Partnerships Development Specialist

This function focuses on supporting and facilitating the identification of donor and client needs and positioning UNOPS as a partner of choice in project implementation practices. Activities include establishing contacts with potential clients and partners and organizing high-level meetings and negotiations; close interaction with country office staff to share information and knowledge, and to provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective client relations; identification of requirements and development and distribution of marketing materials, as well as any reports and publications required for existing and potential clients, donors and partners; review and comment on progress reports prepared by projects, and provision of advice as needed to improve content and quality; active marketing and promotion of UNOPS services by building a network of key business partners and clients, keeping abreast of market, social, economic, security and political trends across South East Asia and the Pacific; preparation of reports, briefs, concept notes, presentations, and similar support materials; development of UNOPS capacity statements for the various services provided by UNOPS; and close coordination with UNOPS HQ and the Asia Regional Office to tackle business case troubleshooting, and obtain approvals and clearances.

This function focuses on project design and production of project-related documents. Activities include scanning and assessment of business development opportunities; prioritization of business cases; business development planning; active participation in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects; drafting concept notes and project briefs and project initiation documents, with support from project and/or technical staff, for further discussion with clients and donors; preparation of business and project proposals for tenders or at donor’s requests; preparation of Expression of Interest letters for potential business when considered consistent with UNOPS’ mandate; drafting agreements and/or contractual documents for the implementation of new projects

This function focuses on application of UNOPS’ standards in project design, utilization of PRINCE2 approach, encouraging consistent working practices, and ensuring appropriate application of standards and templates. 

 Functional Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships of EAPMCO, and with a secondary reporting line to the Country Manager, the incumbent supports the identification, negotiation, and formulation of new development programmes for Lao PDR Government, and provides advice in the management and direction of strategic approaches when engaging senior Government counterparts. The Specialist also assists in the coordination of business development activities with UNOPS, Government stakeholders and project development consultants and recommends strategies for programme design and development. The Partnerships Development Specialist will also be an integral interface between UNOPS and the Government of Lao PDR, on a wide range of initiatives in the areas of ICT development, infrastructure, environmental management, health and other key priorities in line with the Governments’ mid term development plan and long term plans. In addition, the incumbent will support UNOPS in its Partnerships Development Activities across the wider MCO where his/her expertise may be required. 

Functional Responsibilities:

The incumbent will lead and coordinate several partnership development activities in Lao PDR in the areas of program management, fund management, infrastructure development, and procurement, and will support EAPMCO in the identification of potential collaborations with the Government and funding partners. 

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following: 

• EAPMCO Partnerships Development and Outreach
• Support EAPMCO in the implementation of the MCO’s partnerships development strategy with a focus on Lao PDR, building on current ongoing activities and programs,
• Support EAPMCO in promoting high visibility of UNOPS activities as per the EAPMCO Communications strategy, in collaboration with the UNOPS communications team.

Partnerships development (Lao PDR) :

• Develop, build and strengthen strategic partnerships, identify and pursue business opportunities as per the agreed work plan with the Head of Partnerships. Establish and maintain relations with Lao PDR based clients, government departments and funding partners,
• Network and solidify relationships between UNOPS and the Government of Lao PDR, and advise the Head of Partnerships, the Country Manager and UNOPS Senior Management on opportunities for engagement,
• Act as a key resource and interface between UNOPS and the Government of Lao PDR,
• Develop approaches and provide advice on establishing new partnerships in Lao PDR and across the MCO,
• Maintain close coordination of business development/external relations activities with relevant organizational stakeholders,
• Creation and harmonization of partnerships with governments, country and donor offices, and IFIs to identify and pursue business opportunities within UNOPS geographic and thematic scope, initiating the necessary associated arrangements,
• Support UNOPS in negotiating the most cost effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services with prospective clients and partners,
• Develop and manage partner relationships management intelligence,
• Assist partners in adapting/formulating project ideas and project proposals in accordance with UNOPS business patterns and practices,
• Develop capacity statements to better position UNOPS vis a vis partners,
• Active interaction with clients to solicit feedback and gauge client satisfaction and continued interest in UNOPS services,
• Represent UNOPS in negotiations, meetings and follow ups with funding partners, governments, clients and other parties, to ensure transparency of UNOPS services and costs,
• Develop and implement strategies and procedures for improving client relationships and services in view of actively pursuing partnership development opportunities
• Seamlessly share information across teams to ensure a fully coordinated approach to partnerships development across the MCO,
• Support the achievement of year on year Engagement Addition MCO targets,

Project identification:

• Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes, proposals and project briefs for discussion with partners,
• Provide in-depth evaluation of economic, political, social and other relevant reports to assess potential partnership opportunities and if needed submit analytical reports on outcomes and proposals for action,
• Identify potential markets and partners to pursue new/repeat business opportunities and ensure program growth.

Knowledge management :

• Collect, analyze and keep abreast of humanitarian and development trends and needs in Lao to identify areas of collaboration within UNOPS mandate,
• Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practices and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements in project development,
• Analyze markets for business development intelligence and opportunities (facilitate assessments of partner needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others),
• Support the development and distribution of marketing, communication and partner relationship management materials.

EAPMCO Coordination:

• Close interaction with operations staff to share information and knowledge and provide proactive support and follow up in building and maintaining effective partner relations,
• Collaborate with the EAPMCO Partnerships development team as necessary and support teams as required,
• Perform other duties as required in the framework of the incumbent’s responsibilities and as directed by the Head of Partnerships, with the aim of supporting EAPMCO’s expansion in-country and across the region.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education: 

• Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in International Relations, Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Sciences, Business Studies, Development Studies, Economics, Program Management, Law or related fields.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Experience: 

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant work experience in  business development, external relations, project or program management and program development, or related field/s in the development cooperation sector in combination with an advanced university degree or higher degrees is required,
• Experience working with other UN agencies, funding partners, Government and development stakeholders and forging productive working relationships is a strong asset,
• Experience in coordinating activities between different sectors and stakeholders, including Governments, International Financial Institutions, UN and other development partners is a strong asset,
• Experience in establishing and maintaining strong working relations with senior officials in line ministries is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Fluency in Lao is required

Source:  https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28108#1