Partnerships Development Specialist, LICA-10, Vientiane, Lao PRD

South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia – 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises eight business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.

In 2023, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi-Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the Multi-Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

UNOPS in Lao PDR

Established in 2017, but with a portfolio tracing back to 2007, UNOPS Lao PDR provides expert support to the Government of Lao PDR to ensure sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure activities in projects. With funding from various partners, such as Japan, the US, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, the UK, and the Global Fund, UNOPS has implemented projects in the areas of health, rule of law, and sustainable tourism sectors. UNOPS EAPMCO is in the process of expanding its area of engagement in partnerships with different development partners, focussing on programs in the area of infrastructure development, fund management, and expert advice, with a focus on health, environment, governance, and digital transformations. For that, UNOPS is looking for qualified and committed experts who can contribute to fulfilling UNOPS mandate in the country and support the Government of Lao PDR in meeting its development aspirations.

The Partnerships and Outreach Unit at UNOPS EAPMCO

The Partnerships and Outreach Unit of the South East Asia and Pacific MCO, is established to support the external relations of the MCO, including fundraising, stakeholder management, donor and client liaising, business document preparation, funding acquisition, public relations and outreach functions of EAPMCO. The unit supports the Director of the MCO and Country Managers in formulating and implementing business development and communications strategies promoting UNOPS services to key external parties across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, North East Asia and the Pacific.

The EAPMCO Partnerships and Outreach Unit has the following functions:

1. Stakeholder Management, Liaising, and Communications:

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.

2. Project Development and Fundraising:

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.

3. Best Practice:

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:

1. 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.

2. 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,

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

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

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA Specialist
Contract level: ICS-10/LICA-10
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Duty Station: Vientiane, Lao PDR

MONTHLY FEE: USD $3,026.08 – $4,034.92 (depending on academic degree and experience)

Benefits and Entitlements

All ICA personnel benefit from UNOPS learning opportunities as well as a variety of family-friendly, work-life and well-being provisions at the workplace. Hardship leave is provided according to duty station classification.

Other benefits and entitlements are available for contracts with a minimum duration of 3 months. These include:

Leave

• Annual leave: 10 official UN holidays per year plus 2.5 additional days of accrued leave per month.
• Paid sick leave: 2 days of certified sick leave per month up to a maximum balance of 24 days, plus 6 uncertified sick days per year; depending on tenure, fee protection for longer periods of certified sick leave.
• Paid parental leave: Up to 26 weeks for eligible parents who give birth and 16 weeks for other eligible parents.

Medical coverage

• For LICA: applicable according to UNOPS Medical Corporate Plan, including medical and dental insurance.

Provident fund scheme

• For LICA: LICA holders on contracts of at least 3 months will join the UNOPS provident fund by contributing through deduction of their monthly fee.

Security

• All personnel regardless of contract modality are enrolled in the United Nations Security Management System for emergency relocation/evacuation.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Application open only to Lao PDR nationals or with valid residence.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.