Background – Job Specific

UNOPS strategy for Ethiopia is aimed at providing support to the Government and people of Ethiopia though the delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s own priorities and also under the UN Delivery as One initiative. The UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub (ETOH) has been established as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been appointed as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS Ethiopia office is implementing and negotiating a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure development, Procurement Support to Government Ministries and other UN agencies and finally HR support to UN agencies. The functional objective of UNOPS ETOH is to deliver projects in an efficient and effective manner, to achieve the development outcomes sought by the Government of Ethiopia and the donor community, where capacity building is always considered and encouraged.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision and overall guidance of the Partnerships Team Leader, the Program Support Associate is responsible for facilitating the identification of new clients, as well as to expand and grow the UNOPS presence in Ethiopia. The incumbent shall work closely with Ethiopia Office Communication officer and liaison and protocol associate to expand the business and client base. The Program Support Associate shall be responsible for the following functional responsibilities, but not limited to:

Provide support in the development and implementation of an integrated UNOPS business development strategy:

●        Explore opportunities for business development intelligence (facilitate assessments of client needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others).

●        Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities.

●        Active marketing and promotion of UNOPS services by building a network of key business partners and clients, keeping abreast of market, social, economic, and political trends in Ethiopia. Generate content for promotional activities.

●         Establish contacts with potential clients and partners and organize meetings and negotiations for Partnerships Team Leader and the Hub Director, and prepare subsequent plan of action and follow-up for potential business acquisition and partnership development opportunities.

●        In collaboration with head of program, project managers and communication unit develop UNOPS capacity statements for the various services provided by UNOPS.

●        In collaboration with projects, mangers and communication unit develop fact sheets of projects, donors profile and clients and update regularly.

●        Perform partner satisfaction surveys, and follow up action points.

Support the programme development and business acquisition activities of UNOPS:

●        Participate in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs.

●        When assigned to you, dSupport in drafting project proposals, concept notes and project document briefs for further discussion with partners and donors.

●        Prepare Letter for Expression Interest for potential business when considered consistent with UNOPS mandate, goals and development strategy Coordinate and lead in the preparation of business and project proposals for tenders or donor’s requests.

●        Facilitate information sharing about business development within the hub.

●        Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Ethiopia 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.

Provide implementation support to new projects/business development:

●        Facilitate engagement review meetings at hub level, minute the meetings and monitor the actions agreed.

●        Draft agreements and/or contractual documents for the implementation of new projects, addressing questions and issues raised by colleagues and ensuring their expeditious approval;

●        Review and comment on technical and progress reports prepared by projects and provision of advice as needed to improve content and quality;

●        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 oneUNOPS opportunities and engagement functionalities in alignment with UNOPS corporate guidelines.

●        Coordinate technical and financial requirements, and negotiate proposals to close new project opportunities.

●        Understand and clearly explain UNOPS pricing policy to partners.

●        Contribute to the diversification of the Ethiopia Office in line with UNOPS strategic and Regional objectives.

Provide support to partnership team leader, focusing on achievement of the following results:

●        Primary role in the development of the business priorities, choice and implementation of the necessary connections with development partners in the different countries

●        Assist in the elaboration of the annual action plan of the partnership unit.

●        Prepare monthly, and quarterly reports of the unit for regional office and staff meetings. 

Education/Experience/Language

●        Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in business/commerce, marketing, economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or related area. A first-level university degree with relevant combination of academic qualifications and additional two years experience related to the nature of the position may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

●        Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in donor relations and business development functions.

●        Certificate and knowledge of Prince2 is an asset.

●        Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is an asset.

●        Fluency in both written and oral English required. Knowledge of a second UN working language is desirable

●        Excellent computer skills