Partnerships Specialist , UNOPS , United States
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Location:
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Salary:negotiable / YEAR
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Job type:FULL_TIME
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Posted:5 months ago
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Category:Partnership and Resource Mobilization, Programme and Project Management
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Deadline:07/08/2024
JOB DESCRIPTION
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
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.
JOB SUMMARY
*Even though the duty station is indicated as New York, USA, consideration may be given to allow the position to be home-based, depending on the incumbent’s personal situation. For home-based positions, a location-specific fee scale is applied in determining the contractor’s fee.
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 organisations. 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 New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations. It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serves partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
The Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio includes various initiatives in priority areas such as climate, environment, and youth engagement, in support of the 2030 Agenda. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs related to political affairs, peacebuilding, and counter-terrorism among others.
Under the supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager, the Project Development Specialist is responsible for facilitating the development and operationalization of new programmes and projects. This includes engaging with partners, writing project proposals, developing budgets and operational plans, and managing the first phase of project implementation.
Summary of functions:
- Project Development and partnerships
- Project Management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Knowledge management and innovation
1. Project Development and partnerships
- Support project development, including the preparation of concept notes, proposals, legal agreements, budgets, and project documents.
- Analyse opportunities and risks during development, providing advice to management within the context and framework of proposed solutions.
- Support negotiations with partners and consultations with beneficiaries by facilitating the finalization of concept notes and project proposals in a context-sensitive and results-oriented manner.
- Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s).
- Facilitate the review and approval of new projects by ensuring the use of UNOPS updated policies and procedures and liaising with headquarters for requesting clarifications and permissions.
- Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.
- Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
- Identify potential opportunities for UNOPS involvement.
2. Project Management
- Manage the initial stages of project implementation
- Oversee the recruitment of the project team
- Set up the project in the UNOPS system
- Initiate procurement and other activities as needed
3. Stakeholder engagement
- Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders.
- Support stakeholder engagement and communication, monitoring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Monitor that stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs.
4. Knowledge management and innovation
- Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
- Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices.
- Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
- Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.
- Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
Impact of Results
The Project Management Support – Specialist directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.
Monitoring and progress control
- A work plan will be developed based on the UNOPS Performance Evaluation Report (PER) cycle and serve as the overarching document to monitor progress and record performance.
- Regular meetings with the supervisor.
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in administration, development studies, political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration, or a related field is required.
- First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree.
- Certification in Project Management (Prince2, PMI, etc.) is an asset.
Work Experience
Required experience:
- At least five (5) years of experience implementing projects/programmes in the area of international development.
- Minimum of three (3) years experience developing or implementing projects/programmes for international organizations.
Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
- Specific Experience in partnerships, development of project proposals, budgets and legal agreements is an asset
- Experience within the UN system is an asset.
Language requirements
- Fluency in oral and written English is required;
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.
| 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. |
| 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Retainer – A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2)
Even though the duty station is indicated as New York, USA, consideration may be given to allow the position to be home-based, depending on the incumbent’s personal situation. For home-based positions, a location-specific fee scale is applied in determining the contractor’s fee.
Contract duration: 1 year with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and necessity of services.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- 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.
How to Apply
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Step 2: Click the APPLY FOR JOB button at the end of this job advert.
Step 3: After going to parent website, please read instructions carefully and ensure you apply as soon as possible.
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