Business Development Specialist Job Vacancy at UNDOP Ivory Coast

Job title: Business Development Specialist
Vacancy code VA/2012/B5302/653
Department/office AFO, Cote d'Ivoire
Duty station Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-2
Duration 2 months renewable, subject to funds availability
Application period 21-Jun-2012 to 15-Jul-2012


Background Information - Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d’lvoire
Located in Abidjan, the UNOPS office in Cote d’Ivoire has developed a strong working relation with the Government and international partners over the past 15 years. It provides technical support in strategic development areas including elections; procurement and related capacity building; environment protection, water management and sanitation; and infrastructure rehabilitation and development.
Functional Responsibilities

The Business Development Specialist will have the overall objective to deliver management services that are responsive to clients’ needs, to provide technical assistance to existing and emerging projects and finally to support growth of UNOPS portfolio in Cote d’Ivoire.

Provide leadership in the development and implementation of an integrated UNOPS
business development strategy:

    Formulate and implement business development strategies to promote UNOPS services to key external constituencies
    Scan opportunities for business development intelligence (facilitate assessments of client needs, UNOPS comparative advantages, and partner survey analysis, among others)
    Active marketing and promotion of UNOPS services by building a network of key business partners and clients, keeping abreast of market, social, economic, and political trends in Cote d’Ivoire.
    Generate content for promotional activities
    Maintain close coordination of business development/external relations activities between UNOPS HQ and CIOC.
    Establish contacts with potential clients and partners and organize high-level meetings and negotiations, and prepare subsequent plan of action and follow-up for potential business acquisition and partnership development opportunities.
    Development of UNOPS capacity statements for the various services provided by UNOPS.


Lead the programme development and business acquisition activities of UNOPS:

    Active participation in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs
    Draft concept notes and project document briefs for further discussion with clients and donors
    Identify potential clients and business partners to pursue new business opportunities and ensure portfolio growth by promoting quality service to maintain a competitive edge.
    Prepare Letter for Expression Interest for potential business when considered consistent with UNOPS mandate, goals and development strategy
    Coordinate and lead in the preparation of business and project proposals for tenders or donor’s requests.



Ensure expansion of our client base and building of new strategic partnership with clients and stakeholders:

    Identify requirements related to corporate marketing materials and the distribution thereof, as well as any reports/publications required for existing and potential clients and partners.
    Close Interaction with operations staff to share information and knowledge and to provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective client relations.
    Consolidate newly-established partnerships



Provide implementation support to new projects/business:

    Draft agreements and/or contractual documents for the implementation of new projects, addressing questions and issues raised by colleagues and ensuring their expeditious approval;
    Review and comment on technical and progress reports prepared by projects and provision of advice as needed to improve content and quality;
    Manage a roster of qualified national consultants;



Provide support to the Director, focusing on achievement of the following results:

    Focal point for contacts with the donor community and primary role in the development of the business priorities, choice and implementation of the necessary connections with development partners in the different countries
    Collaborate with the OC Director and Representative in the elaboration of the annual action plan of the Operations Centre

Competencies

    Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
    Proven ability to analyze external environment and global market trends
    
    Proven track record of successfully conceptualizing strategic plans and achieving goals through market focus, innovative approaches and entrepreneurial spirit
    Good understanding of UNOPS business, operational environment and its clients as well as the UN mandate.
    Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
    Ability to promote integrity and business ethics; demonstrate mature judgment, trust and open communication; ability to ensure effective team work, collaborative behaviour and team spirit
    Ability to develop collaborative and harmonious relationship with external partners and clients at the senior level. Highly respected by peers and staff throughout the organization as well as by clients and other partners
    Excellent communication and negotiation skills to persuade and influence others
    
    Ability to multi-task and prioritize work schedules
     Ability to abide by securitypolicies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security
    Management System and that of UNOPS
    Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
    Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
    Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Certifications

Certificate and knowledge of Prince2 methods and approach an asset.
Education/Experience/Language requirements

    Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in business/commerce, marketing, economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or related area.
    Minimum 7/10 years of progressively responsible experience in an international business environment which includes leading roles in managing projects and developing business opportunities.
    Proven experience in the area of client relationships, business development and marketing, in working with a network of development clients and agencies at senior level.
    Previous experience within a conflict and post-conflict setting highly desirable.
    Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations an asset.
    Knowledge of ATLAS an added advantage.
    Fluency in both written and oral French and English required.
    Excellent computer skills.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: I-ICA
Contract duration: 2 months, renewable subject to funds availability

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.
    UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below 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