Background Information – Job-specific

 

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Global Portfolios Office (GPO), New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement defined activities in support of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is on the forefront of addressing complex emergencies and spearheading vital reforms to create a more resilient and adaptive humanitarian ecosystem. Our work is grounded in an unyielding commitment to systematically identify and analyze emerging risks, understanding their profound implications, and formulating transformative strategies within, across, and beyond the organization. The aim is to navigate ever-accelerating global change and ensure that the humanitarian sector remains fit for purpose and ahead of the curve.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

UNOPS is seeking a dynamic and insightful Partnerships Specialist – Analysis and Reporting to take charge of pivotal high-level consultations and craft a foundational report on emerging global risks and trends and their implications for the humanitarian sector that will serve as a keystone for system-wide humanitarian reform. These activities will play a pivotal role in the evolution of the broad vision of the organization and be crucial in informing OCHA’s strategic decisions and shaping the global humanitarian policy framework. This role is not just about guiding the organization but about reshaping the humanitarian sector at large, influencing policies and decisions that will echo through our collective efforts for years to come.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

Under the close collaboration with OCHA Policy Branch and under supervision of UNOPS Project Manager the incumbent will advise OCHA Policy Branch on issues concerning emerging global risks and trends and their implications for the humanitarian sector, undertaking the following tasks

• Direct and facilitate strategic dialogues with high-level experts within the UN, across various humanitarian disciplines, and in conjunction with prominent figures in related sectors, to sculpt the landscape of UN reform.
• Engineer advocacy strategies that will secure donor and stakeholder support for fundamental and system-wide transformations.
• Orchestrate the publication’s inception and execution, including meticulous planning sessions, and curating a publication blueprint that resonates with OCHA’s mandate.
• Architect the report’s framework, ensuring its findings and directives are robustly vetted and endorsed by key partners, reflecting a collective vision for the future.
• Lead in-depth investigative research to consolidate a rich repository of insights that will underpin the publication’s recommendations and narrative.
• Proactively discern and evaluate new risks and trends, translating these into strategic materials that embody their full potential impact on the humanitarian field.
• Forge strong alliances with critical partners, aligning project outputs with OCHA’s overarching strategic policy goals and the shifting global humanitarian paradigm.
• Oversee the report’s production timeline, coordinating with relevant departments to facilitate timely internal reviews and clearances.

The result of the services provided would be as following:

• The conception and completion of a report delineating global risks and trends and their expansive implications for the humanitarian sector.
• Supervision of the report’s production process, steering the strategic and aesthetic presentation of content.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international law, international affairs, political science or a related field to the post description with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international law, international affairs, political science or a related field to the post description with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Work Experience:
Required

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in research and analysis.
• Extensive experience in drafting humanitarian policy reports or documents is required.
• Proven experience in policy analysis, with a track record of producing high caliber written materials, is required.

Desirable (The following experience and skills are optional, candidates who do not have them are welcome to apply)

• Extensive experience in researching, drafting, and publishing OCHA materials and reports, including flagship reports, is desirable.
• Experience working within and across the humanitarian and private sectors is desirable.
• A deep understanding of humanitarian principles and knowledge of a broad range of humanitarian issues.
• Excellent research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
• Strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, are desirable.
• A collaborative team-player mentality, able to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including senior policymakers, is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.

 

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.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2)/ICS10
Contract duration: Open-ended (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)

Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA 2, depending on the incumbent’s personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit in duty station), a local fee scale (LICA-10) might be applied in determining the contractor’s fee.

The incumbent is expected to work Central European Time (CET) hours.

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

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

• 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.