Senior Advisor - Delivery & Partnerships, Copenhagen

General Information

• Position Title: Senior Advisor - Delivery & Partnerships
• Job Category: Partnerships & Knowledge
• Duty Station(s): Copenhagen
• Seniority Level: Senior Level
• ICS Level: ICS 12
• Contract Type: Staff - IP - FTA
• Contract Level: IP P-5
• Posting Start Date: 06-Nov-2026
• Posting End Date: 19-Nov-2026
• Duration: Ongoing

Job Highlight

The Senior Advisor, Delivery and Partnerships provides strategic advice to the Deputy Executive Director on the strategic direction, effectiveness and performance of UNOPS Delivery and Partnerships. The role supports strategic planning, policy development and implementation monitoring, while strengthening coordination across Regional Offices and the Global Portfolios Office. It also promotes organizational learning, innovation and strategic foresight, and represents the DED in high-level engagements to advance partnerships and enhance UNOPS’ contribution to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Group

The Executive Office (EO) leads and is accountable for the strategic direction, performance, and integrity of UNOPS, ensuring the organization implements its mandate in support of Member States and the UN system. Providing strategic leadership, the Office sets and oversees the implementation of the 4-year Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment on corporate priorities across the organization. The Office ensures robust governance, and accountability for resources and results while driving culture change and the transformation of the organization for cost-effective agile deployment in collaboration with sister agencies of the United Nations, and other partners.

The Executive Office represents UNOPS and ensures accountability to the Executive Board. The Office leads UNOPS engagement with Member States, UN partners, and other stakeholders to advance United Nations objectives by bringing practical solutions to bridge the implementation gap so that all people can live peaceful and dignified lives, where human rights are respected, and where countries and communities are on a path to sustainable development.

Role Purpose

Provide strategic advice to the DED in leading and guiding the effectiveness and performance of Delivery and Partnerships entities - Regional Offices and Global Portfolios Office. Support the DED in coordinating strategic planning activities across Delivery and Partnerships.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Strategic Advisory and Policy Analysis

• Provide advice to the DED on strategic plans and operational policies which support effective partnerships and delivery capabilities across UNOPS.
• Leverage evidence-based insights across the organization to advise the DED on risks and challenges related to implementation of plans and policies within Delivery and Partnerships.
• As requested by the DED, initiate periodic strategic reviews in close consultation with Delivery and Partnerships leadership in order to provide strategic advice on the effectiveness of strategies.
• Monitor progress on strategy execution and implementation in order to offer relevant ongoing strategic advice to the DED.

2. Coordination and External Representation

• Assist in coordinating efforts among functional and geographic leaders across Delivery and Partnerships to share knowledge, drawing on country/regional experiences and lessons learned to strengthen partnerships and enhance delivery across all UNOPS operations.
• Represent the DED at global/regional events and external/inter-agency meetings, as requested/delegated from time to time by the DED.
• Participate in corporate initiatives (including Executive Office priorities where Delivery & Partnerships has a stake) upon request of the DED.

3. People Leadership

• Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability across the Executive Office team and other UNOPS teams.
• Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

4. Knowledge Management and innovation

• Contribute to knowledge management, innovation and institutional learning.
• Support UNOPS thought leadership on sustainable development, development and humanitarian issues, and the future of the multilateral system.
• Contribute to strategic foresight initiatives by identifying emerging global trends, risks and opportunities of relevance to UNOPS.

5. Carry out other relevant tasks as required.

Skills

Document Drafting, International Development, International Organizations, International Relations, Policy Analysis, Public Policy, Strategic Thinking

Competencies

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

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

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, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

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).

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.

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 behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

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.

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.

Education Requirements

Required:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) is required preferably in Business or Public Administration, International Development, International Relations, Social or Political Science, Law or related area, OR
• A Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience Requirements

Required:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in relevant areas of Partnerships and Delivery (for example but not limited to: high-level coordination, partnerships, business acquisition and development, strategic advisory, etc.)
• Within the 10 years of required professional experience, at least five 5 years of experience handling strategic matters.
• Experience with strategic advisory to Senior Management is required.
• Experience in International Organizations or the UN system is required.

Desired:

• Experience in formulation and evaluation of strategic initiatives is a strong asset.

Language Requirements

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• For more details about the contract types, please click here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.

Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.

UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment.