Partnerships Specialist - Liaison

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to help implement projects that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of personnel, focusing on delivering sustainable solutions in areas such as infrastructure, health, and procurement. The organization aims to provide efficient and effective project management services, ensuring that development initiatives are aligned with the needs of the communities they serve. UNOPS is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to maximize impact and achieve development objectives.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Specialist - Liaison position is a mid-level role that involves managing and adapting partnership strategies to enhance UNOPS' relationships with the Government of Bangladesh. The Specialist will play a crucial role in identifying and developing new program opportunities, leveraging a strong existing network to align government policy priorities with UNOPS' strategic objectives in various sectors including procurement, infrastructure, project management, and fund management. This position requires a proactive approach to building and maintaining relationships with key government stakeholders, ensuring that UNOPS can effectively contribute to national development priorities. The Specialist will also be responsible for providing authoritative advice on established policies and procedures, solving complex problems, and ensuring reliable service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Partnerships Specialist - Liaison include:

• Liaising with Government of Bangladesh (GoB) counterparts to support the identification and development of program opportunities, focusing on procurement, infrastructure development, project management, and fund management.
• Developing, building, and strengthening strategic partnerships, while identifying and pursuing business opportunities according to the agreed work plan.
• Networking and solidifying relationships between UNOPS and the GoB.
• Coordinating and communicating with other stakeholders to highlight UNOPS' value addition and consolidate its profile in the country.
• Supporting UNOPS personnel and consultants by providing inputs through liaison with the GoB.
• Providing technical inputs for the development of UNOPS proposals.
• Assisting in the identification, design, formulation, and negotiation of new projects and programs.
• Securing GoB support for new initiatives and advising UNOPS Bangladesh on strategies for obtaining such support.
• Assisting ministries and other stakeholders with a focus on quality assurance and quality control of project documents. 1
• Undertaking other partnership duties as required. The Specialist is expected to work closely with priority ministries and other stakeholders to enhance UNOPS' impact in Bangladesh.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Partnerships Specialist - Liaison position include:

• An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in International Relations, Public Relations, Public Policy, Public Health, International Development, or a related field.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields, combined with an additional two years of relevant experience, may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Minimum five years of experience in government liaison with a focus on project or policy development or a related field.
• Proven experience coordinating work between different sectors and stakeholders, particularly with government networks.
• A track record of establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with senior officials in line ministries.
• Prior experience in quality assurance and quality control of project documents is an added advantage.
• Experience in the UN system is also a plus, as is experience in project design and/or project document development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in fields such as International Relations, Public Relations, Public Policy, Public Health, International Development, or related areas. Candidates with a first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in these fields, along with two additional years of relevant experience, may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and the specific challenges faced in partnership management.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Partnerships Specialist - Liaison position is a minimum of five years in government liaison roles, particularly focusing on project or policy development. Candidates should have experience coordinating efforts across different sectors and stakeholders, especially within government networks. A proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with senior officials in line ministries is crucial. Additionally, prior experience in quality assurance and quality control of project documents, as well as familiarity with the UN system, will be beneficial for candidates applying for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Bengali, both at a fluent proficiency level. This is essential for effective communication with government counterparts and stakeholders in Bangladesh. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is a retainer contract type (ICA - LICA - Specialist) with a contract level of LICA 1

• The duration of the contract is until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The Specialist is expected to perform services on a need basis, with a maximum of 30 days of work commencing in September 202
• The role is classified as mid-level, and the Specialist will report to the UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager. Monthly progress reports outlining activities and outputs will be required, and these reports will support the processing of invoices for payment of fees. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.