Deputy Programme Manager (Operations)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Following the Maidan revolution of 2013/14, reform has moved to the top of the agenda for the Ukrainian government and its international partners. Within that context, reform of the civilian security sector has been identified as a key priority.

The Government of Ukraine identified some specific reform needs and first steps have been initiated to address shortcomings in the Rule of Law area. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is undergoing a major restructuring with the creation of the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) as an independent agency in 2015, followed by the country-wide recertification process of the former militia staff. Further and complementary efforts are needed to guarantee sustainability of reforms.

UNOPS Ukraine.

The UNOPS Ukraine Office has been established in April 2017. At present UNOPS manages an extensive portfolio of projects in Ukraine and is seeking to expand its delivery. Accordingly, UNOPS is now shifting direct representational and oversight functions to Ukraine.

UNOPS works with multiple partners including the Governments of Ukraine, bilateral and multilateral donors, and United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programme. In keeping with EU-Ukraine Association Agreement of 27 June 2014 and other Government reform initiatives, UNOPS is particularly interested in strengthening its coordination and liaison capacity with relevant Government institutions, Government led mechanisms and emerging trust fund instruments.

The Support for Rule of Law Reforms in Ukraine Project.

UNOPS provides project management implementation services and support for the European Delegation and the Government of Ukraine project, focused on reform of the Rule of Law system in Ukraine and to align its functioning with the best European and International practices.

This EU-Funded Project aims to support the creation of an efficient law-enforcement system respectful of human rights in support of the people of Ukraine, via provision of the necessary support to the National Police and other Ukrainian authorities in charge of civilian law-enforcement. On substance matters, the project relies on the EU Advisory Mission [EUAM] to Ukraine which is a Rule of Law and Police Mission, based in Kiev and with presences in Kharkiv and Lviv.

Functional Responsibilities

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) will not ordinarily be located with the Senior Programme Manager. The Senior Programme Manager will be located in the UNOPS Offices in Ukraine, whereas the Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) will be remotely located within the EU Rule of Law Advisory Mission’s offices [EUAM] in Kyiv and will have two key responsibilities. Deputizing for the Senior Programme Manager in all operational aspects as delegated, and with the running all of the UNOPS’ project functions located at the EUAM. The Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) will be the principal senior UNOPS’ responsible person within that EUAM environment, liaising and working with senior EU staff including the Head of Mission and the Institutional Development, Police and Legal Component Leads.

In addition, she/he will directly supervise the other UNOPS’ EUAM embedded staff and specialist contractors also working from there. These UNOPS post holders will include, but will not be confined to; the Project Coordination Officer/Deputy Programme Manager (Programmatic), the Engineers and Project Support Officers. External specialist contractors and experts supervised will include, but will not be confined to ICT, institutional development and training experts.

It should be noted that whilst reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, the Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) would have considerable autonomy, managerial and project-functional/operational responsibilities, particularly because of the separate office environments. She/he is expected to meet and exceed the organization's performance and delivery goals. Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, but with these unique responsibilities, the Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the Project(s) and hence the Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) delivers to, and supports, the project life cycle. At the request of the Senior Programme Manager, within the defined limits of authority and as per delegated authority he/she must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

1. Stakeholder Management: a. Contribute to the establishment of the positive and fruitful working relationships with all members of the EUAM, their contactors, beneficiaries and interlocutors, providing advice and guidance on specific and general project management issues and where appropriate, institutional reform, rule of law and police related project support. b. Support the EUAM and beneficiaries in the structuring and delivery of project activities whilst advising UNOPS’ policies, procedures and working practices and on practical and implementation matters. c. On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, contribute to the establishment of the solid working relationship with the project board, client and key stakeholders. d. If delegated by the Senior Programme Manager: i. Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products ii. Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance).

2. Delivery and Performance

Provide timely and effective support to the Senior Programme Manager in: a. Collaboration with EUAM Advisors to devise and deliver to project activities within relevant timelines and cost parameters. b. Support implementation of approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board. c. Personal management of work packages as and when required. d. Continuous monitoring of the project quality indicators and undertaking monthly assurance tasks on behalf of the Senior Programme Manager. e. Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into the project life cycle. f. On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, identify, direct and support the management and production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary. g. Advise the Senior Programme Manager of any possible deviations from the plan and possible corrective action. h. On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, identify and manage risks, especially those unique to EUAM activities, cooperation and co-location. i. Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to a supervisor. j. Identify and report threats to UNOPS’ internal business case to supervisor. k. As delegated by the Senior Programme manager, monitor and evaluate performance of service providers.

3. Procedures: a. Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions). b. Support the Senior Programme Manager in the preparation of all project related documentation, particularly; i. Highlight Reports ii. End Stage Reports iii. Operational Closure Checklist iv. End Project Report v. Handover Report. c. Where the Deputy Programme Manager (Operations) has no delegation as a committing officer, he/she retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.

4. Knowledge Management: a. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice. b. Actively interact with other PMs and the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System. c. Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies. d. Complete lessons learned as per reporting format. e. Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format.

5. Personnel Management: a. Manage and support all UNOPS’ EUAM-embedded staff, contractors and consultants ensuring high quality service delivery. b. Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) for required inputs in the project’s personnel and operational arrangements, (staff, individual and institutional consultancy services, procurement of goods and services, organization of training, seminars, etc.) with EUAM and/or client support as required. c. As delegated by the Senior Programme Manager and in his/her absence: i. Select, recruit and train external consultants and trainers as required by project plans. ii. Lead and motivate those external project delivery teams to ensure successful project implementation. iii. Perform the Team Manager role. d. Ensure safety and security for all personnel embedded at the EUAM Offices and ensure compliance with UNDSS standards.

6. Core Values and Principles: a. Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles. b. Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project management. c. Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at the workplace. d. Champion and communicate the project's sustainability aspects with key stakeholders. e. Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity. f. Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans. g. Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff. h. Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts.

7. Partnerships and Coordination. a. Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system. b. Know the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and seek to contribute within the deliverables of the project. c. Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners.

8. Accountability for results and the use of resources. a. The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the Project Coordination Officer to raise the issue to a supervisor.

9. Excellence. a. Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

Education

1. Advanced University Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, Education, Criminology, Law or other relevant discipline. OR
2. University Degree (bachelor degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, Criminology, Law or other relevant discipline, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
3. PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification Preferred.
4. A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.

Experience

1. A minimum of 5 years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in project development and management of Rule of Law type projects with focus on training, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations.
2. Will possess particular skills in the implementation of complex sector wide reforms.
3. Experience of working with, or alongside, EU Civilian Police and Rule of Law Missions is essential.
4. Previous experience with UNOPS or a UN Agency is an advantage.
5. Experience working in a project-based environment is required.
6. MS Office skills required

Languages

1. Fluency in written and spoken English is required; Working knowledge of Russian and/or Ukrainian is considered 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.( 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. 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

1. Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
2. Contract level: Interantional Specialist Level 2
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, 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

This contract is subject to local legislation including but not limited to taxation.

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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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 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.

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 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 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 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.