Job: Liaison Officer

Location: New York 
Deadline: Wednesday, 23 October 2013 

Description

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Job-specificThe UNOPS New York Office discharges three main areas of responsibility; it provides support to the Executive Office in its interaction with the Executive Board and other governing bodies; liaison and representation on behalf of UNOPS with member states, the UN community in New York and the World Bank in Washington; oversight of partnership development and the operations platforms responsible for service delivery. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position: Liaison Officer. The Liaison Officer will support the Director of the GPSO – New York office, and the New York office, in the fulfillment of their corporate and representational roles. (S)he will have strong organizational and communication skills and will have a proven ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive and challenging environment.

Functional ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall guidance of and reporting to the Director of the GPSO – New York office with a secondary reporting line to the Partnerships Advisor, (s)he will be tasked to:

• Administer the governing body liaison and external relations work of the Director of the New York Office along with other members of the Directorate team. Prepare briefing materials, participate in meetings, write minutes, and ensure timely and effective follow up.
• Coordinate, and as required implement, activities for the office, including the annual and quarterly work plans, reports and initiatives of GPSO, follow-up on monthly operational priorities, and ensure their follow-up and regular feedback. Ensure timely and quality GPSO response to UNOPS Headquarters requests, key clients,partners, and governing bodies.
• Ensure coverage of United Nations (UN) interagency working groups and task forces such as those related to UN Development Group (UNDG), Security Sector Reform (SSR), Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), Inter Agency standing Committee (IASC), sustainable development goals, follow up to Rio+20 and specific countries including Syria, Libya, Somalia and Iraq. Update the list of working groups/task forces, attend meetings, take minutes and contribute to the drafting of relevant documents.
• Contribute to the analysis, mapping and knowledge management of business development opportunities with partners in New York such as UN, governments, foundations, NGOs, academia, think tanks and private sector.
• Participate in partnerships meetings with potential partners amd ensure their systematic and timely follow-up.
• Contribute to the preparatory work for the annual and second regular sessions of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS to be held in June and September 2013 in New York.
• Contribute to the preparatory work for the joint meeting of the Executive Boards of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, UNICEF, UN-Women and WFP to be held in February 2014 in New York.

CompetenciesCommunications Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Provide support in drafting speeches and talking points, presentations, and prepare external relations materials as required. Ability to produce briefing notes on external meetings. Strong capacity to think and act strategically, including solid editorial strengths. Teamwork Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Strong teamwork attitude Integrity Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNOPS. Sound political judgment as well as diplomacy, impartiality and discretion. Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviors. Acts without consideration of personal gain. Resists undue political pressure in decision-making. Does not abuse power or authority. Stands by decisions that are in the Organization's interest, even if they are unpopular. Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior. Respect for Diversity Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Respect for, and understanding of, international political processes; Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and discretion. Planning and Organizing Solid ability to organize tasks, to draft reports/correspondence and speaking notes, to plan, to anticipate, and work under pressure. Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks and proven ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive and challenging environment. Education/Experience/Language requirementsEDUCATION A Master's degree in international affairs, political science, communication, economics or related fields. Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree and two additional years of experience may also be considered. EXPERIENCE Five years of experience working in an international organization, particularly in a business development, peacekeeping, project management, or coordination role. Substantive international exposure. Strong communication and ICT skills, including PowerPoint, Excel. United Nations experience would be an asset. LANGUAGE Fluency in English with excellent drafting ability in English required. Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage. Contract type, level and durationContract type: International ICA Contract level: IICA-SP 2 Contract duration: One Year For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

More Info and Application