Partnerships Advisor [IFIs] – Lumpsum contract
JOB DETAIL
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. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian, and development projects. 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.
New York Portfolio 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 was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) to implement the project activities for the Partnership Facility on behalf of the PBSO.
The Partnership Facility, established under the Peacebuilding Fund in 2019, seeks to advance the strategic partnership between the UN and the World Bank as well as other IFIs, in crisis affected situations through small grants to UN entities for dedicated capacities co-located between UN, WB or other IFIs as well as shared analyses, data, and analytical processes, including deep dives, to contribute towards establishing a common and shared understanding of multidimensional risks and root causes of fragility and conflict and identify and address gaps in planning, resources allocation, and programming, amongst UN and IFI country leadership.
Spotlight Initiative is a flagship programme of the UN Secretary-General and a demonstration fund for the Development Reform of the United Nations. Spotlight Initiative represents one of the largest targeted efforts to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Unique to the Initiative is a whole-of-society approach that places ending gender-based violence at the heart of national development priorities and gives local communities the tools they need to address violence in their specific context. The model simultaneously works to address laws and policies, strengthen institutions and data collection, promote gender-equitable attitudes and provide quality services for survivors of violence and their families. Perhaps most critically, Spotlight Initiative invests deeply in a new way of partnering with civil society, including peacebuilding actors, and women’s movements at every level, strengthening transformative results, sustainability, and civic space.
In Spotlight Initiative’s second phase (launched in early 2024), the initiative is expanding its partnerships to include a number of different funding partners, including bilateral actors, multilaterals (including international financial institutions), and the private sector, among others. Spotlight Initiative has had positive discussions with the World Bank, building on the existing “Troika” format between the European Union International Partnerships Commissioner, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, and the World Bank Managing Director.
The primary purpose of the consultancy is to support the engagement of Spotlight Initiative with the World Bank by developing a World Bank – Spotlight Initiative Engagement Strategy, including specific elements aimed at strengthening collaboration on Women, Peace, and Security in FCV settings. This includes addressing gendered dynamics of conflict especially as related to GBV, women’s protection and meaningful participation. This also includes a logical framework, budget (for planned activities for future resource planning), and a timeline to deliver on the activities, to be summarized in a Strategy Document and a PowerPoint slide deck.
In addition, the consultant will develop a strategy for engaging other IFIs, including regional development banks. This strategy will comprise an initial mapping of IFIs, IFI priorities, and potential entry points for Spotlight Initiative to engage with IFIs, primarily through engagement at HQ level, but also providing strategic advice at country and regional levels (including in FCV settings) to aid in the development of new programmes.
Finally, the consultant – through engagement with the initiative’s programme and partnerships team – will present to UN Country Teams (3 regionally focused presentations), sharing guidance on how best to engage the World Bank and other country-level stakeholders. This will include a virtual presentation for UNCTs engaged with Spotlight Initiative programme development and concrete guidance, by way of an information note, to be shared with UNCTs on programme development aligned to Bank gender priorities, including priorities linked to FCV settings (referencing the World Bank Gender Strategy, Approach paper on Gender in FCV settings, and the IDA ‘Lenses’ paper).
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The services requested are expected to be provided between 1 October and 20 December 2024.
Develops global World Bank–Spotlight Initiative Engagement Strategy (through 2030), including a logical framework, budget, and a timeline for deliverables and actions, including those linked to key moments and events (Bank Annual Meetings, Spring Meetings, Fragility Forum, FFD conference, UNGA, etc.)
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Political Science, International Development, International Relations, Development Economics, Public Administration or any other relevant field
- A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
Required experience:
- At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, developing, and implementing development programmes focused on promoting gender equality and eliminating violence against women and girls is mandatory.
Desirable experience (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
- Experience working with multiple partners including, government, civil society organizations, donors, and UN Agencies is an asset.
- Strong knowledge of the World Bank and experience engaging with International Financial Institutions.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the key principles and parameters of the Spotlight Initiative is recommended.
- Knowledge of national policy, legal and institutional frameworks related to gender equality and women’s empowerment is an asset.
- Knowledge and solid experience with results-based management is an asset.
- Previous experience working with the Spotlight Initiative or on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda is an advantage.
- Previous experience working in Humanitarian-Development-Peacebuilding collaboration contexts is an advantage.
- Excellent analytical skills with strong drive for results and capacity to work independently is an asset.
- Knowledge of national policy, legal and institutional frameworks related to gender equality and women’s empowerment
Language requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
- Fluency in another official UN language, especially French, is advantageous.
| 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Lumpsum – A Lumpsum contract is issued to engage an individual to produce a defined output or product within a specific time frame (e.g. a document, an evaluation, or to conduct a training course) in which case payment for those services will be made as a lump sum upon completion and handover of the product.
Contract level: IICA 3 (ICS 11)
Contract duration: Until 20 December 2024.
Duty station: Home based
As home-based position, it may be the responsibility of the selected candidate to make arrangements, to a standard deemed acceptable by UNOPS, for a secure internet connections, laptop and/or equipment necessary for work (as defined by UNOPS).
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. 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.
