Fund Director

Contract

This is a P-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about P-6 contracts.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development or other 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 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 Joint Peace Fund (JPF) was established in late 2015 as a multi-donor fund to support national efforts to achieve a final and lasting settlement of ethnic armed conflict in Myanmar. In working towards this goal, the JPF has delivered coordinated international financial and technical assistance to the Myanmar peace process. Donors to the fund, including through Ambassadorial representation, participate in its governance through the JPF Fund Board.

Over the past 2 years, the JPF adapted its programming and approach to the challenging post-military take over context. A revised multi-year strategy was finalised and a revised management structure and operating modalities were put in place to start a new multi-year cycle on 1 January 2023.

UNOPS and the JPF Fund Board are looking for an experienced and committed candidate to lead the Fund in a very challenging environment.

*** While the duty station for this position will be Yangon, the incumbent is expected to be based in Bangkok until a work visa for Myanmar can be obtained.***

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall responsibility of the UNOPS Myanmar Country Director and Representative, the Fund Director will provide leadership, strategic direction and promote best practice in performance and delivery of the JPF. S/he will oversee the Fund Management Office (FMO) of the Joint Peace Fund and is responsible for providing strategic guidance and policy advice, working in close consultation with the JPF Fund Board. With a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and respective roles and responsibilities of relevant partners and stakeholders, the incumbent will be responsible for achievement of the JPF objectives as found in the revised JPF Strategy and Description of Action.

1. Stakeholder Management

• Establish solid working relationships based on trust with the Fund Board, current and potential partners and key stakeholders.
• Manage JPF communications with stakeholders regarding Fund activities, progress and exceptions, enabling their ability to accept handover of Fund deliverables.
• Advise the partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes.
• Manage the information flows between the Fund Board, the UNOPS Director and Representative and the UNOPS team dedicated to the JPF.
• Represent the JPF and UNOPS at external events and meetings
• Represent JPF in the UNOPS Management Group (MG) to ensure coordination, effective delivery and information sharing
• Seek new donors for the Joint Peace Fund (if this is required).

2. Delivery and Performance

• Oversee the implementation of approved programme plans, manage delivery of the programme’s outputs, and initiate corrective action where necessary.
• Authorize, monitor and control work packages to be delivered by the UNOPS team or by implementing partners.
• Advise the Fund Board on architecture and processes to strengthen JPF’s engagement at all levels
• Identify and manage risks, advising the Fund Board and UNOPS Director and Representative of deviations that have or will exceed set tolerances as approved in the programme plan.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers.
• Represent UNOPS at Fund Board meetings on a periodic basis as ex officio, non voting member in order to discuss key issues and propose solutions to challenges that arise.
• Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the Fund Board.

3. Procedures

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy and UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Manage the JPF Fund Management Office to ensure performance of the Fund in the areas of programmatic/technical results delivery, financial management (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), administrative (including regular reporting and audit results) and procurement operations.
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations, taking accountability for expenditures against the budget; ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors, grantees/ implementing partners and personnel are received on time.
• Understand and manage UNOPS pricing policy and related corporate charges as they apply to JPF.
• Ensure implementing partner capacity is commensurate with funding requirements.
• Ensure appropriate measures have been documented in a Closure Plan to facilitate the transition of operations in the final stage of delivery.

4. Knowledge Management

• Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies complete lessons learned as per reporting format.
• Support UNOPS Myanmar’s efforts in being a centre of excellence for programme management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master’s Degree in International Relations, Political / Security / Development Studies, Business / Public Administration or other relevant discipline is required
• Bachelor’s Degree in the subjects mentioned above with additional 2 years of relevant work experience to the above duties and responsibilities may be accepted in lieu of Master Degree.
• Project Management or Programme Certification such as PRINCE2®, PMP® , or MSP®– preferred

Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of programme implementation and management experience with increasing autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Among them, 5 years of experience managing government and/or donor relations, preferably for an international organization.
• Solid experience managing large programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight.
• Experience working in conflict-affected and highly political contexts is required.
• Demonstrated political acumen and agility in politically-sensitive situations is required.
• Experience in conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity, peace building and reconciliation is highly desirable.
• Experience in Asia is an advantage; experience in Myanmar would be considered a strong asset.
• Prior experience in supporting or managing multi-donor funds, including fiduciary responsibility and contract management would be a strong asset.
• Prior related experience in the UN system is an asset.
• Experience in Google-based office software packages is an advantage.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is essential (must be able to effectively communicate in both oral and written form).
• Full knowledge of another UN working language is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: staff Contract level: P6

Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

*** While the duty station for this position will be Yangon, the incumbent is expected to be based in Bangkok until a work visa for Myanmar can be obtained.***

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.

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. 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.