Partnerships Advisor

The Partnerships Advisor is a member of the Amman Operational Hub’s Senior Management team, with responsibility for programme development and partnerships.  The position is based in Amman, Jordan with frequent travel. Under the strategic guidance of the Amman Hub Director, the Partnerships Advisor is responsible for developing and implementing the sub-regional business development strategy and donor and client coordination   The Partnerships Advisor provides situation analyses, donor mapping and programme development  in partnership with UNOPS’ existing and potential partners, including national governments, UN System, Donors and NGOs. The Partnerships Advisor demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity in the development of strategic programmes and direction for UNOPS implementation and business advisory services for the region; and initiates/leads creative responses in light of the evolving situation on the ground.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

Guide and coordinate the expansion of UNOPS operations and services:

• Under the direction of the Amman Hub Director develops future growth and expansion plans for the UNOPS programmes and ensures that those plans conform to the overall strategic plan of the region and the organization; 

• Develops and maintains close working relationships and serves as a focal point for donors and local authorities and implementing partners to promote UNOPS as a credible partner in programme management and other related services, as well as expanding its strategic partnership instruments;

• Identifies and develops potential new project and partnership opportunities related to UNOPS’ services and supports in preparing and delivering complex proposals and partnerships within UNOPS focus areas. while focusing on strategic partnerships and diverse funding sources.

Build and maintain strong partnerships  with governments, UN agencies, donors and NGOs: 

• Actively pursues new project and partnership opportunities and participates in meetings and negotiations with donors/clients to ensure the most cost effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services;.

• support partners in examining all available options for effective project implementation and achievement of results while promoting national ownership;

• Participates at Inter-Agency planning and cluster meetings for the UN System development and humanitarian plans; 

• Ensures disciplined approach to business case development which balances costs and revenues, within the mandate and spirit of the United Nations and the Pricing Policy of UNOPS; 

• Focuses on client services, keeping them informed of portfolio progress and results achievement through provision of verbal and written periodic reports; 

• Interacts actively with clients to solicit feedback and gauge client satisfaction.

Guide programme development and results monitoring:

• Ensure programmes/projects developed are in line with the Results Based Management (RBM) principles;

• Provides inputs and suggestions on all aspects related to the project formulation phase and analyzes implementation approaches for soundness, sustainability, gender mainstreaming, feasibility, resource availability and cost implications;

• Supports the formulation of projects results frameworks, ensuring together with Project Managers, the establishment of measurable long/short term targets for performance monitoring;

Personnel Management 

• Lead and motivate the partnerships team

• Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established 

• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely

• Select, recruit and train a team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.

• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.

• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

• Facilitates work and shares knowledge and expertise in Partnerships and Project Development; institutionalized knowledge sharing within the section;

• Performs any other duties such as acting as OIC.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, International Development Studies, International relations or related field is required.

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in partnerships development, resource mobilization, donor and external relations and inter-agency coordination is required. 
• At least 3 years of team supervision and management experience is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with a network of UN agencies, development partners, governments and donors is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of UN programming, inter-agency coordination and joint programming is preferred. 
• Previous experience in the development and/or humanitarian sector in the Middle East region is preferred. 
• Knowledge of infrastructure, project management and/ or procurement projects is desirable.

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage.

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (FTA)
Contract level: P4
Contract duration: Fixed-term staff contracts - '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.

• Amman is a UN Family Duty Station.

• 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.