Partnership Development Advisor

Peace and Security Cluster

Based in New York and operating in 20+ countries, the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a team within the Global Portfolios Office (GPO). For nearly 30 years, PSC has provided portfolio, programme and project management services in the area of the delivery of gender-responsive humanitarian mine action, and the broader area of explosive threat management. Within this field, PSC has consistently been at the forefront of the response to the changing security landscape in peacekeeping, conflict, and post-conflict contexts, demonstrating agility and capacity to deliver context-specific and impact-oriented support to affected communities worldwide. 

Under the direct supervision of the PSC Director, the Partnership Development Advisor will play a pivotal role in advancing PSC’s strategic engagement in the peace and security sector, encompassing (but not limited to) the explosive threat management (including mine action), rule of law, security sector reform, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, mediation and counter-terrorism. The incumbent's work will include cross-cutting considerations for inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainable approaches. 

The Partnership Development Advisor is critical for implementing PSC’s vision of acting as UNOPS’ global knowledge and resource platform for peace and security, by:

• Serving as a delivery platform for global partners seeking a streamlined approach and a one-stop shop to bridge policy and implementation gaps; and

• Leveraging PSC’s global expertise to support country-specific initiatives led by UNOPS Regional and Multi/Country Offices.

 Summary of Key Functions 

1. Partnership, Business acquisition and growth. 

2. Knowledge management, innovation and technical support. 

3. Efficient partner relationships, communications and organizational work ethics and culture. 

• Lead and coordinate the formulation and implementation of PSC’s Partnership/Business development strategy and associated plans. 

• Lead and coordinate donor and partner mapping exercises covering the development, humanitarian and peace operations landscape. 

• Advise the PSC Director and Senior Management Team on the possibilities for UNOPS strategic positioning, vis-à-vis the potential partners. 

• Lead and coordinate the preparation and delivery of substantive briefs on specific partners or partnership development thematics, UNOPS strategic positioning, and partnership opportunities. 

• Establish working relationships with key potential partners and attend relevant meetings to position UNOPS as a partner of choice. 

• Lead, manage and coordinate agreement negotiations, drafting of capacity statements, concept notes, project proposals, budget and other partnership and programme development communication. 

• Identify regional and global events relevant to the partnership's development and define and organize the Cluster's presence and positioning at these events. 

• Coordinate and maintain regular communication with the (Corporate) Partnership and Liaison Group (PLG) in UNOPS HQ in Copenhagen.

• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant partnerships and programme personnel at the country, regional and UNOPS HQ level, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners, including to forge stronger internal collaboration. 

2. Knowledge management, innovation and technical support, including the following responsibilities: 

• Advise on the policy-level issues related to partnerships and programme development for UNOPS PSC. 

• Assess and keep abreast of the innovation and emerging trends in the global and regional peace and security spheres, as related to UNOPS services. 

• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learnt as related to partnership and programme development. 

• Implement standards, tools and templates provided by PLG to effectively manage partnership and programme development within PSC. 

• Contribute to UNOPS capacity development as related to partnerships, including promoting learning, coaching and mentoring the team members, field personnel on UNOPS policy and practices for effective management of partnerships. 

• Participate in and conduct the relevant training for the operations/projects personnel, and participate in field missions, as required. 

• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice. 

• Pursue broader partnerships with the academia, think tanks, and the private sector to develop and contribute to the agenda of innovating across humanitarian, development and peace operations. 

• Supervise the activities of personnel within the team.

3. Efficient partner relationships, communication and organizational work ethics and culture, including the following responsibilities:

• Actively engage with partners to solicit feedback and gauge their satisfaction with UNOPS services. Coordinate implementation of partner surveys. 

• Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with PLG and CG, when required. 

• Ensure participation and visibility of PSC at key events in the peace and security sector. This includes overseeing the creation of speeches, reports, and communication materials.

• On behalf of the PSC Director, participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings, international conferences, summits, etc. 

• Actively engage with UNOPS internal stakeholders. 

• Demonstrate professional and personal ethics, transparency, and openness. 

• Perform other related duties as required.

• Advanced university degree (master degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; OR

• First level university degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience is required. 

• PRINCE2® Foundation Certication and PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification are desired.

• At least 2 years of in-depth experience working on humanitarian/development issues, and donor and sectoral trends, with emphasis on deep understanding of the peace and security partner/donor landscape is required.

• Experience both in the field in an emergency context and at HQs is desired.

• Experience in international organizations, particularly current and targeted partners in the peace and security sector (e.g., donor governments, regional entities, UN, private sector) is desired.

• Fluency in English (read/speak/write) is required.

• Knowledge of other UN languages is desired. 

• 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. 

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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 

• 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.

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA-3 (LICA-11, P4 equivalent)
Contract duration: Ongoing (subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance)