Director, Washington Liaison Office

Background Information - Job-specific

Partnerships and Liaison Group

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) has the mandate of collaborating with UNOPS HQ groups, regions and countries to develop and expand new and existing partnerships and strengthen UNOPS’ positioning across the UN system, member states, and intergovernmental and inter-agency bodies as required.

PLG creates, maintains and facilitates training on strategies, policies, standards, tools and templates related to partnerships, while supporting the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Delivery and Partnerships in operationalizing approved partnerships strategies across UNOPS regions and countries of operations.

As a Group function, PLG consists of a network of liaison offices spread globally and a cross-cutting partnerships development team based in HQ in Copenhagen. The liaison offices manage relationships with UNOPS’ key global partners at the strategic level and provide support to UNOPS country and multi-country offices engaging with these partners at the operational level throughout the project cycle. Liaison offices are located in Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo, Nairobi, and Washington DC, each covering a designated set of key partners.

The HQ-based cross-cutting team drives key global initiatives and develops resources to strengthen partnerships colleagues’ outreach and positioning. This team also generates partner-related strategic and operational insights, providing support and resources as well as high-level advice on partner interactions to all UNOPS geographic entities.

Washington Liaison Office

The Washington Liaison Office represents UNOPS vis a vis the US Administration as well as US-based partners including the World Bank Group (WBG), think tanks, academia, foundations, philanthropies, and other interlocutors.

About the Role

The Director, Washington Liaison Office (ICS13) provides strategic leadership for UNOPS’ engagement with Washington-based stakeholders, including the US Government, WBG, and other key partners. This role ensures that UNOPS is effectively positioned as a trusted implementation partner, influencing funding, policy, and strategic alignment at the highest levels. The incumbent leads partnership development, oversees the execution of engagement strategies, and advises senior UNOPS leadership

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

• Strategic Representation

  • Alliance Building, Networking and Advocacy for Partnerships

  • People Leadership

  • Knowledge Management and Innovation

    Strategic Representation

    • Lead institutional-level representation of UNOPS with US Government leadership, WBG executives, and senior officials of major foundations and multilateral institutions, influencing funding and policy frameworks relevant to UNOPS’ vision and mission while fostering trust, establishing networks and enhancing partnership dialogue..

    • Represent UNOPS at senior level and strategically position UNOPS vis a vis the different branches of the US Administration, WBG, foundations, philanthropies and other Washington-based partners.

    • Drive the long-term partnership vision for UNOPS' presence in Washington DC, ensuring it reflects and anticipates shifts in global financing, public policy, and donor priorities.

    • Coordinate Washington-based UNOPS engagement across multiple stakeholder groups, including public, private, and philanthropic sectors, ensuring coherent and unified representation of organizational priorities across events, consultations, and institutional platforms.

    • Support the PLG Director in establishing mechanisms for tracking and analyzing evolving development, climate, procurement and infrastructure priorities among Washington-based institutions, feeding insights into UNOPS global planning and innovation processes.

    • Champion UNOPS’ capabilities in high-level global platforms (e.g. WB Spring/Annual Meetings, donor summits, UN Financing for Development fora), aligning organizational messaging with the priorities of US-based funders and policy shapers.

    • Collaborate with other PLG and HQ teams to refine partnership frameworks, standardize engagement protocols with multilateral and bilateral institutions and promote cross-regional consistency in how partnerships are cultivated and maintained.

    • Contribute to developing and maintaining governance mechanisms for high-risk portfolios funded by or linked to Washington-based partners.

    • Serve as a strategic advisor to the PLG Director on implications of Washington DC-based partners’ decisions on global partnership trends, geopolitical shifts, and emerging opportunities for financing, advocacy and organizational positioning.

      Alliance Building, Networking and Advocacy for Partnerships

      • Engage senior officials and counterparts on the new UNOPS Strategic Plan and new business/operating model, ensuring the UNOPS value proposition and drive for efficiency is integrated into partnership engagements.

      • Elevate the UNOPS presence in Washington DC and drive the formulation of a partnership vision and development and implementation of the UNOPS-US partnership strategy, pursue partnership growth and diversification.

      • Facilitate and/or lead senior level consultations with the US Administration to institutionalize a dialogue that allows a deeper understanding of priorities, synergies and strategic partnership opportunities, as well as risks (financial, political, operational and reputational)

      • Lead and support high-level partner consultations on financing modalities and non-traditional financing in support of driving global project solutions at scale.

      • Serve as the counterpart for engaging US-based counterparts on high-risk portfolios across the globe and leading on the joint identification of timely solutions and pathways, taking a pro-active role in early risk identification.

      • Keep abreast of events that have an impact on UNOPS, including dynamics across the political and financial spectrum.

      • Establish a close working relationship with and be an active contributing member of the resident United Nations team present in Washington. Take the lead in coordinating with the representatives of the resident UN agencies, funds and programmes.

      • Provide advice and assistance to Executive Management, the PG Director and Regional Directors, regarding partnerships and future trends.

        • Participate in key partnership building meetings and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up. Represent UNOPS in strategic and relevant US-based partner-specific conferences.

          📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

          ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

        • Facilitate high-level meetings between senior management of UNOPS and the US Administration, WBG and key stakeholders. Ensure well informed and researched dialogue is facilitated.

        • Establish annual targets in support of the new 2026-2029 UNOPS Strategic Plan and business/operating model.

        • In close cooperation with the UNOPS Communications Group (CG) and PLG, propose and co-develop relevant information and visibility materials to promote and advocate for UNOPS with the US Administration and other Washington-based partners.

          People Leadership

          • Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability in the Washington Liaison Office.

          • Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

          • Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

          • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity, by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

          • Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.

          • Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and their eligible dependents, assets, property and information in line with UNOPS security management rules and the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

            Knowledge Management and Innovation

            • Lead sharing of knowledge related to key partners across the organization, including identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned with a view of continuous improvement of partner engagement in the field.

            • Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continuously incorporating best practice approaches.

            • Support the planning, implementation and organization of capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

            • Share knowledge with peers in regional and country teams and other HQ groups to ensure a corporate coordinated delivery of services and synergies.
              

              The effective and successful achievement of results by the incumbent directly impacts on the development and performance of the portfolio, visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services. 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. 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
              

            • An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) combined with ten (10) years of relevant experience OR

          • A First level University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with twelve(12) years of relevant experience is required.

            Experience
            

          • A minimum of 10 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in international development, business development, operations and/or program management in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.

        • At least 3 years of senior leadership experience including supervising senior professional staff and managing financial sustainability of operations, including at least 2 years in a country office is required.

      • Experience working in developing countries is desirable.

    • Experience in hardship or post conflict environments is desirable.

  • Experience partnering with the public sector on developing, implementing and/or evaluating projects and programs of high national relevance is a distinctive advantage. Language Requirements
    

  • Full working knowledge of English is essential.

• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic) is an asset.
  
  

  Contract type, level and duration

  Contract type: Staff
  Contract level: D-1, ICS13
  Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
  For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
  https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

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.