Partnerships Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. UNOPS operates in over 40 countries, with a significant presence in Africa, where it oversees more than 250 projects. The organization is committed to sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, working closely with governments, donors, and UN entities. UNOPS aims to foster socio-economic development, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings, by promoting excellence in project delivery and driving continuous improvement in resource management.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Associate role is pivotal in managing the entire process of partnership development, resource mobilization, and project identification within the North Africa Multi-Country Office (NAMCO). This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about contributing to socio-economic development in North Africa. The Partnerships Associate will be responsible for identifying new project opportunities, developing compelling proposals, and ensuring the integrity of the partnership development process from inception to engagement. This role provides exposure to diverse stakeholders and high-impact projects within a dynamic UN environment, requiring strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate effectively with various partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Development and Positioning of UNOPS: Support the identification and development of new projects aligned with UNOPS' mandate. Conduct research and analysis of development priorities and donor strategies to identify potential areas for engagement. Prepare project development documents such as expressions of interest and proposals. Liaise with internal teams and prospective partners to gather information and contribute to project concepts. Maintain up-to-date information on prospective projects and opportunities.
• Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Identify and analyze potential funding and partnership opportunities with various stakeholders. Contribute to the implementation of partnership and resource mobilization priorities. Maintain an overview of key partners and donor priorities. Assist in preparing materials for donor meetings and support the development of partnership opportunities from identification to project development.
• Strategic Planning: Support the development and implementation of strategic positioning and resource mobilization priorities. Analyze development trends and government priorities to identify potential areas for UNOPS engagement. Prepare strategic briefings and contribute to internal coordination on partnerships and resource mobilization.
• Communication and Knowledge Management: Provide communication support to partnership activities, ensuring UNOPS' capabilities and project results are effectively communicated. Document and disseminate project results and lessons learned. Support the organization of knowledge-sharing events and prepare meeting minutes and action summaries.

Required Qualifications:
Completion of Secondary School education with 6 years of relevant experience, or a Technical/Professional Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 2 years of relevant experience. Candidates with an Undergraduate degree or Technical/Professional License must have 2 and 1 year of relevant experience respectively. A Master's degree is acceptable with no prior experience required. Relevant experience should include partnership development, resource mobilization, or project management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a minimum of a Secondary School education, with various levels of experience required depending on the educational qualifications. A Technical/Professional Diploma, Bachelor's degree, or Master's degree can substitute for years of experience, allowing for a range of educational backgrounds to be considered for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, or project management is required for candidates with a Secondary School Diploma. Candidates with higher educational qualifications may require fewer years of experience, with a focus on direct engagement with internal and external partners, including governments and international donors. Experience in professional proposal writing is essential, and previous experience in North Africa is desired.

Languages:
Fluency in English, French, and Arabic is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in these languages, as they will be essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Associate level (ICS 06) and is a full-time role under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) for a duration of one year. The application deadline is set for midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks will be conducted for final candidates, and UNOPS has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.