Head, Northern Europe Partnerships Office

Organizational Context

The Northern Europe Partnerships Office, based in Copenhagen, serves as UNOPS' central hub for strategic engagement with key partners in Northern Europe, including the UK and Ireland. It focuses on deepening collaborations with governmental entities through partnership and opportunity development, portfolio management, and strategic communications. The office enhances UNOPS' positioning as a trusted partner for humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding initiatives.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Director of the Partnerships and Futures Group, the Head of the Partnerships Office provides senior leadership, embodying UNOPS values and fostering a high-performing team. This role is crucial for managing and expanding relationships with key partners, driving partnership and opportunity development to increase the scale and speed of impact. The position reinforces UNOPS' reputation as a key resource for partner implementation capacity. Accountable for growing the volume and value of partner engagements, the Head ensures mission-led intent in partnerships and opportunity development, improving conversion rates and enhancing partner satisfaction with UNOPS' service delivery.

Responsibilities

The role involves contributing to strategic planning by providing partner insights, analyzing key partner portfolios for risks and opportunities, and advising on partner engagement to build organizational capability. It requires developing and implementing partner strategies, championing strategic partnerships through networking and communication of UNOPS' value proposition, and representing UNOPS in external forums. Key responsibilities include serving as the primary contact point for partners, facilitating senior-level consultations, leading opportunity development, and managing global Framework Agreements and MOUs. Additionally, the position entails fostering a culture of trust, diversity, and accountability within the team, managing staff, ensuring ethical resource use, and leading knowledge sharing on best practices and innovation in partner engagement.

Work Experience

Required experience includes strategic and managerial leadership in international development, business development, operations, or program management within a large international organization. Significant experience is needed in relationship management, partner engagement, and leading opportunity/business development processes. Experience working in multicultural environments is also required. Desired experience includes partnering with the public sector, working in development or humanitarian contexts, and experience within UN system organizations.

Skills

Business Relationship Management, Growth Strategies, Intergovernmental Affairs, International Business Development, Key Account Development, Market Intelligence, Strategic Partnerships, Partner Development, Strategic Thinking.

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