Change and Transformation Advisor (Retainer)

Senior Programme & Policy Leadership

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – UNOPS UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. The Strategy and Transformation Group

The Strategy and Transformation Group (STG) was established in 2024 and reports to the UNOPS Chief of Staff. STG's role is to formulate corporate strategy based on beneficiary, partner and organizational needs and internal capabilities, and supporting the design and implementation of transformation initiatives and other organizational changes in alignment with that strategy.

Role of the Change and Transformation

Located in the UNOPS HQ in Copenhagen, the Change and Transformation team is part of the STG. UNOPS has committed to a series of strategic and administrative reforms, including a reset of the organizational strategy. The role of our unit is to work globally to enable the strategic transformation and organizational changes within UNOPS.

Our work can involve internal consulting for solution design, change enablement as well as transformation office management.

We are a small team of experienced organization development, change and transformation professionals, who can manage initiatives and change at all levels. Our team brings experience, energy and partnership to a full range of change management and transformation services including: organization design, organizational development, solution design facilitation, transformation management, as well as facilitation of behavioral change towards new ways of working.

Role of the Consultants

We are seeking consultants to become part of the roster. Consultants will work under the guidance of STG Lead and support us on a range of projects, producing deliverables and leading on discrete work packages, with the particular focus on consulting, project management, analysis, solution design, organization design, strategy development, strategic communication and change management.

Under this contract type, the assignments will vary in scope and duration - ranging from short term assignments of a few hours at a time to longer blocks of time (e.g. several months full time, up to a year). Work may also vary with regards to the time zone / location. Whilst most assignments can be delivered working from home, some may require presence in Copenhagen and/or international travel on occasion. Whilst the consultants can be based in different time-zones, they should be able and willing to ensure a degree of time overlap with the team based in our HQ in Copenhagen and/or our internal clients based globally.

The remuneration will vary depending on the assignment and consultant’s location and will range from hour/day rate, though lump sum for specific deliverables, to a set monthly fee.

Summary of Key Functions:

Depending on the nature of the assignment, the role can encompass a combination of the following functions, with varying emphasis on some more than others.

1. Consulting: Providing expert advice and guidance on complex business issues across departments.
2. Project Management: Leading and managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within budget.
3. Analysis: Conducting in-depth analysis of data, processes, and systems to identify opportunities for improvement.
4. Solution Design: Developing and implementing creative solutions to address identified business needs.
5. Organization Design: Assisting with the design and optimization of organizational structures and workflows.
6. Strategy Development: Participating in the development and refinement of departmental and organizational strategies.
7. Strategic Communication: Effectively communicating strategic plans and initiatives through clear, concise and targeted documentation.
8. Change Management: Developing and implementing strategies and plans to manage the people side of organizational change initiatives effectively.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Consulting

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to senior management on complex business issues.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of business operations, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Identify and recommend solutions to improve organizational performance and efficiency, and in alignment with wider transformation efforts.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions to gather input and build consensus on strategic initiatives.

• Develop and present clear and concise reports and recommendations to stakeholders.

  2. Project Management

• Lead and manage complex programmes and projects from initiation to completion.

• Develop and implement project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage risks, dependencies, and stakeholders effectively.
• Ensure deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Facilitate project team meetings and communication.

• Monitor project progress and report on performance.

  3. Analysis

• Conduct in-depth analysis of data, processes, and systems.

• Identify opportunities for improvement and develop recommendations.
• Analyze data to inform decision-making and measure impact.
• Develop and present data visualizations and reports to stakeholders.

• Facilitate data-driven discussions and workshops.

  4. Solution Design

• Develop and implement creative solutions to address complex business challenges.

• Utilize design thinking principles to generate innovative solutions.
• Translate business needs into practical solutions and prototypes.
• Facilitate workshops and brainstorming sessions to develop solutions.

• Present and advocate for proposed solutions to stakeholders.

  5. Organization Design

• Conduct organizational assessments to identify areas for improvement.

• Design and implement organizational changes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and agility.
• Develop and implement new organizational structures, workflows, and processes.
• Facilitate change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions.

• Provide guidance and support to teams during organizational change.

  6. Strategy Development

• Participate in the development and refinement of departmental and organizational strategies.

• Align strategies with UNOPS strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Conduct research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop and present strategic plans, frameworks, and action plans.

• Facilitate strategic planning workshops and discussions.

  7. Strategic Communication

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans.

• Write clear, concise, and impactful strategic documents.
• Communicate strategic plans, frameworks, and action plans to stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver presentations and speeches on strategic initiatives.

• Manage and maintain communication channels for strategic updates.

  8. Change Management:

• Utilize best practice in change management to develop and implement change management plans: to minimize change resistance, maximize adoption and enable project outcomes

• Communicate change initiatives effectively to stakeholders.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and build consensus.
• Manage conflict and resolve issues related to change progress.
• Provide training and support to teams during change implementation.
• Plan and execute mechanism for tracking change adoption and for ensuring changes are embedded longer term.

Competencies

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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.

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/Experience/Language requirements

Education Requirements: - An Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration or relevant field is required; - A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration or relevant field in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree - Relevant certification related to the functional areas such as PRINCE 2, Agile, PROSCI Change etc. is a distinct advantage.

Experience Requirements: Mandatory:

• 7 years of experience in advisory services with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated practical experience in leading and executing projects in at least two of the functional areas below is required:

  • Project Management (service sector)
  • Analysis (data, process, systems, value proposition)
  • Organizational design
  • Solution design
  • Strategy
  • Strategic communication
  • Change Management
• Leading or advising Organizational Transformation initiatives is required
• Root cause analysis and concept development experience is required
• Proven experience collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior management to drive results
• Proven experience engaging with senior C-suite stakeholders

Desirables:

• Management Advisory experience is highly desirable
• Experience in global or multicountry transformation initiatives is an asset.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies and functional areas listed above.
• Experience in development and execution of communication and stakeholder engagement strategies

Language Requirements: - Fluency in written and oral English required. - Knowledge of a second UN language (preferably French or Spanish) is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement - ICA Contract level: International ICA3- ICS11 Contract duration: 1 year, renewable subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

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.
• 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.

Apply now

Added 2 hours ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: jobs.unops.org