Government and Industry Engagement Manager (Spectrum Certificates)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the United Nations and its partners in delivering sustainable development, UNOPS operates globally with a mission to help partners deliver impact worldwide. The organization has hubs in major cities including New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and employs a diverse workforce that collaborates across more than 130 countries. UNOPS focuses on various sectors such as project management, fund management, and operational support, working closely with governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Government and Industry Engagement Manager will play a crucial role in advancing connectivity through innovative spectrum management approaches. This position involves working closely with governments, regulators, and industry leaders to foster partnerships and facilitate the deployment of spectrum-use authorizations. The manager will be responsible for converting regulator demand into formal partnerships and operational deployments, leveraging existing technical assets and engagement materials. The role requires a strategic mindset to navigate complex regulatory environments and establish frameworks within the standards ecosystem. The manager will also engage with industry operators to build demand for dynamic spectrum access and collaborate with technology providers to enhance the project’s impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Government Engagement and Closing (approx. 50%): Manage the regulator pipeline from outreach to signed agreements, ensuring effective communication and negotiation with target authorities. Convert existing engagements into formal pilot agreements and expand to new markets. Oversee pilot relationships through their lifecycle, ensuring deliverables are met and findings are published.
• Industry and Operator Demand (approx. 20%): Build relationships with terrestrial operators seeking spectrum access, ensuring their needs are communicated to regulators. Develop partnerships with technology providers in dynamic sharing and unmanned systems.
• Standards and Ecosystem (approx. 15%): Collaborate with the CTO/Development team to advance telecom standards related to the certificate protocol. Participate in industry working groups and publish white papers to position the framework within recognized venues.
• Communications and Sustainability (approx. 15%): Coordinate the production of external communications, including blog posts and public documentation. Develop a sustainability model and cost-recovery fee schedule for the project. Monitor progress against deployment metrics and ensure compliance with project goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Economics, Law, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A first university degree in a relevant field combined with two additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant areas such as spectrum management, government relations, or technology business development.
• Proven track record of closing agreements with governments or regulators and experience in public-interest initiatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Telecommunications, Engineering, or International Relations. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional professional experience may be considered. This educational background is essential to understand the technical and regulatory aspects of spectrum management and digital inclusion initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to spectrum management, government engagement, or technology business development. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and successfully close agreements with government entities. Experience in public-interest initiatives and familiarity with spectrum policy and licensing practices are also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly for engaging with diverse stakeholders across different countries.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is ICA - IICA - Regular, with a contract level of IICA

• The position is classified at a mid-level seniority (ICS 10) and is expected to last until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on final candidates to ensure a safe and respectful workplace.