Head of Programme

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

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a United Nations entity responsible for infrastructure, procurement and project management (General Assembly Resolution 65/176 of 2010). Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS is a service provider, a technical advisor and an implementer of projects to support our partners.

i) Sustainable Infrastructure: UNOPS designs, builds, repairs and maintains infrastructure in some of the most challenging environments in the world. Its activities are focused on the development of transportation, education and health infrastructure, among other areas.

ii) Public procurement: UNOPS is a central procurement resource for the United Nations system and governments. It emphasizes an efficient, transparent and sustainable delivery of goods and services.

iii) Project management: UNOPS manages more than a thousand humanitarian, development and peacebuilding projects per year for different partners, ensuring quality, effectiveness and results that meet the highest standards.

UNOPS work seeks environmental, social and economic sustainability, which contributes to the progress of equity and the common good of the countries in which it operates, thus promoting the improvement of the living conditions of the most needy people. UNOPS has a presence in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our services, products and technical assistance comply with the principles of the public administration of transparency, equity, integrity, free competition, impartiality, morality, effectiveness, efficiency and respect for national institutions.

In line with the framework agreement signed with the Government of Mexico, UNOPS supports the different collaboration initiatives by the government that are aimed at the fight against corruption and transparency in public management; as well as in exercises aimed at strengthening government actions in the areas of acquisitions, infrastructure and management of high impact projects in Mexico.

The work requires operational perspectives, management of resources ensuring transparency, effectiveness and efficiency that promotes the development and continuous strengthening of internal management in order to ensure high quality results, in accordance with the needs of the project partners in Mexico.

Functional Responsibilities

The Head of Programme reports directly to the Country Office Director who provides direction and general supervision. The Head of Programme is responsible for:

• Programme development planning and managing all stages of programming as well as overseeing the project delivery for the portfolio of advisory projects.
• Managing and overseeing the PMO function for the Mexico Country Office, including strategic planning, best practices guidance, creation of control procedures, monitoring, reporting and systematising information to be presented in a strategic way to the client.
• Supporting the Country Director in the quality assurance for the PharmaMX project.
• Actively contributing to solidifying the partnerships and developing the portfolio in Mexico and ensuring a coherent positioning of the portfolio to the partner.

Summary of key results:

1. Programme governance, implementation, assurance and monitoring
2. Programme development and planning
3. Manage programme resources
4. Partnership networking and advocacy

5. Knowledge management and innovation

   For more detailed information about the duties of the position please check the attached terms of references.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - A Master’s degree preferably in project management, public administration, social science or other relevant related field is required. - A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Certification:

• PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner an asset, but required completion within first 6 months of onboarding.
• Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization.
• Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
• Experience working in project management in the region of Latn America and the Caribbean is desirable.

****Languages:****

• Fluent Spanish is required.
• Good working level English is required (minimum at an intermediate level)
• Knowledge of French or Portuguese are an advantage

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

1. Contract type: ICA - Individual Contract Agreement
2. Contract level: ICS12 equivalent to IICA3 (international pay scale). The applicable pay scale will be defined according to the selected candidate profile.
3. Contract duration: Ongoing contract subject to good performance and funds availability.

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.
• 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 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.

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.

Additional information