Deputy Programme Manager

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-11 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-11 contracts.

Background Information - Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Myanmar Humanitarian Aid Program (MHAP)

The objective of this humanitarian program is to provide prioritized assistance and protection for highly vulnerable people such as IDPs and refugees, in the most conflict affected areas through national and civil society organizations. MHAP will support those most in need in the worst conflict affected areas, initially concentrated in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine States and possibly in the northwest.

MHAP key activities include;

• Delivery of multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance for Rakhine, Shan and Kachin State through provision of grants to CSOs and local partners (INGO, NNGOs), including capacity building activities for local partners and support to local partner coordination mechanisms
• Development of MHAP strategy as part of Programme inception
• Establishment of framework for monitoring, learning, evidence and knowledge management
• Scoping studies to explore possible assistance in northwest Myanmar and piloting humanitarian assistance to northwest during Inception Phase

Functional Responsibilities

The Deputy Programme Manager (DPM) will play a crucial role in supporting the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) and delivering the Humanitarian Programme, with a particular focus on localization goals. The Deputy Programme Manager will bring strong and deep local leadership experience and skills, have established networks and relationships with civil society, a track record of humanitarian work in complex, conflict-affected areas and a strong grounding in community development.

Under the overall supervision of the MHAP Senior Programme Manager, and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the Deputy Programme Manager will be responsible for:

Representation, leadership and partnership

• Represent UNOPS and MHAP to partners and key stakeholders in Myanmar.
• Provide leadership on key strategic issues, particularly conflict-sensitivity, localization, partnership.
• Build and strengthen strategic relations with stakeholders, in particular civil society groups.
• Lead regular and ongoing reviews of the portfolio, in particular to ensure that MHAP is focused on the most vulnerable populations.
• Ensure MHAP is informed by and aligned with broader humanitarian practice through close coordination with other humanitarian partners and with FCDO.
• Propose and establish approaches aimed at building the institutional capacity, safety and well being of partners, as needed.
• Manage events, meetings, consultants and technical experts.
• Promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Act in the SPM’s role when required, e.g. in the absence of the SPM.

Programme management

• Support the coordination and quality implementation of MHAP, promoting synergy, learning and joint problem solving.
• Manage and coordinate implementation of recommendations to MHAP, including those from donor reviews.
• Manage delivery of the programme’s outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
• Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equality and women’s empowerment, accountability, ‘do no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities associated with the programme.
• Ensure all reporting requirements as per legal agreement as well as ensuring internal UNOPS rules are met.
• Ensure that all Programme activities comply with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules (FRR).
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors, grantees/ implementing partners and personnel are received on time.
• Monitor progress on implementation of activities and budget expenditures, including through field visits as needed.
• Organize donor field visits and prepare briefing materials on project activities and progress.
• Contribute to the development of quarterly reports based on data submitted by partners.
• Maintain critical programme records/documents on the UNOPS Google Shared Drive.

Monitoring, reporting, learning and knowledge management

• Put in place and continuously review solid reporting mechanisms in the programme.
• Review/clearance of M&E and narrative reports from the MHAP implementing partners focusing on data correctness, quality and analysis.
• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data.
• Support monitoring and evaluation missions commissioned by the MHAP Project.
• Promote knowledge building and sharing through implementation of the programme, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, share across the implementing partners and humanitarian community as needed, and sound contributions to UNOPS Communities of Practice and knowledge management initiatives.
• Coordinate quality reviews of programme documents and deliverables.
• Contribute with project related information and data to the review/production of MHAP reports/publications.
• Assist with interpretation and translation of documents in the Myanmar language when needed
• Other duties relevant to the implementation of the MHAP programme

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master's degree in community development, social sciences, peace and conflict studies, international relations, or other related discipline is required.
• A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be considered as equivalent.

Experience requirement

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in development/a relevant field is required;
• Experience and/or solid understanding of working in complex and conflict affected areas is required.

• Experience and a track record of networks and relationships with community groups, civil society, local organisations is required.

• Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of UN, NGOs and civil society would be an advantage.

Language Requirements - Full working knowledge in written and oral English and fluency in Myanmar language required. - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: Local ICA Specialist-11 / LICA-11 / ICS-11 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

"THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. ONLY MYANMAR NATIONALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE REJECTED."

The successful candidate is expected to be in Myanmar to perform the duties and responsibilities of the advertised position

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 Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

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

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.