Partnerships Specialist

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office oversees over 250 projects in 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO), based in Addis Ababa, supports health, agriculture, and economic development across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. UNOPS Sudan, established in 2005, contributes to humanitarian, recovery, and sustainable development efforts, enhancing access to water and strengthening health services.

Job Purpose

The Partnerships Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing partnership and programme development plans to expand UNOPS' portfolio and mobilize resources. This role focuses on cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with governments, UN agencies, donors, and other stakeholders to enhance UNOPS' positioning as a reliable development partner. The specialist ensures that all partnership initiatives align with UNOPS' global and regional priorities, contribute to sustainable results, and support the achievement of strategic objectives. The position plays a crucial role in identifying new opportunities, negotiating agreements, and translating them into actionable plans that meet country priorities and programme goals, ultimately contributing to sustainable development outcomes.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive partnership and programme development plans, analyzing the country context and identifying strategic opportunities. Monitor humanitarian and development trends to identify collaboration areas aligned with UNOPS' mandate. Research and track emerging trends to drive new partnerships and advise on framework agreements. Contribute to the identification, design, formulation, and negotiation of new projects and programmes, including drafting concept notes and project briefs. Manage partnership opportunities and engagement records, ensuring alignment with corporate guidelines. Coordinate technical and financial inputs and lead negotiations for new project proposals. Establish and strengthen partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, foundations, NGOs, and private-sector actors. Participate in inter-agency, donor, and government coordination forums, contributing to UN common planning processes. Implement standards, tools, and templates to enhance partnership and project development effectiveness, and contribute to knowledge sharing of best practices.

Work Experience

Requires relevant experience in international development, including executing partnership and programme development plans, project development, proposal writing, and establishing partnerships with diverse organizations. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries, as well as in development or humanitarian contexts, is desirable.

Skills

Business Expansion, Partnerships, Planning, Proposal Writing, Stakeholder Engagement

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