Strategic Partnerships Manager

Job Description

Vacancy Code VA/UNOPS/NAO/AoC/1 Post Title Strategic Partnerships Manager Post Level A4 (equivalent ICS 11) Project Alliance of Civilizations Duty Station New York, NY, USA Duration ASAP through 31 December 2007 (initially) **Closing Date 9 July 2007** **Project Background** The Alliance of Civilizations, launched by the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and co-sponsored by the Prime Ministers of Spain and Turkey, responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and to mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions and polarization that militate against such a consensus. The Alliance hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society. The AoC project whose Secretariat is based in New York, NY, is funded by multiple donors and executed by UNOPS. **Duties and Responsibilities** The Alliance of Civilizations requires a Strategic Partnerships Manager to develop, facilitate, and oversee the implementation of projects under AoC auspices. The Strategic Partnerships Manager would be responsible for conceiving projects and initiatives, assessing their viability and strategic value within the broader framework of the AoC’s objectives (including the credibility of the implementing partners that would be involved in a given project), and determining the added value and likely role the AoC would need to play in relation to such initiatives. Prospective roles for the AoC in relation to projects identified in the implementation plan for the AoC include: providing auspices; acting as a catalyst (i.e. organizing initial meetings, consultations, etc. with implementing partners to facilitate the initiation of a project or initiative); serving as a facilitator throughout the process of project implementation; and managing program implementation, with each role requiring a greater degree of AoC resources and engagement. The AoC would likely only have the capacity to fully manage one initiative at any given time. Upon receiving approval from the High Representative for the AoC that a proposed initiative or project should be integrated into the AoC implementation plan, the Manager of Strategic Partnerships would work with the implementing partner(s) to develop a clear articulation of expectations and commitments regarding each party’s role, a concept paper including a strategic plan for implementation with objectives, timeline, and budget. The Strategic Partnerships Manager will be representing the AoC frequently in meetings with organizations at the local, regional and international level and would be expected to work closely and collaboratively with all AoC Secretariat staff in program development, including the communications department and research and support staff. **RESPONSIBILITIES** - Meet with leaders in civil society, the corporate sector and in diverse government agencies to identify and/or co-develop innovative projects that the AoC should assist in launching - Develop innovative project ideas, management and implementation options in consultation with potential implementing partners and the AoC Director - Establish and manage strategic partnerships with institutions at national, regional and international levels - Interface with partners on a regular basis to agree upon a collective implementation plan - Monitor the work of AoC strategic partners and update AoC Director regularly - Work with partners to draft concept papers and strategic plans for projects - Work with communications officer to develop outreach efforts to bring greater visibility to AoC initiatives and projects - Contribute to the development of the AoC Youth and Annual Forums - Identify a set of additional strategic partnerships that will help expand existing AoC facilitated initiatives, or help the AoC assist additional initiatives globally - Travel when necessary to meet with partner organizations **Required Competencies & Knowledge** - Ability to effectively operate with high energy and flexibility in an early stage, constantly evolving, team environment - Superior presentation, communication and influencing skills - Superior analytical skills regarding contractual, technical and financial issues with accounts - Ability to effectively communicate cross functionally with all levels of management within the AoC - Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit and is a highly motivated self-starter - Ability to establish and maintain deadlines - Ability to multi-task effectively - Strong attention to detail - Strong written and communication skills - Ability to resolve issues quickly and effectively Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language - Masters in International Affairs, International Development, Political Science or a related field - Minimum 8-10 years of experience with managing international projects with multiple actors, preferably in the field of cross-cultural exchange and intercultural dialogues - Minimum 8-10 years experience working to develop partnerships at national, regional and international levels - Experience working in diverse sectors, specifically media, education, youth and/or migration (the four thematic sectors of the AoC program) with a view to helping initiate projects such as those mentioned in the Recommendations Section of the AoC High Level Group Report (available at ) - Proven experience negotiating and closing strategic partnerships and managing a high volume of partnerships simultaneously - Experience with donor community an asset - Proven success in fundraising and resource mobilization from governments, foundations, corporations and/or individuals - Oral and written fluency in English - Ability to speak multiple languages preferred (preferably French and/or Arabic) **Submission of Applications** Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form ( template may be obtained from ), and a writing sample, to **Mr. Oscar Hernandez**, via e-mail to . **Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying** (in the subject line by e-mail). **Additional Considerations** - 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. - UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.