Portfolio Officer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 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 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

Uzbekistan Office

Under the purview of AUMCO, the UNOPS Uzbekistan Office, established in Tashkent in October 2022 supports the Government of Uzbekistan’s development efforts in the country, through the provision of effective project management, infrastructure and procurement services. The current portfolio in the country contributes to SGD3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), while actively working with the Government of Uzbekistan and development partners in diversifying its portfolio in line with the country’s development priorities including education.

Overall, the current portfolio of projects focuses on all aspects of sectoral systems strengthening, including through the implementation of activities such as procurement, supply and delivery of complex health equipment, capacity building of health professionals, infrastructure design and implementation (existing and new facilities), and establishing an ICT-based national surveillance and monitoring system.

*** Only nationals of Uzbekistan or persons in Uzbekistan with residence and work permit are eligible for this position***

*** Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply***

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Portfolio Specialist, the Portfolio Officer will provide a wide range of support in terms of effective portfolio management including reporting and stakeholder management engagement. Additionally, this role will support the Country Manager in coordinating and engaging with the UN Country Team and broader UN initiatives related to UNOPS interests. More specifically, the functional responsibilities of the Portfolio Officer shall include but are not limited to, the following: 1. Portfolio/Project Management Support and coordination support- Coordinate, liaise and support the Portfolio Specialist with the overall planning, coordination and governance ensuring sound project management and implementation in line with the project, policy and strategies. - Support the Portfolio Specialist by monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met. - Support the review and management of donor contributions. - Prepare work plans and reports, ensuring that they are sound, and in line with the project, policy and strategies. - Prepare and maintain project files, including internal and external project reports. - Assist in overseeing change controls and managing risk registers and issue management by establishing oversight procedures and proposing corrective measures where necessary. - Coordinate timely receipt of required inputs from internal and external stakeholders. - Facilitate gathering inputs and preparations for project and business unit quarterly assurances - Support in facilitating interactions of different networks in the country including other UN entities, government stakeholders, etc. - Assist the Country Manager and other management stakeholders by preparing for the different meetings, and interagency groups, etc.

2. Reporting and analytics - Provide substantive inputs to assist in the preparation of project reports and documents, maintaining records on OneUNOPS Projects (OUP) and tools. - Prepare initial draft of project reports and presentations - Support project’s compliance with donor agreements and reporting requirements - Prepare and maintain updated project activity monitoring trackers and coordinate with relevant units for updates. - Actively support the Monitoring, evaluation and analysis of the project implementation and deliverables at the national level. - Gathering information on Uzbekistan's development priority areas and utilizing data and providing feedback to identify opportunities and strengthen the relationship between the Project and national government institutions and authorities. - Monitoring relevant government activities, progress, and exceptions ensuring the gaps are identified and overlapping minimized. - Extract, review and analyze data from internal management tools and other sources with the aim to support fact-based discussions, improvements and decision making with the project team. - Prepare reports related to the UNSCDF results groups and other mechanisms in cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. - Streamline all templates related to project management and automate processes where possible to avoid duplication of data.

3. Stakeholder management, engagement, coordination and liaison - Support the coordination and management of communications with relevant stakeholders including the donor, beneficiary, suppliers, contractors etc . - Actively participate in internal and external meetings as needed and support partnership management. - Prepare briefing materials (talking points, capacity statements, background notes) and presentations to engage with partners. - Support and manage the development of new engagements using UNOPS systems in line with UNOPS organizational requirements. - Engage within the UN Country Team’s Results Groups related to UNOPS interests; - Support stakeholder coordination, internal communication, logistical support, implementation monitoring, etc. for events engaging various networks of colleagues within the organization. - Participate in meetings with potential partners and ensure follow-up. - Contribute to the organization of official and field missions

4.Knowledge management - Maintain an archive of project documentation and ensure access to institutional memory and technical information on related components of the project and Office Portfolio. - Knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and analytics in the Office, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives. - Development of tools and platforms for operations and data management, ensuring information and knowledge sharing with colleagues, clients and partners.

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Portfolio Officer for the Uzbekistan Country Office directly impacts the development and performance of the projects, visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in the delivery of project services and project management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education - An first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, Project Management or related disciplines is required.

• A advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in the above-mentioned subjects is an advantage and may substitute 2 years of required experience.

b. Work experience - 2 years of experience in project/portfolio management support, liaison or coordination roles is required, preferably in an international organization. - Within these 2 years, a minimum of 6 months of experience in data analysis, reporting, presentation, and/or business process improvement is required. - Experience with stakeholder and partner management, including interacting with government officials and/or donors is an asset. - Knowledge and experience with Google Workspace, particularly with Google Documents, Slides, Sheet, and other publishing software is highly desired. - Experience working within the UN system is an advantage.

c. Languages - Fluency in English is required.

• Fluency in either Uzbek or Russian is required. Fluency in both is an asset.

e. Additional requirements - Certification in Project Management will be an asset.

Competencies

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 (LICA) Contract level: Local Support Level 8, LICA-8, ICS-8 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and project duration.

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 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.