Partnerships Senior Advisor (Retainer) MDB/IFI engagement support

Partnership and Liaison Group

PLG is dedicated to supporting our partners by providing services that increase the effectiveness of peace and security, humanitarian and development projects worldwide. To advance the 2030 Agenda – including supporting climate actions and promoting equal opportunities – UNOPS aims to engage in collaborative partnerships with a focus on sharing our expertise in infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources and financial services. PLG works with a variety of partners, from the UN family to governments, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector. UNOPS partners call on us to supplement their own capacities, improve efficiency and transparency, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness and ensure quality.

As a corporate function, PLG specifically:

• Leads on global partnership engagement and management

• Ensures that UNOPS strategic priorities are reflected across partnership engagements

• Serves as a resource for the Executive Office and UNOPS at large to advance on the UNOPS strategy through tailored data and analysis services

• Tasked to drive high level thought leadership on partnership diversification and growth 

• Steer partnership related policy discussions, including the development of corporate framework initiatives

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Director Partnership and Liaison Group, and in close cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Executive Director Delivery and Partnership, the Senior Advisor will provide technical expertise to PLG - and UNOPS overall- in strengthening and systematize its engagement with MDB’s with the aim of partnership growth and diversification based on UNOPS’ distinct value proposition in advancing on the global development agenda. The work of the Advisor will be informed by the UNOPS focus on supporting its eight Mission Hubs.

Additional expert support is needed to support PLG in developing an evidence based pathway for MDB and IFI engagement in terms of strategic priorities, trends and financing modalities and what the potential for synergies are with the UNOPS mission, its strategic priorities, comparative advantage and value addition. The advisor will be expected to identify concrete opportunities for piloting or scaling up initiatives or testing new financing modalities, particularly in regions and countries that are either mostly affected by fragility or where major markets are emerging as countries graduate into higher income status. Through his/her engagement, the Advisor will also build a better understanding of selected MDB’s about UNOPS by establishing channels of dialogue and cooperation. Similarly, UNOPS personnel will benefit from greater knowledge and technical guidance on working with selected MDB’s, as well as international IFI’s overall.

The expert should have a high level of expertise and professional experience in working with MDB’s, in both policy and operational roles.

1. Collect and analyse relevant data/information and prepare an assessment of MDB’s and how their respective policies and priorities are relevant to UNOPS and vice versa. 
2. Discuss and consult with senior leadership at HQ and Regional levels for developing a set of potential partnership opportunities, taking corporate and regional priorities and existing engagements into consideration.
3. Conceptualize, develop and initiate concrete opportunities that assist UNOPS to expand ongoing partnerships or that pilot and test new projects, including innovative ways of cooperating to achieve shared development priorities. 
4. Expand access to engage in dialogue to strengthen the understanding of the UNOPS’ value proposition among targeted MDB’s or IFI’s.

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience working for/with MDB’s, IFI’s or other financial institutions, philanthropies or the private sector is required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable policy frameworks related to international development financing and lending is required.

• Strong planning and conceptual skills to develop and draft strategies, frameworks and action plans is required.

• Proven track record of engaging in outreach and negotiations in a finance and/or development financing context is required.

• Proven records of building strong relationships and/or operate in an influential manner with gov authorities and/or UN officials is required;

• Ability to consistently exercise discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information is required

• 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 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.