Role purpose

The DED for Delivery and Partnerships is a senior member of the UNOPS management team, working under the leadership of the Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General, in close collaboration with the DED in charge of Management and Policy.

 

The DED strategically leads the delivery of projects and programmes both globally and regionally, aligned with the UNOPS mandate and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through the implementation of practical solutions for impact.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• The DED is a senior member of the UNOPS management team, working under the leadership of the Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General, in close collaboration with the other DED in charge of Policy and Management. The DED strategically leads UNOPS partnerships and the delivery of projects and programmes in the regions.

• The DED drives UNOPS engagement in the implementation of Agenda 2030 and ensures operational alignment in its contributions to the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UNOPS is committed to, and proactively and substantively supports the United Nations Secretary-General’s reform agenda to improve the delivery of mandates in the areas of Sustainable Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Peace, Security, and Human Rights.

 

Functions/ Key Results Expected

• Strategic leadership of global, regional and country operations and teams.

• Lead, coordinate and oversee global, regional and country teams implementing projects, programmes and portfolios in Regions – Africa, Asia and Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean – and in the Global Portfolio Office, including the support to hosted entities.

• Promote strong partnerships with key stakeholders for scaled-up engagement and delivery.

• Partnering and representation.

 

Strategic leadership of global, regional and country operations and teams

• Advise the Executive Director on the implementation of UNOPS operations in line with the 4-year Strategic Plan and the results framework to achieve impact for the most vulnerable people and accelerate achievement of the SDGs.

• Lead global, regional and country operations with foresight and innovation, scanning the external environment for trends and changes in the landscape, and seeking out innovative approaches to drive the implementation of practical and integrated solutions for impact.
• Partner strategically and foster collaboration with other members of the management team to leverage UNOPS comparative advantages and drive organizational performance through the implementation and management goals of the strategic plan.

• Champion corporate priorities on zero tolerance towards inaction in sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment; promote health and safety, and support the implementation of the organization’s strategy on gender, diversity and inclusion.

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership and stewardship of the organization through active involvement, regular communication, championing reforms for service excellence, and strengthening organizational capabilities and capacity.

• Foster a positive work culture and environment, role-model leadership behaviours and collaboration across organizational units and ensure that the highest standards of integrity, ethics, transparency and accountability are observed at all times.

 

Lead, coordinate and oversee global, regional and country teams implementing projects, programmes, and portfolios in Regions – Africa, Asia and Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean – and in the Global Portfolio Office, including the support to hosted entities.

• Advise the Executive Director on portfolio composition and strategic opportunities, ensuring alignment with the strategic plan, assessing the risks of high-stake engagements and mitigation measures to effectively implement and deliver the results and outcomes expected by partners.

• Lead, empower, and guide the D&P management team to effectively design and deliver strategies to achieve corporate performance objectives and results.

• Collaborate and coordinate closely with the DED for Management and Policy to ensure incentives are aligned to achieve shared results, addressing challenges and issues that may hinder the effective and efficient implementation of operations at global, regional and country levels.

• Oversee relations with the Heads of Secretariats of Multilateral Partnerships to enable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective delivery of sustainable results of their respective programmes and ensure alignment with UNOPS policies, practices and standards.

 

Promote strong partnerships with key stakeholders for scaled-up engagement and delivery.

• Oversee, in close collaboration with the Executive Director, the implementation of UNOPS strategy on partnerships.

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to UNOPS Regional and Country offices to promote strong relationships with key stakeholders, including governments, multilateral organizations, other parts of the UN system, private sector entities, philanthropy, academia and civil society organizations.

• Promote and leverage synergies across the UN system, and with multilateral and development sectors, to support implementation and enhance delivery of operations on the ground.

• Contribute to strengthen the Resident Coordinator system and to expand the collaboration with other UN entities in the context of the UN country teams.

 

Representation

• Promote UNOPS, its mandate, mission, and vision to key external partners and build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including governments, multilateral organizations, private sector entities, academia, and civil society organizations.

• Represent UNOPS in senior and high-level United Nations fora, in the Executive Board, the High-Level Committee on Programmes, and in other international and intergovernmental settings.

• Act as Officer in Charge for the Executive Director as required.

 

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the DED directly impacts on the ability of UNOPS to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, and demonstrate the UNOPS comparative advantage that combines UN ethics and values with tailored practical solutions thereby making UNOPS a partner of choice in programme and project services for sustainable development.

 

Profile

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in management or business administration, business finance, or related areas.

• A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications.

 

Experience

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible and diverse experience in management at large international organizations including the UN.

• Proven extensive leadership experience in a self-financing business environment is required.

• Demonstrated experience in transformational leadership is required.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in sustainable development and development cooperation is required.

• Demonstrated experience in senior stakeholder management in international and complex political contexts is required.

 

Languages

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.

• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset.

 

Competencies

• Strategic Perspective
  • Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

• Integrity & Inclusion
  • Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

• Leading Self and Others
  • Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs, and inspires others to succeed, utilising appropriate leadership styles.

• Partnering
  • Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

• Results Orientation
  • Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

• Agility
  • Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

• Solution Focused
  • Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

• Effective Communication
  • Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise, and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Terms of Appointment

• Two-year term, renewable.
• Remuneration and benefits are commensurate with the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General level and include applicable allowances and entitlements in accordance with UN regulations.

 

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

 

Role Location

Copenhagen, Denmark

 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 15  March 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT -5). 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.

 

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by UNOPS to undertake this assignment.