Head of Programme Management Office

Contract

This is a IICA-4 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 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-4 contracts.

Background information - Asia Regional Health Cluster

The Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC) was established in 2018 as a regional thematic business unit for health programming and procurement in the Asia Region for efficient delivery of grants and funds management, and the provision of quality pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. ARHC is a key delivery mechanism of one of the regional priorities in the UNOPS Asia Region Strategy 2022-2025, which is focused on implementation for impact in SDG 3 and the health sector through advisory and tailored solutions. ARHC aims to significantly impact on good health and well being by expanding the population benefitting from UNOPS-managed health-related engagements across the Asia Region. The ARHC portfolio manages the Principal Recipient (PR) Programme of the Global Fund in Asia and provides Health Procurement Services for various UNOPS projects in the Asia Region and offers expert technical support in any health related initiatives in Country Offices of UNOPS in Asia.

Background Information - Job-specific

Since 2011, ARHC has been managing US$ 1.4 billion worth of the Global Fund grants for HIV, TB and malaria programme implementation in the Greater Mekong Sub-region as a Principal Recipient (PR) and supporting implementing partners, including national programmes, international and local NGOs, and multilateral organizations. The estimated annual ARHC budget including the transactional procurement is estimated around US$ 200/250 Million per year. ARHC provides region-wide support for health programmes and health procurement in UNOPS multi-country and county offices in the AR to extend its capabilities and health-related services. ARHC's primary services are:

- Programme and fund/grant management/PRinciple Recipient to the Global Fund

- Pharmaceuticals and health sector procurement

- Technical knowledge and support in health programme development

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Director, the Head of Programme Management Office will lead and coordinate programme support and financial service for the ARHC grants and transactional procurement in Asia Region. The Head of Programme Support will be assisted by a team of international and national professionals and will work in close collaboration with the Head of Support Services in the UNOPS Asia Regional Centre (Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam).

The Head of Programme Management Office is responsible to work towards the results as outlined below, in the areas of the following functional responsibilities:

• Budgeting and financial reporting (donors, and other clients)
• Grants / Contracts management
• Programme specific operational support
• Audit and oversight of programmes, performance and coordination
• Project management and management of programme support

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions

1. Programme Management Support Unit governance, implementation and coordination
2. Management and Leadership
3. Knowledge management and innovation
4. ARHC Structure Building

PSU governance, implementation and coordination - Responsible for all ARHC service areas including budgeting and financial reporting, grant/ contract management, programme specific operational support, audit, output analysis and oversight, in accordance with UNOPS Rules and Regulations, ARHC projects and grants and under delegation of the UNOPS ARHC Programme Director; - Responsible for effective coordination of PSU activities with all PSU stakeholders and across UNOPS Asia Country Offices, especially with Programme Coordinators and Support Services, in order to ensure overall success of ARHC Programmes; - Foster clear communication within the PSU team and with the other PSU stakeholders; - Establish and execute the PSU implementation plans in collaboration with the team and stakeholders, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and cost effective client oriented services and efficient application of UNOPS tools, systems, and processes in accordance with UNOPS ARHC goals; - Identify, assess and manage risks and opportunities for the PSU. - Act as OIC for the ARHC Programme Director as an alternate member of the UNOPS Senior Management Aisa Regional Strategic Group (SMART), supporting pro-active preparation and implementation of the strategic plans, prepare proposal and other management initiatives; - Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manuals, plans, budgets, reporting template and all necessary programme support devices and tool sets as may be required for ARHC and GFATM grants implementation - Lead development of new PR proposals from a finance and operations perspective, working closely with ARHC programmatic functions, as well as GF, partners and beneficiaries.

Management and Leadership - At the request of the UNOPS Programme Director and Representative participate and/or represent ARHC in donor discussions to ensure ARHC position, interests and priorities are fully considered and represent ARHC in Asia regional networks (operations, programmes, etc); - Develop innovative approaches and continuously assess team and individual performance and effectiveness, making changes and/or taking corrective actions in ARHC structure and/or operations to enhance and maintain effectiveness in changing environment; - Attract and retain talent in the PSU (in Asia Region) to develop an agile and empowered team with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and ability to respond to changing environment;

• Lead the different teams of the PSU, facilitate and foster a solution-focused culture, and promote teamwork and collaboration, providing clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable the teams to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently, ensuring the highest standards of conduct are observed;
• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, and knowledge sharing with clients and stakeholders;

Knowledge management and innovation - Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure continuous incorporation of best practice approaches; - Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for Institutionalise and share good practices and lessons for ARHC development planning and knowledge building;

ARHC structure building - Through leadership and support, build a Programme Support Unit to respond to the needs of ARHC in the Asia region by having an adequate structure, setting and attaining high standards, defining and encouraging consistent practices and procedures, and delivering reliable quality services.

• Other duties as assigned by the UNOPS ARHC Programme Director

Impact of Results

The effective and successful performance of the Head of PSU directly impacts achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of ARHC as a partner of choice and preferred service provider in health programmes in Asia Region.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field is required. Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered as equivalent

• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible, job related experience in the areas of operations, administration, finance or program implementation with greater independence and decision-making authority for more complex budgets is required.
• Experience in managing finance functions, Finance units, and a large number of personnel is essential.
• At least 7 years of experience working and coordination with donors is required.
• Proven experience in a wide-spectrum of operations-oriented financial management, including financial forecasting for project acquisition, budgeting, and project monitoring is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills is preferable.
• Good knowledge of donor organizations and experience in working with NGOs and civil society would be an asset
• Previous experience with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria would be an asset.
• Sound knowledge of UNOPS regulations and rules is an advantage.
• Strong experience in the South East Asia region is preferred

Language Requirements - Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.

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: ICA

Contract level: IICA-4 Contract duration: 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

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.

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.