Director, Brussels Partnerships Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to implementing projects for the UN and its partners. Established to provide project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS aims to help organizations deliver their mandates in a sustainable and efficient manner. With a presence in over 80 countries, UNOPS employs thousands of personnel and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS is committed to promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the capacity of its partners to deliver impactful results.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Brussels Partnerships Office plays a pivotal role in leading UNOPS' strategic engagement with key partners, particularly the European Union and its member states. This position is responsible for driving high-impact partnerships that enhance UNOPS' positioning, facilitate portfolio growth, and ensure effective mission delivery. The Director will manage relationships with key partners, oversee partnership development, and engage in opportunity development to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding initiatives. This role requires a deep understanding of the partner landscape, strategic thinking, and the ability to foster collaboration across various sectors. The Director will also be responsible for modeling UNOPS values and fostering an inclusive team culture, ensuring that the office operates effectively and efficiently in alignment with UNOPS' strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Alignment and Direction: Contribute to the Partnerships and Futures Group (PFG) strategy and planning by providing insights from key partner relationships. Analyze and report on partner portfolios, including risks and opportunities, to support decision-making. Advise regional and country offices on partner engagement to enhance organizational capability.
• Key Partner Strategy and Positioning: Develop and implement strategies for key partners, ensuring alignment with Partner Segment Strategies. Champion strategic partnerships through networking and effective communication of UNOPS' value proposition.
• Key Partner Engagement and Representation: Engage with senior officials in partner organizations, representing UNOPS in external meetings and forums. Lead consultations with key partners to deepen understanding of priorities and strategic opportunities.
• People Leadership: Foster a culture of trust and accountability within the Brussels Partnerships Office, promoting diversity and inclusion. Manage and develop a flexible workforce to ensure optimum performance.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Lead the sharing of knowledge related to key partners across the organization, contributing to continuous improvement in partner engagement. Support capacity building for personnel and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic and managerial leadership within international development, business development, or program management in large international organizations. Experience in multicultural environments or within the UN system is highly desirable, as is experience in development or humanitarian contexts. Candidates should also have a proven track record of partnering with the public sector on significant projects.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. Relevant fields may include international relations, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees are highly regarded and may substitute for years of experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in strategic leadership roles, particularly in international development or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required for those with a Master's degree, while those with a Bachelor's degree should have at least 12 years. Experience in managing partnerships and engaging with high-level stakeholders is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to drive programmatic success in complex environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French is desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as the role involves engagement with diverse stakeholders across Europe.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at the Executive Level (D-1) and is a full-time staff position with an initial contract duration of 2 years, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. UNOPS is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment, and background checks will be conducted for all final candidates. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date.