Partnerships Development Advisor (Infrastructure)

• Develop an engagement plan  for infrastructure projects in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies. This  includes country context, analysis of the regional and national infrastructure 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 countries in scope of the UNOPS Austria-Multi-Country Office. Ensure the plan reflects in-house capacity, typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources.
• Examine risks and opportunities associated with UNOPS’ strategic positioning in the infrastructure sector of the Austria Multi-Country office. Propose mitigation strategies and capitalize on opportunities to ensure sustainable growth in infrastructure development within the region.
• 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 opportunities 

• Monitor infrastructure trends and needs to identify areas where UNOPS can contribute infrastructure solutions based on existing capacity and UNOPS mandate.
• Research and map infrastructure funding opportunities in AUMCO by tracking potential infrastructure projects funded by governments, international organizations, and private entities.
• Contribute to the development of framework agreements with organizations requesting assistance on infrastructure development, facilitating collaboration on future projects.
• Draft concept notes and project proposals for infrastructure projects in collaboration with partners, with guidance from the Heads of Programme and Support Services.
• Work with project experts to develop concrete, technical infrastructure interventions, spanning from support to feasibility studies, work plans, design management, etc. to final construction and delivery.
• Provide leadership to ensure effective partnership management and engagement throughout the project cycle (including towards  scope changes or other issues), ensuring operational excellence and partner orientation.
• Provide advisory support to MCO Director, Head of Programme and project teams to deliver high quality infrastructure in line with partner expectations and to position UNOPS as a partner of choice, including assisting with partner and funding source coordination to ensure information sharing and regular updates.

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 or Partnership Group.
• Develop infrastructure partnerships with government agencies, development banks, engineering firms, and construction companies involved in infrastructure projects.
• Advocate for infrastructure development and promote the importance of infrastructure development in inter-agency discussions and public communication efforts.
• Participate in infrastructure-related meetings to represent UNOPS with donors, governments, and other stakeholders focused on infrastructure development.

Knowledge management and innovation 

• Implement best practices in infrastructure project development using UNOPS tools and templates specifically tailored to infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to innovative approaches in new financing models, technologies, and partnerships for infrastructure projects.
• Build infrastructure expertise among project managers  by helping them develop negotiation skills and knowledge specific to infrastructure projects.
• Share lessons learned by documenting best practices and challenges encountered in infrastructure project development.

• A Master’s degree preferably in the field of Civil Engineering, Architecture or similar.
• A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience: At least 7 years of experience in partnership and infrastructure project development/implementation, such as:

1. Developing and executing partnership and programme development plans;
2. Infrastructure Project development and delivery;
3. Acquisition of infrastructure projects; and
4. Establishing partnerships and strategic networks with UN agencies, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organizations

Prior experience working in project and programme management, public infrastructure delivery, international organizations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts is desirable.

Experience with IFI-funded public infrastructure projects is desirable.

Experience working in the Europe & Central Asia region and familiarity with context is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Fluency in one or more additional official UNOPS languages is an advantage.