Portfolio Senior Manager - Climate Action

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

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 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
• Project Information

Job Specific

• The Portfolio Senior Manager is expected to report to and work under the guidance of the Head of Programme on day-to-day management, delivery and operations of the relevant projects, and provide services to the appropriate donors, partners and beneficiaries. In particular, the role will be focusing on streamlining and upscaling UNOPS’ engagement with and support to various climate change and environment related projects, including the CVF & V20 Joint Multi Donor Fund.
• The incumbent will also be asked to support the Head of Programme with coordinating the development, inception, implementation and project/programme management of various technical initiatives projects such as towards the achievement of the Paris Agreement, as well as others with geographical focus with contributions towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as relevant and delegated.
• Overall, the main responsibility of the incumbent will be to manage the relevant portfolio of projects, including their planning, delivery, monitoring, governance and stakeholder coordination, as well as issues and risks. This will include leading and coordinating UNOPS participation and inputs under the respective projects and programmes, and is expected to contribute specifically on the following aspects outlined in the key functions.
• The incumbent will be supported by the Associate Portfolio Manager, who will support the role in project management and operational aspects of the project(s), to ensure effective administration and delivery of the project.
• The onboarding of the position is subject to funding availability under the respective projects.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

1. Project coordination and leadership
2. Stakeholder coordination and engagement
3. Project management and quality assurance
4. Personnel management and team leadership
5. Knowledge management and sharing

Project coordination and leadership:

• Coordinate the planning, delivery, monitoring, and governance of the relevant projects under the guidance of the Head of Programme.
• Provide substantive expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of current and future programmes
• Inform strategy implementation and activity planning through insightful briefings and analysis on specific climate themes, trends, identifying new opportunities
• Develop, update, and complete implementation plans for the projects, ensuring alignment with overall programme goals.
• Propose and allocate necessary project resources (human and financial) to the Head of Programme.
• Ensure the integration of sustainability dimensions, including social and gender inclusion, environmental considerations, and economic aspects, throughout the projects’ life cycle.
• As assigned, oversee the quality of work packages and deliverables, ensuring compliance with the defined quality requirements and implementation plans.
• Manage the acceptance and delivery of work packages, ensuring timely and satisfactory completion.
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks and issues, providing advice on appropriate mitigating measures to the Head of Programme/Project Board(s).

Stakeholder coordination and engagement:

• Coordinate, engage, and manage stakeholder relationships and communications on behalf of the Head of Programme.
• Prepare regular project and financial reports in accordance with partners’ and UNOPS reporting requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the Project Board, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor project communications plans to ensure stakeholder awareness of project activities, progress, and exceptions.
• Liaise and coordinate with external suppliers or implementing partners as necessary.

Project management and quality assurance:

• Ensure compliance with project management governance, policies, processes, and methods, adhering to UNOPS standards and best project management practices.
• Implement project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Prepare, adapt, and obtain approval for all relevant project plans from the Project Board.
• Fulfill reporting obligations as defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and the Implementation Plan(s).
• Review requirements definitions for procurement and grants processes and provide approvals.
• Collaborate with procurement/purchasing and grant management/operations personnel to ensure effective engagement of suppliers and implementing partners.
• Maintain project files and record lessons learned.
• Manage Oversee the financial management of the portfolio, in coordination with the Associate Portfolio Manager, Conduct quality reviews of project documents and deliverables.
• Support quality control for management outputs, such as project documents and reports.
• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
• Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets throughout the projects’ life cycle.

Personnel management and team leadership:

• Provide leadership, supervision, and motivation to the project teams of subject matter experts.
• Establish behavioral expectations for team members and ensure performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Assist in the selection, recruitment, and training of personnel, considering gender parity and diversity objectives.
• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel, complying with UNDSS standards.
• Promote a culture of respect, zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Foster accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans as outlined in UNOPS policies, standards, and commitments.

Knowledge management and sharing:

• Encourage and facilitate effective capacity building activities to enhance the long-term and sustainable capacity of project personnel.
• Actively engage with the project management community within UNOPS and beyond to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring timely and appropriate logging and sharing of lessons throughout the project life cycle

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Project Management, Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Environmental Sciences and Climate Change or related disciplines is required. - A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in the above mentioned subjects, in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. - Project and programme management certifications such as Prince2, P3M3 are desirable.

Experience Required - A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in management and/or delivery of projects or programmes in either public or private sector organizations is required. - Expertise in projects or programmes involving technical assistance to developing countries, particularly in the areas of environmental management and climate action, is required.

Asset- Experience with stakeholder and partner management, including interacting with high level stakeholders, highly desired. - Experience managing grants and other financing tools involving a diverse group of implementing partners, including civil society organizations and government entities, will be considered an asset. - Experience working on project management in a UN organization or a similar international organization, preferably in UNOPS, will be considered a strong asset.

Languages - Excellent (written and oral) English language skills are required.

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: ICS-11, IICA-3 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 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.