Portfolio Senior Officer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager (PM), the Portfolio Senior Officer is responsible for service delivery under an assigned client’s portfolio; taking independent decisions on administrative actions based on clearly established authority and guidelines. In performing her/his daily work, the incumbent works with minimal supervision in close collaboration with other personnel of the Portfolio, UNOPS, and staff of other UN agencies and promotes a client, quality and results- oriented approach. He/she may also directly supervise subordinates and/or train and coach colleagues. This is a large and complex business portfolio and the incumbent works on the formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within his/her portfolio, provides policy advice services. He/she supports the design and development of business plans for acquisition and growth of the business portfolio to meet revenue and income targets.

The Portfolio Senior Officer role is required for multiple duty stations : Geneva, Switzerland and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Portfolio design, planning and implementation focusing on the following results; - Serve as primary focal point for the UN Partners partnership project(s) as needed, including but not limited to preparation of Financial Agreements (including grants and small services), information and knowledge management, provide policy advice on UNOPS policies and procedures and manage the implementation and provision of logistical/administrative, human resources, procurement, travel, and financial management services.

- Design and formulation of new process initiatives including risk management, quality assurance and quality control. - Establish and execute business plans, priorities, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) benchmarks, delivery targets and performance standards for the assigned portfolio. - In collaboration with partner and client, formulate measurable long/short-term targets and monitor progress in assigned countries; ensure cost-recovery of UNOPS service provision within pricing policy. - Review payments, clearance of purchase orders and other disbursements for the projects. - Take a strategic approach in planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring of the portfolio, tracking the use of financial resources in accordance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations. - Financial monitoring of the projects, identification of operational and financial problems, and development of solutions. - Prepare and monitor country programme budgets for each phase of the programme. Collaborate on any budget revision exercise, as necessary. - In collaboration with the PM, maintains fiduciary standards, oversight, and compliance with the internal control standards. - Collaborate in the initiation of a project, and processing of pre-engagement requirements under the supervision of the PM. - Drafting of TOR for subcontractors and consultants; proposal of suitable firms or institutions and individual consultants; evaluation of proposals received; recommendations for contract awards; negotiations with successful bidder. Lead and/or conduct recruitment processes for the client. - Drafting of contract documents and letters of agreement with institutions and UN agencies; administration of contracts and agreements and processing amendments for approval. Conduct procurement processes as needed. - Compliance of procurement activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, analysis of parameters in support of proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system. - Work with clients on successful project implementation, including execution of plans, cost analysis and modifications, identification of milestones and other performance indicators to ensure success - Provide input on the country programme financial performance for the personnel financial performance review process. - Monitoring and evaluation of performance of service providers, Personnel, suitable firms or institutions - Collaborate with the PM on monitoring missions to evaluate progress where required, identify problems and take appropriate and timely decisions to meet client needs. - Follow up on audit recommendations to ensure timely implementation and reporting. - Prepare and/or aggregate donor reports on activities, outputs and outcomes for review by client and UNOPS managers and/or client.

2. Cluster practice area, focus on the following results: - In coordination with Geneva Office support services, IPAS and Practice Group, provide advisory services on assigned practice area for the benefit of UNOPS and client. - Collaborate in the process innovations and improvements for GMS service lines to provide tailored- solutions for its partners and stakeholders. - Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

3. Programme Support and Business Development, focusing on the following results: - Actively contribute in exploring new business opportunities to extend the UN Partners Portfolio - Contribute to business development activities and advise within projects management - Analysis and research of information on donors and funding agencies, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for new projects. - Support Project Management in liaison and negotiation functions with current and potential donors and funding agencies.

4. Knowledge management and technical support, focusing on the following results: - Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt on project management. - Contribution to organization and client capacity building of high quality delivery through coaching and mentoring of internal clients and partners. - Participation in the periodic review and strengthening of Standard Operating Procedures based on lessons learnt and adaptation of programme/donor requirements. - Collaboration in development of tools and platform for data and content management, ensuring information and knowledge sharing with clients and partners. - Collaboration in the organization and independently prepare and conduct trainings and media for the operations/projects personnel. - Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

5. Efficient client services and organizational work ethics and culture, focusing on the following results:

- Keep clients informed of the status of project activities; prepare oral and written reports. - Interact with clients to solicit feedback and gauge client satisfaction. - Interact with internal clients, project teams, focal points, coordinators and portfolio/project personnel to integrate and harmonize approaches. - Demonstration of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness to encourage respect and similar behavior from colleagues

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education- A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations or related discipline is required, OR - Bachelor’s degree in combination with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Masters degree

Experience - A minimum of two years of experience in project management, operations or related field is required - Experience in recruitment, budget management, accounting and procurement is desirable. - Good knowledge of UN/UNOPS policies and procedures is desirable. - Good computer skills, including google suites is desirable. - Experience with an ERP system is desirable, and specific experience with oneUNOPS is an asset.

Language Requirements - Fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of a second UN working knowledge such as French is highly desirable

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: Ongoing ICA Contract level: International ICA-1 (ICS9) Contract duration: Ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to 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

This VA is for multiple duty stations : Geneva, Switzerland and Copenhagen, Denmark.

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.