Partnerships & Programme Support Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to help partners implement projects that improve people's lives and contribute to sustainable development. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and has a workforce of more than 20,000 personnel. The organization focuses on infrastructure, procurement, and project management interventions, aiming to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and facilitating their EU accession. UNOPS plays a crucial role in the humanitarian-development nexus, particularly in response to crises such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships & Programme Support Advisor position is a senior role within the UNOPS Country Office in Ukraine, responsible for leading partnerships development and program support initiatives. The advisor will work under the guidance of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and in close coordination with the Head of Programme and the Partnerships Group. The primary function of this role is to develop and implement a comprehensive partnerships development strategy that aligns with UNOPS's strategic objectives. This includes engaging with various stakeholders, including national governments, UN agencies, donors, and NGOs, to identify partnership opportunities and ensure effective project formulation and implementation. The advisor will also oversee internal coordination between business development, program, and support functions to facilitate timely project setup and delivery, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and performance standards. The role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex political and operational landscapes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Partnerships & Programme Support Advisor include:

• Leading the development of a comprehensive partnerships development strategy in collaboration with the Country Director and Head of Programme.
• Advising the Office Senior Management Team on the implementation of the partnerships strategy and supporting project development planning processes.
• Conducting research and analysis of donor strategies and programming priorities to identify funding opportunities.
• Leading the partnerships team to establish and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including governments, UN agencies, and NGOs.
• Participating in inter-agency planning meetings and contributing to the harmonization of policies within the UN System.
• Ensuring that projects developed align with Results-Based Management principles and establishing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Providing strategic oversight across the project lifecycle and ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and quality standards.
• Leading and mentoring the Partnerships and Programme Unit to achieve strategic priorities and performance indicators.
• Implementing knowledge management practices to enhance project and partnership development capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Partnerships & Programme Support Advisor position include:

• A Master’s Degree in International Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field combined with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in partnerships development, project support, resource mobilization, and donor relations within international development contexts.
• Experience in project development, proposal writing, and inter-agency coordination is highly desired.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments and build effective partnerships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as International Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field along with two additional years of relevant work experience may be considered acceptable. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and the operational frameworks within which UNOPS operates.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Partnerships & Programme Support Advisor position is significant, with a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in relevant fields. This experience should encompass partnerships development, project support, resource mobilization, and donor relations, particularly in international development, conflict, or humanitarian contexts. Candidates with experience in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECR) region will have an advantage. Additionally, experience in project management and inter-agency coordination within the UN System is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to work effectively in complex and dynamic environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNOPS and with external partners. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the region, would be considered an asset, enhancing the advisor's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate effective communication.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), specifically at the International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA3/ICS11) level. The contract duration is open-ended, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. It is important to note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Additionally, all personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their work.