in Asia highly desired.

• Prior experience with international organizations or public institutions is required.

• Prior knowledge of working in the UN environment is an asset.

Contract type: FTA
Contract level: P5
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

• 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.

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. 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.