Partnerships Advisor

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Regional Office for Africa, based in Nairobi, oversees over 250 projects in 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected contexts. It drives national priorities through strategic initiatives in climate action, health, infrastructure, peace, security, and support for middle-income countries and Small Island Developing States. The office provides strategic leadership and operational support, contributing to sustainable infrastructure and improved quality of life across the continent.

Job Purpose

The Partnerships Advisor provides high-level strategic support to the UNOPS office in Madagascar. This role focuses on refining the understanding of national strategic priorities, facilitating high-level dialogues, identifying partnership opportunities, and guiding advocacy efforts with the government and financial partners. The objective is to optimize UNOPS' contribution and impact on Madagascar's sustainable development. The advisor will guide the partnerships team and related roles, collaborating closely with the leadership team to develop and implement the partnership strategy. Key activities include providing situation analyses, stakeholder mapping, and technical support for program formulation, leveraging their network to enhance communication between the government, UNOPS, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The Partnerships Advisor is responsible for strategic planning and partnership development, including advising on a comprehensive partnership strategy aligned with UNOPS' global and regional plans. This involves analyzing national and regional development landscapes, identifying key partners, and strategically positioning UNOPS for high-value interventions. The role includes advising leadership on strategy implementation and project development, researching donor strategies, and promoting a results-focused approach to partnerships. In stakeholder engagement, the advisor will support the partnerships team in building and maintaining strong relationships with governments, UN agencies, donors, and the private sector. They will also mentor partnership officers, collaborate with communications for external positioning, lead key negotiations, and coordinate/coach relevant staff. The advisor will represent UNOPS in high-level meetings, participate in inter-organizational planning, and contribute to UN system harmonization. Monitoring and reporting involve ensuring compliance with results-based management, establishing appropriate monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and preparing timely reports. The advisor will also guide project identification, formulation, and support, including concept notes and proposals, and contribute to knowledge management and innovation by implementing best practices and enhancing partnership capabilities.

Work Experience

Relevant experience includes work in international development, executing partnership and program development plans, project development, proposal writing, and establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector entities. Experience working with the Government of Madagascar, in multicultural environments, or within UN system organizations in a developing country is desirable.

Skills

International Business Development, Partnerships, Planning, Proposal Writing, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking

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