Partnership Specialist

Mission and objectivesOur vision is a world where people can live full lives supported by sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure and by the efficient, transparent use of public resources in procurement and project management.

ContextThe United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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.

Task DescriptionUnder the overall guidance and direct supervision of the UNOPS North Africa Multi Country office (NAMCO) Director and in close coordination with the Regional Office and the Partnerships Group, the Partnerships Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the partnership and programme development plan for the offices and countries managed by the Multi Country or the Headquarter (HQ) Partnerships Group. This may also include new countries where the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is planning to initiate or broaden operations. 1. Partnership and programme development planning ● Develop and implement a comprehensive partnership and programme development plan in line with the United Nations Office for Project Services (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 The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in the potential operational niches identified, as well as grow a pipeline of opportunities for all countries in the scope of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Multi-Country or the Headquarter (HQ)Partnership Group. The plan should reflect in-house capacity, a variety in the typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources. ● Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Multi Country and propose appropriate responses to ensure sustainable growth. ● Coordinate and collaborate with relevant Partnerships personnel at local, liaison and Headquarter (HQ) levels, as well as Project Managers and project personnel of the country offices covered by the office, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners. 2. Develop opportunities ● Monitor and evaluate humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) mandate and existing capacity. ● Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities. ● Provide advice and feedback to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Headquarter (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 one the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) opportunities and engagement functionalities in alignment with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) corporate guidelines. ● Coordinate technical and financial requirements, and negotiate proposals to finalize new project opportunities. ● Drafts agreements and/or contractual documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects. ● Understand and clearly explain the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) pricing policy to partners. ● Contribute to the diversification of the Multi Country in line with the United Nations Office for Project Services (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 United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) office or by the Partnerships Group. 3. Representation and inter-agency partnership ● Establish and further develop partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs and private sector organizations to diversify project opportunities within the Multi Country/Country Offices or Partnership Group. ● Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with the Communications Officer, when required. ● On behalf of the (Multi) Country Office Director participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings including addressing project development issues in consultation with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) project managers and technical experts when required. Take part in UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, United Nations Development Assistance Framework's 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. 4. Knowledge management and innovation ● Implement standards, tools and templates provided by the Headquarter (HQ) to effectively manage partnership and project development within the team to enhance/maintain the United Nations Office for Project Services (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 maximize performance and sustain achievements in project and partnership development. ● Help build partnerships capacity and negotiation skills among project managers and Country Coordinators, ● 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

Competencies and values● Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. ● Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. ● Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. ● Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. ● Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; ● Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; ● Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; ● Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living conditions and remarksVisa process: International UN Volunteers assigned to Tunisia are required to obtain an entry visa prior to arrival, followed by a residence permit after arrival in the country. Steps involved: 1. Visa Application (Pre-departure): o The UN Volunteer will receive a visa support letter issued by UNDP Tunisia and/or the UNV Field Unit. o With this letter, the Volunteer must apply for a Type C or D entry visa at the nearest Tunisian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. o The process usually requires:  Passport (valid for at least 6 months)  Visa support letter  Completed visa application form  Passport-sized photos  Proof of travel or appointment letter (as requested by the consulate) 2. Arrival in Tunisia: o Upon arrival, the UN Volunteer will be supported by the UNDP Country Office or UNV Field Unit to initiate procedures for obtaining a residence permit (carte de séjour) from the Tunisian Ministry of Interior. o Required documents typically include:  Passport with valid visa  UNDP assignment letter  Proof of accommodation in Tunisia  Passport-sized photos  Application forms and fees, as applicable 3. Timeline: o Visa processing time varies by consulate but typically takes between 5–15 working days. o The residence permit process in Tunisia may take 4–8 weeks after submission of all required documents. Volunteers are advised to begin the process promptly upon arrival The assignment is 6 months. A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three). The volunteer will be based in the MCO office in Tunis, Tunisia. Geography and climate: Tunisia is the smallest country on the North African coast, with a population of just over 10 million, around 60% of whom live in urban areas and have one of the highest standards of living on the continent. Tunis is the country's capital and largest city (around two million inhabitants in and around the city). Tunisia borders Libya (south-east) and Algeria (west). Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate. Along the northern coasts of Tunisia, summers are hot and dry, and winters are warm and rainy. In the north-west, there are occasional snowfalls in the mountains. In southern Tunisia, the weather is drier and hotter. The south of Tunisia, where the Sahara begins, is semi-desertic and desertic. Religion: Around 99% of the population is Muslim, in particular Sunni, which is the state religion. Tunisia also has a small Christian population, made up of Roman Catholics, members of the Greek Orthodox Church and Protestants. There is also a small population of Sephardic Jews. Economy: The country does not have vast hydrocarbon reserves like its neighbors Algeria and Libya, but it has prospered thanks to long-standing government policies aimed at developing industry, tourism and agriculture. At the same time, social programmes limit population growth, ensure a high level of education and a relatively decent standard of living for all. Safety and security: The crime rate is low, but there have been cases of theft. It is allowed to walk alone during the day, but it is preferable to be more cautious at night. It is also important to keep abreast of the political situation. As a result, security advice is systematically sent out by DSS security staff.