Job Description

Join to apply for the Director, Washington Liaison Office role at UNOPS

Join to apply for the Director, Washington Liaison Office role at UNOPS

SRI Executive has been contracted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to assist with the search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Director, Washington Liaison Office.

About United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

UNOPS provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a more sustainable world.

Firmly grounded in UN values, we ensure our partners maximize the positive impact of their peace and security, humanitarian and development projects. Equality, inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience form the foundations of our work.

In total, UNOPS delivered $2.7 billion in peace and security, humanitarian and development projects in 2023. UNOPS supports projects in more than 80 countries around the world.

We recognize that we have work to do to achieve gender parity at UNOPS, and we are committed to addressing this situation. Currently, 43% of our leadership roles are held by women.

With nearly three decades of experience working in fragile and conflict-affected situations, UNOPS rapidly responds to our partners' needs in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

To learn more, please visit unops.org

Partnerships and Liaison Group

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) collaborates with HQ, regions and countries to grow partnerships and strengthen UNOPS’ positioning across the UN system and among member states and inter-agency bodies.

PLG includes global liaison offices and a cross-cutting team in Copenhagen. Liaison offices manage strategic relationships with key global partners and support country teams. Offices are in Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo, Nairobi, and Washington, DC.

The Washington Liaison Office represents UNOPS to the U.S. Government, World Bank Group (WBG), think tanks, academia, foundations, philanthropies, and other stakeholders.

Role Purpose

The Director, Washington Liaison Office provides strategic leadership for UNOPS’ engagement with Washington-based stakeholders. The role ensures that UNOPS is positioned as a trusted implementation partner, influencing funding, policy, and strategic alignment at the highest levels. The incumbent leads partnership development, engagement execution, and advises senior leadership.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Representation

• Represent UNOPS with senior leaders from USG, WBG, foundations, and multilaterals.
• Drive the long-term vision for UNOPS’ presence in Washington.
• Champion UNOPS in global platforms such as WBG meetings and donor forums.
• Advise the PLG Director on partnership trends and geopolitical developments.

Alliance Building, Networking and Advocacy

• Engage U.S.-based partners on the new UNOPS Strategic Plan.
• Lead efforts to grow partnerships with non-traditional funders.
• Facilitate senior-level dialogue with U.S. agencies, WBG, and philanthropic entities.
• Actively contribute to the resident UN team and represent UNOPS in relevant forums.
• Build a culture of trust, accountability, and inclusion.
• Lead and support a high-performing, diverse team.
• Ensure duty of care and security of staff and assets per UNOPS policies.

Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Share insights and best practices across UNOPS.
• Champion innovation and learning within the partnership ecosystem.

Impact of Results

The role directly impacts UNOPS’ reputation, funding opportunities, and strategic positioning within the Washington development and donor landscape.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) with 10 years of experience, or
• First-level degree with 12 years of experience.

Experience

• 10+ years of strategic leadership in international development or project delivery.
• Minimum 3 years of senior leadership including team management and financial oversight.
• Experience in developing countries and/or post-conflict settings desirable.
• Public sector partnership experience on nationally significant programs is a plus.

Languages

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of another UNOPS language (French, Spanish, Arabic) is an asset.
• Strategic Perspective: Thinks long term and externally, shaping the organization’s direction. Understands how decisions impact other parts of the organization.
• Integrity and Inclusion: Treats all with respect, upholds ethics, promotes diversity and inclusion.
• Leading Self and Others: Inspires, motivates, and supports others to perform and grow.
• Partnering: Puts beneficiaries first, builds strong relationships, and collaborates effectively.
• Results Orientation: Takes initiative, ensures quality, and uses resources responsibly to achieve goals.
• Agility: Adapts quickly in a fast-paced environment, reflects on experiences, and pursues continuous improvement.
• Solution Focused: Applies logical decision-making and creativity to problem-solving, balancing risk with innovation.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and empathetically. Listens actively and handles conflict constructively.

Terms of Appointment

This is a D-1 (ICS13) level staff contract, initially for one year, renewable based on performance and funding.

More info on UN staff contracts: UNOPS – What We Offer

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you click Apply and complete the Application Form by 30 June 2025 (23:59 hrs, GMT -4) . It is essential that you submit your CV in English , specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Strategy/Planning

• Industries

  International Trade and Development, Non-profit Organizations, and International Affairs

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