The UNOPS office in Brussels, Belgium was set up in July 2009, following the signature of the Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA) with the European Commission.
The aim of the UNOPS presence in Brussels is to increase understanding and coordination between the organization and European Union (EU) institutions and provide a focal point for senior UNOPS managers across the globe.
UNOPS is a member of the United Nations Team in Brussels (UNTB).
In particular the Brussels Liaison Office aims at developing a partnership with the European Union, with a focus on the four high-level goals within the UNOPS 2010-2013 Strategic Plan:
Rebuilding peace and stability after conflict
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo the EU is funding a $10.3 million road and bridge reconstruction project which is also raising community awareness about the dangers of unexploded munitions. UNOPS is executing the project which commenced in 2008 and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
Early recovery of communities affected by natural disaster
The Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) is a multi donor fund of $100 million for the poorest and most vulnerable people in Myanmar. It is aligned to the post-cyclone Nargis recovery and preparedness plan for the Delta areas of the country and is governed by a donor consortium including Australia, the UK, the EC, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. UNOPS is fund manager of LIFT, which was established in October 2009 and will run for five years.
The ability of people to develop local economies and obtain social services
In 2004 UNDP and the EC launched a four-year programme in Timor-Leste to build local capacity to deliver basic social services and sustainable incomes, create employment opportunities and ensure food security. In executing the programme UNOPS oversaw implementation of activities that helped sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region.
Environmental sustainability and adaption to climate change
The $12.3 million EU-funded Environmental Remediation Programme in Ampara focuses on improving solid waste management throughout the region, improving surface water and urban storm-water drainage and planting trees in roadside, coastal and mangrove regions of the district. UNOPS is implementing much of this project, which is due to continue until June 2011.
More information about UNOPS work for the European Commission.