UNOPS is Hiring: Partnerships Specialist (Multiple Locations)

Job Overview

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is actively seeking a highly skilled Partnerships Specialist to join its team in multiple duty stations. This is a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about international development and partnership building to contribute to impactful projects aimed at improving lives around the globe.

Position Details:

• Job Categories: Partnerships
• Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5328/29790
• Level: ICS-10
• Department/Office: Central Africa Multi-Country Office (CAMCO)
• Contract Type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
• Contract Level: IICA-2
• Duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance
• Application Period: February 25, 2025 – March 30, 2025

About UNOPS

UNOPS serves as an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to facilitating the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects worldwide. By providing comprehensive project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS supports governments, donors, and UN organizations to achieve sustainable results.

With its Central Africa Multi-Country Office based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNOPS manages an active portfolio exceeding $200 million, focusing primarily on infrastructure projects across eleven countries, including Central African Republic (CAR). UNOPS has built strong partnerships with international organizations, UN agencies, and local governments and offers extensive technical support in critical sectors such as health, education, and public administration.

Position Responsibilities

The Partnerships Specialist will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing the partnership and program development plans essential for the effective operation of the Multi-Country Office. Key responsibilities include:

Partnership and Program Development Planning:

• Develop a comprehensive plan tailored to UNOPS’s Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies, assessing the country context and identifying potential partners.
• Analyze regional and national development trends to maximize UNOPS’s strategic positioning and identify operational niches.
• Collaborate with local and HQ partners, including project managers, to ensure coherent interactions with stakeholders.

Opportunity Development:

• Continuously monitor humanitarian and development trends to discover collaboration opportunities within the UNOPS mandate.
• Provide insight on the development of framework partnership agreements, enhancing regional opportunities and engagement.
• Participate in the identification, design, formulation, and negotiation of new projects, collaborating on concept notes and project documents.
• Manage technical and financial requirements to secure new project opportunities, ensuring understanding of UNOPS pricing policies.

Representation and Inter-agency Partnerships:

• Establish and enhance strategic partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities to diversify project opportunities.
• Represent the Multi-Country Office in relevant meetings, engaging with donors, government officials, and other stakeholders to address project development issues.
• Network with key partners to stay informed about socio-economic and political trends that could impact project development.

Knowledge Management and Innovation:

• Implement and promote standards and tools provided by HQ to enhance partnership and project effectiveness within the UNOPS team.
• Contribute to research and development of best practices in project and partnership development, sharing lessons learned to optimize future initiatives.
• Build capacity among project managers in negotiation and partnership-building skills.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• A Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, International Development, Political Science, Communications, or a related discipline. A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may also be considered.
• Experience:
• A minimum of five years’ experience in international development and partnerships development, showcasing competence in project development, proposal writing, and partnership establishment.
• Experience with international organizations or in post-disaster/emergency contexts is advantageous, along with proficiency in Google Suite or management systems.
• Languages:
• Fluency in both French and English is required to effectively communicate in the diverse environments UNOPS operates.

Competencies

• Ability to think strategically and sustainably, implementing long-term business strategies.
• Exceptional communication skills, fostering collaboration and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Proficient negotiation and advocacy skills, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments.

Work at UNOPS

By joining UNOPS, successful candidates will become part of a dynamic and diverse team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of people around the world. With over 4,000 personnel and additional recruits for UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, UNOPS champions a balanced and inclusive workforce representing various nationalities, cultures, and perspectives.

UNOPS values work-life harmony, recognizing the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal lives.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online between February 25, 2025, and March 30, 2025. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the selection process, which will include various assessments.

UNOPS is committed to diversity in its workforce and encourages qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Additional information about the ICA contractual modality can be found here.

Join Us at UNOPS

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. If you are passionate about partnerships and international development, and you want to be part of a mission-oriented organization, then this role is for you. Contribute to building better lives and achieving sustainable development through impactful partnerships at UNOPS.

Visit the UNOPS Careers Page

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