Partnerships Specialist, Harare, Zimbabwe – Job Ref. ZW/UNOPS/1509/2523

About the Project Office

Established in 2019, UNOPS Zimbabwe partners with the Government and development community to support the country’s growth agenda through services in project management, infrastructure, and procurement. UNOPS contributes to key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, WASH, education, roads, and disaster recovery. Following Cyclone Idai, UNOPS led recovery efforts funded by the World Bank and AfDB, enhancing government capacity and community resilience. Notable initiatives include the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Project (ZIRP), Great Zimbabwe Development Project (GZDP), and the Post-Cyclone Idai Recovery and Resilience Programme (PCIREP). Additional projects include the Small Irrigation Revitalisation Advisory Programme (SIRAP), procurement of medical equipment, medical waste management and incinerator construction, and the procurement of minibuses for Parliament. During the COVID-19 response, UNOPS implemented a nationwide Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) project funded by Ireland. Based in Harare, UNOPS continues to provide reliable support in advancing Zimbabwe’s sustainable development goals.

Job Specific Context

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Muti Country Office Director and in close coordination with the Regional Office, the East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office (ESAMCO) and the Partnerships Group, the Partnerships Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the partnership development plan and supporting the development of communications plans for Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries. He/She will supervise Communications and Partnership personnel within the area of responsibility.

This is a multi-country Southern Africa position, based in Harare, Zimbabwe, covering Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

Role Purpose

The Partnerships Specialist develops and implements partnership and programme development plans for the office. The role focuses on building and maintaining effective working relationships with governments, UN agencies, donors and other stakeholders to mobilize resources, expand the office’s portfolio, and strengthen the UNOPS positioning as a reliable development and implementation partner. The Partnerships Specialist also ensures that partnership initiatives are aligned with UNOPS’ global and regional priorities, contribute to sustainable results, and support the achievement of the office’s strategic objectives.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Partnership and Programme Development Planning
  • Develop a comprehensive partnership development plan in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies. This includes country context, analysis of the regional and national development and humanitarian landscape, identification of main partners, strategic positioning of UNOPS in the potential operational niches identified, as well as growth pipeline opportunities for all countries in scope of the UNOPS ESAMCO. Ensure the plan reflects in-house capacity, typology of  projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources.
  • Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Multi Country / Country office and propose appropriate responses to ensure sustainable growth.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with relevant Partnerships personnel at local, liaison and HQ level, as well as  Project Managers and  project personnel of the country offices covered by the office, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.
  • Develop Partnership Opportunities
    • Monitor and evaluate humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within the UNOPS mandate and existing capacity.
    • Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities.
    • Provide advice and feedback to UNOPS HQ and Regional Office on the development of framework partnership agreements that can increase opportunities at the regional level.
    • Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners.
    • Create and maintain engagement opportunities and engagement functionalities in alignment with UNOPS corporate guidelines and relevant platforms.
    • Coordinate technical and financial requirements, and negotiate proposals to close new project opportunities.
    • Drafts agreements and/or contractual documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.
    • Understand and clearly explain UNOPS pricing policy to partners.
    • Contribute to the diversification of the Multi Country / Country Office in line with UNOPS strategic and Regional objectives.
    • In coordination with the Communications and Reporting personnel, when available, gather content for communications and outreach materials for any countries managed within the scope of the UNOPS office or by the Partnerships Group.
    • Representation and Inter-Agency Partnership
      • Establish and further develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organisations to diversify project opportunities within the Multi Country / Country Office.
      • Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with the Communications Officer, when required.
      • On behalf of the (Multi) Country Office Director and/or Head of Programme, participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings including addressing project development issues in consultation with UNOPS project managers and technical experts when required. Take part in UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNSDCF, response plans, etc.
      • Build a network of key partners, keeping abreast of evolving trends (social, economic, and political), including the application of innovation to project and partnership development.
      • Knowledge Management and Innovation
        • Implement standards, tools and templates provided by HQ to effectively manage partnership and project development within the team to enhance/maintain UNOPS effectiveness as a provider of project services for sustainable results.
        • Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximise performance and sustain achievements in project and partnership development.
        • Help build partnerships capacity and negotiation skills among project managers
        • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building within project and partnership development.
        • Provide regular feedback on existing systems, tools and resources to ensure its relevance to day-to-day operations.
      • Skills
        Explore Global Grants

        Partnerships, Planning, Proposal Writing, Stakeholder Engagement

        Competencies

        Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

        Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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).

         

        Education Requirements

        Required

        Try Project Software
        • A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Engineering, Political Science, Communications or International Relations.
        • A combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

        Experience Requirements

        Required

        • At least 5 years of experience in an international development including demonstrated experience in:
          • Developing and executing partnership and programme development plans;
          •  Project development and proposal writing;
          • Acquisition of  projects;
          • Project and programme  management experience is an asset
          • Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organisations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organisations.

        Desired

        • Prior experience working in international organisations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.

        Language Requirements

        Language: English

        • Proficiency Level: Fluent
        • Requirement: Required

Please click on the button below to Apply