UN Partnership Director

Job Introduction

We work alongside international institutions to deliver specialised services that support their mission and operations worldwide. With expertise spanning IT services, facility management, research, and operational support, we partner with organizations to provide tailored, high-impact solutions.

We are now looking for a  UN Partnership Director to join our team and drive growth across UN locations throughout Europe.

This role is focused on analysing opportunities, shaping solutions, and developing new business with the United Nations system, ensuring our expertise aligns with UN missions, programs, and operational needs.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy for engagement with the UN system, aligned with our sector vision and corporate growth objectives.


• Identify, analyse, and prioritize opportunities across UN agencies, programs, and field locations.


• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of business opportunities with a clear focus on profitability, risk management, and sustainability.


• Develop trusted relationships with senior UN stakeholders, procurement officers, and partners to position our company as a credible and long-term partner.


• Shape opportunities in the early stages (“upstream”), influencing requirements and aligning our capabilities to UN operational priorities.


• Ensure bids are commercially sound, compliant, and structured to maximize value for both the UN and our business.


• Provide leadership to a small but growing BD team, coordinating efforts across countries and functions to deliver results.


• Contribute to the wider business unit’s strategy and collaborate with other regions to leverage global expertise for UN opportunities.

Key Accountabilities

Winning Business

• Develop and execute a UN-focused growth plan with measurable objectives.


• Secure profitable contract wins across multiple UN entities and locations.


• Proactively engage with UN stakeholders to understand operational needs and position innovative solutions.


• Ensure financial viability and robust governance in all bids.


• Build collaborative partnerships with NGOs, local suppliers, and other private-sector actors operating in UN contexts.

People & Leadership

• Support recruitment and development of BD professionals as the UN segment grows.


• Lead with integrity and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.


• Ensure alignment with company principles and strategy at all times.

Execution Excellence

• Ensure business opportunities are delivered ethically, effectively, and with clear value to the UN.


• Work cross-divisionally to identify and deliver integrated service offerings.


• Maintain high standards of quality and ensure contract delivery supports long-term partnerships.

Sustainability & Growth

• Deliver sales targets and contribute to the company’s global growth strategy.


• Build long-term, trust-based relationships across the UN system to ensure continued expansion.

Successful Candidate

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of the United Nations system, including procurement processes, funding structures, and operational models.


• Knowledge of how UN field missions, agencies, and headquarters operate.


• Strong understanding of international service delivery in areas such as logistics, facilities, IT, or operational support.

Skills

• Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building at senior levels.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex opportunities across different UN agencies and regions.


• Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial drive, capable of shaping opportunities early.


• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence across cultures and functions.


• Commercially astute with proven capability in business planning and execution.

Experience

• Proven track record of developing and winning business with the UN system.


• Demonstrated success in leading business development across international public sector environments.


• Experience in building partnerships and collaborations in cross-cultural contexts.


• Evidence of growing account share and positioning services effectively within UN structures.


• Leadership experience in managing teams and working in matrix organizations.

Additional Features

• Willingness to travel regularly to UN HQs, regional hubs, and field offices.


• Ability to connect with other regions and leverage global expertise for UN opportunities.