Project Development Analyst

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS has been selected as one of the main implementing partners on a new peace programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Together with the Congolese government, KfW Development Bank

• supports the “Peace Fund” to help stabilize and bring peace to the country. The bilateral programme “Fund for Peacebuilding – FCP1 “, which has been supported by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank since 2007, is intended to help promote lasting peace, particularly in the eastern DRC.
• The project rationale is centered around supporting the peace efforts and initiatives in Eastern DRC through social infrastructures in order to 1. Facilitate access to social services and economic opportunities for the beneficiaries and 2. Use the infrastructure as a way to build and/or reinforce peace and social cohesion within communities and regions, which will ultimately provide further economic and social opportunities for the targeted regions.
• Another infrastructure project funded by the World Bank is being negotiated with the donor and government partners, will be implemented in the Est DRC, and requires knowledge on peace and security.
• Meanwhile UNOPS is expanding its offices in the Central African region, specifically in Burundi and Rwanda.
• To expand our work in these countries, by strengthening our value proposition, fortifying our internal capacity to respond rapidly to funders’ and government’s requests, enhancing our added value UNOPS is recruiting two Project development Analysts to support the development of technical project proposals that will help to build further the portfolio in DRC, and Burundi.
• The Project Development Analyst serves as a technical analyst, researcher, reviewer and advisor in support of the development of this new KFW funded project which is not fully developed yet. The project development analyst will contribute to the full fledged development of the new project proposal and do the required research so as to ensure that technical, peacebuilding and human rights activities and basic rural infrastructural services and products are designed and developed in accordance to customer and UNOPS expectations.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Multi-country Office Director and  Head of Partnerships for the Multi-country Office, the Project Development Analysts will conduct technical analyses, inputs and reviews for developing project documents and proposals in the area of (but not limited to) peace and security, environment, agriculture, water, energy; particularly solar systems and mini grids. The Project Development Analysts will work in close collaboration with the Partnership Development Unit team, Programme and project teams in CDMCO, for successful programme and project development activities to include their technical reviews and analyses. 

Development and follow up of business opportunities

• Contributes to the development of the funded project proposal
• Meets with key project partners to help develop the project proposal (Gov’t, donors, NGOs, civil Society etc.)
• Contributes and supports the development and implementation of CDMCO projects and  business strategy, if required
• Conducts research on peacebuilding initiatives in eastern DRC, including with UN and other agencies, trends in aid, potential future markets for growth, creating criteria for selecting target markets and partners, comparison of donor types
• Synthesizes and summarizes information relevant to business development and prepare relevant reports, briefing notes/talking points/presentations and other materials for internal and external use
• Advocates UNOPS as a partner and service provider of choice
• Supports development of strategic partnerships with key counterparts and business opportunities
• Maintain and develop contacts and partnerships within the donor community (UN agencies, donor governments, donor organizations, etc.), monitor communications, follow-up activities and proposal submissions;

Project Support

• Prepares project documents, legal agreements, budgets and support engagement clearance. Assists the preparation of meetings and events, draft talking points, and meeting minutes
• Supports CDMCO management in project compliance and quality assurance, by providing up to date analysis of project progress, by facilitating project board meetings and by keeping track of performance vs portfolio Key Performance Indicators – KPIs.
• Collaborates with business area teams to understand project requirements, shape the initial project request, and provide a high-level estimate of the project effort and costs
• Support to internal coordination of corporate and strategic initiatives, planning and reporting and knowledge sharing and communications

Support communication and knowledge management

• Promote the circulation of information within CDMCO and its clusters , in order to support knowledge management and create cross synergies within CDMCO Clusters.
• Produce communications and visibility materials of CDMCO on websites

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Supports preparation of the monthly KPI reports as per CDMCO target agreement
• Support the periodic updates on the progress of action plans
• Provides ad hoc research on potential business partners

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable economic development, economics, human rights, international relations, law or related areas
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with 2 years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• At least two (2) years in project development, Peace and Security, Human rights projects, partnerships, or resource mobilization is required for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in development or economic research and management is desirable.
• Experience in development research and analysis is desirable.
• Experience in one of the following fields is an asset: peace, conflict prevention and resolution and human rights.
• Experience working with immigration, displaced people and refugees, human rights, etc. is desirable
• Experience in writing scientific articles is an asset.
• Previous experience within the UN system is an asset.

Language

• Full working knowledge (Fluency) in both English and French is required.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28735