Partnership Development Advisor, GCAP (Resource Mobilization) - Retainer

Job categories Partnerships, Climate

Vacancy code VA/2024/B5002/29319

Level ICS-11

Department/office GPO, GVA, Water, Environment & Climate (WEC)

Duty station Home based

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-3

Duration 12 months, max 220 days, subject to performance and on availability of funds

Application period 03-Dec-2024 to 20-Dec-2024

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office. WEC has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.

WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Global Climate Action Partnership (GCAP)

The Global Climate Action Partnership (GCAP) is a global accelerator of knowledge and solutions that lead the way to climate resilient and low-carbon development. It is a platform driven by climate leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean that enables collaborative and ambitious climate action, peer learning and innovation. The GCAP fosters country leadership and regional communities that enable the transformational changes needed for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

To amplify the success of GCAP and support its ambition to scale up and expand the partnership’s impactful work, UNOPS has been requested to serve as the fund manager for a multi-donor fund.

This is a retainer position for up to twelve (12) months and maximum of 100 working days, with the possibility of an extension based on performance and the availability of funds.

This is a home-based position, and UNOPS will not provide a laptop or any other ICT equipment. The successful candidate must have access to a reliable internet connection and the necessary ICT equipment to perform the duties of the position.

*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. ***

Functional Responsibilities

Under guidance of the Head of WEC Portfolio and the supervision of the Project M...

Under guidance of the Head of WEC Portfolio and the supervision of the Project Management Support Advisor, the Partnership Development Advisor will play a critical role in shaping, developing and growing the GCAP multi-donor fund, ensuring alignment with GCAP strategic goals.

The incumbent will work in close coordination with the GCAP Global Secretariat and Regional Platforms on regional fund raising, under the overall guidance of the GCAP Steering Committee.

The incumbent will be engaged as an expert retainer advisor to support the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy for the GCAP multi-donor fund, and will play a critical role in expanding the fund's donor base and securing new contributions.

When carrying out the below functions, the incumbent will collaborate with Global Portfolio partnership teams, as well as UNOPS Partnership & Liaison Group.

Summary of functions:

Developing a Comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy
Building and Maintaining Partnerships
Leading Funding Proposals Development
Tracking and Monitoring Progress
Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

The Partnership Development Advisor will be responsible for:

1. Developing a Comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy:

Analyze GCAP’s role in relation to international climate action trends.
Take stock of successes and challenges of GCAP’s operation so far and develop the findings into a compelling messaging to attract donor and partner attention.
Conduct a thorough analysis of potential donor landscape, identifying key stakeholders and their funding priorities and possible entry points, particularly those aligned with climate action and the GCAP's objectives.
Develop a strategic plan for engaging with potential donors, including development of strategic messages and tailored communication materials, fundraising proposals, and engagement strategies involving the GCAP Secretariat, Regional Platforms, Working Groups and the GCAP funder(s).
Identify and assess potential funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and other forms of financial support.
Develop a detailed fundraising plan detailing the target donor list, key strategic messages, communications materials, proposal outlines and engagement calendar.
Develop a clear and measurable framework for tracking progress and reporting on resource mobilization efforts.

2. Building and Maintaining Partnerships:

Establish and cultivate relationships with potential donors, including governments, foundations, corporations, and multilateral organizations.
Develop and maintain a strong network of partners, including relevant UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and events to raise awareness about GCAP and the multi-donor fund.

3. Leading Funding Proposals Development:

Prepare compelling funding proposals and presentations for potential donors.
Negotiate new contribution agreements and secure commitments from donors.
Contribute to the engagement development process, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and procedures.

4. Monitoring Progress and Reporting:

Track progress towards resource mobilization targets and report on performance regularly.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the resource mobilization strategy and recommend adjustments as needed.
Ensure transparency and accountability in all fundraising activities.
Report on progress to key GCAP stakeholders including the Steering Committee.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building:

Share best practices and lessons learned from resource mobilization efforts with the GCAP team and other UNOPS staff.
Contribute to capacity building initiatives within UNOPS related to resource mobilization and partnership development.

Key Deliverables

The Partnership Development Advisor will deliver the following key outputs:

A comprehensive resource mobilization strategy, including:
- Donor landscape analysis
- Strategic plan for donor engagement
- Funding opportunity assessment
A detailed fundraising plan, including:
- Target donor list
- Key strategic messages
- Communication materials
- Proposal outlines
- Engagement calendar
Regular progress reports on resource mobilization efforts, including:
- Information on donor contacts
- Summaries of meetings held
- Funding proposals submitted
A final evaluation report on the effectiveness of the resource mobilization strategy and recommendations going forward.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education ...

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Development, Public Administration, Finance or Environmental Management is required.
A Bachelor’s Degree in combination with an additional two years of experience at the professional level may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience

A minimum of 7 years’ progressively responsible experience in partnership development, partnership management, resource mobilization and/or fundraising in the context of climate action is required, preferably in low-carbon development is required.
Proven track record of successfully securing funding from a diverse range of funding sources is required.
Strong understanding of the global climate landscape, including key donors, funding mechanisms, and policy frameworks is required.

Established relationships with key donors and partners is an asset.

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level : ICS 11/IIC...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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. 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.

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APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.