Partnership and Network Adviser

**Job Highlight**
The position will support a global initiative focused on climate action and sustainable urban development. Through this role, the successful candidate will actively contribute to innovation in partnership development, knowledge management and coalition building, working with a diverse range of stakeholders to empower cities and local governments in their transition to climate-resilient systems.

**About the Region**
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management.

UNOPS Geneva also hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

**Job Specific Context**
Through this engagement, under the Water and Environment Cluster (WEC) Portfolio, UNOPS will provide implementation services to the European Commission to support the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM).

This will involve accelerating its initiatives and delivering advisory, management, coordination, and implementation services around three main outputs:

1. Cities have enhanced capacity, systems and tools to develop implementation plans and prepare bankable climate projects,

2. Cities are equipped to mobilise adequate finance for the implementation of their sustainable energy and climate action plans (SECAPs), and

3. Business-to-city matchmaking mechanisms are established to scale up innovative, sustainable solutions and technologies.

The position will support cities and local governments empowerment to accelerate their transition to climate-resilient, sustainable energy and low emission mobility urban systems with enhanced capacity, accessed finance, and established private sector partnerships.

**Role Purpose**
Working under the guidance and leadership of the Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit, the Partnership and Network Adviser identifies and manages strategic partnerships for the development of a global pool of expertise covering all relevant areas of urban development, technical support and climate finance. In line with cities priorities for climate and energy, they design and implement the knowledge management and sharing approach and framework, in close consultation with the team and key stakeholders, driving end-to-end climate implementation coalition building.

**Functions / Key Results Expected**
1. Strategic Partnerships Development and Positioning

• Support the  Director of the UNOPS GCoM Support and Coordination Unit and lead the development and implementation of a partnerships strategy aligned with the objectives of the GCoM. This includes analysing the development landscape and the urban agenda in particular, identifying strategic partners, and positioning within relevant operational niches

• Identify and engage strategic partners including international financial institutions, donors, foundations, NGOs, academia and private sector actors to expand the network supporting GCoM and climate action initiatives.

• Advise senior management on partnership priorities, including identifying priority partners, countries, sectors and service areas.

• Research donor priorities and political contexts to identify funding opportunities aligned with GCoM’s objectives.

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of partnership opportunities and projects that contributes to a diversified portfolio of climate and urban development initiatives.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in key partnership meetings and negotiations with donors and partners, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements and systematic follow-up.

• Facilitate high-level engagement between GCoM’s senior management and partners, including during major events and strategic fora.

• Support partners in identifying effective implementation approaches that advance climate