Director, Washington Liaison Office (ICS13)

Job Posting Organization:
The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) is a key component of UNOPS, which focuses on developing and expanding partnerships across the UN system and with member states. Established to enhance UNOPS' positioning globally, PLG operates through a network of liaison offices and a partnerships development team based in Copenhagen. The organization aims to strengthen collaboration with key global partners and support operational strategies across various regions. The Washington Liaison Office specifically engages with US-based stakeholders, including the US Government and the World Bank Group, to foster strategic partnerships and influence funding and policy decisions.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Washington Liaison Office is responsible for providing strategic leadership in engaging with Washington-based stakeholders, ensuring that UNOPS is positioned as a trusted partner. This role involves overseeing partnership development, executing engagement strategies, and advising senior leadership on partnership strategies. The incumbent will represent UNOPS at high-level meetings, coordinate engagement across multiple sectors, and support the development of governance mechanisms for high-risk portfolios. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for collaboration and ensuring that UNOPS aligns with the priorities of US-based funders and policy makers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will lead institutional-level representation of UNOPS with US Government leadership and other key stakeholders, drive the long-term partnership vision, and coordinate engagement across various sectors. Responsibilities include establishing mechanisms for tracking development priorities, championing UNOPS capabilities in global platforms, collaborating with HQ teams to refine partnership frameworks, and advising on implications of partner decisions. The role also involves engaging senior officials on UNOPS' strategic plan, facilitating high-level consultations, and ensuring systematic follow-up on partnership meetings. The Director will foster a culture of trust and accountability within the Washington Liaison Office, promote teamwork, and oversee the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of personnel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with ten years of relevant experience, or a First level University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with twelve years of relevant experience. A minimum of ten years in strategic and managerial leadership roles in international development or business development is required, along with at least three years of senior leadership experience. Experience in developing countries and hardship environments is desirable, as is experience partnering with the public sector on high-relevance projects.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) is required, or a First level University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with extensive relevant experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in international development, business management, or a related field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of experience in strategic and managerial leadership within international development, business development, or program management. Candidates should have at least three years of senior leadership experience, including managing financial sustainability and supervising senior staff. Experience in developing countries and hardship environments is a plus, as is experience with public sector partnerships.

Languages:
Full working knowledge of English is essential for this role. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is a Staff Contract at the D-1 level (ICS13), initially for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the assessment process for shortlisted candidates. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals.