Programme Director - Digital Transformation

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UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 26 Feb 2023 at 23:59 UTC

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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 - Job-specific

UNOPS has operated as a self-financing entity within the UN system since 1994. Throughout this time, UNOPS has successfully delivered services to other UN entities as well as a variety of partners. UNOPS has, over the years, undertaken the delivery of increasingly complex engagements such as project implementation services for large physical infrastructure projects, multifaceted public health projects, and highly complex procurement assignments.

Recent years have seen a transformational shift within UNOPS in all areas. Together with the steadily increasing size of UNOPS portfolio, UNOPS leadership structures, management practices, oversight mechanisms, as well as UNOPS ability to collaborate and manage knowledge have all made giant strides forward.

The Programme Director reports to the Deputy Executive Director, Operations and Policy, and works closely with the UNOPS Management Team as key stakeholders and the Digitalisation Subgroup as the governance body to ensure strategic alignment and direct engagement with corporate priorities. The Programme Director will work in close partnership with the Chief Information Officer and field office managers and directors to define the Digital vision for UNOPS and develop appropriate and sustainable solutions that meet UNOPS needs, especially within field operations. S/he will also work closely with the Head of Change & Transformation to structure the transformation effectively. The Programme Manager will also engage effectively across Digital Transformation initiatives led across Practices, to coordinate deliverables and benefits realisation.

The Programme Director provides business driven leadership for and support to UNOPS digital/business transformation. The Programme Director acts as the Architect of the Digital Transformation through deep understanding of the business, both at the strategic as well as the operational levels. S/he acts as the key Integrator, bringing the programmatic and operations side together with a consultative and facilitative approach, including to process re-engineering, development of interfaces and reporting.

The Programme Director will support and monitor execution, learning and transformation across UNOPS; will lead the development of processes that ensure adequate tracking of strategic initiatives and serve as a thought leader for digital strategy development and implementation and ensure timely completion of projects. S/he will identify critical capabilities, project resources, budgets and critical path issues to ensure effective and efficient programme implementation.

This role will lead the Digital Transformation programme, which is expected to last three (3) years.

The contract modality is subject to change and could be defined as a D1 FTA appointment if a current UN staff member is selected.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

  1. Strategic leadership
  2. Stakeholder management
  3. Programme management
  4. Knowledge sharing and knowledge building
  5. Leadership

1. Strategic leadership

  • Serve as the digital champion and provide strategic guidance to the implementation of UNOPS Digital Transformation to the Management Team.
  • Work closely with the Head of Change & Transformation to ensure that the Digital Transformation is user-centred and addresses change and cultural dimensions of the organisation.
  • Work closely with Executive Office to guide and shape policy and process changes necessary from Practices, to ensure digital systems reflect and enhance improved and streamlined processes
  • Design the programme plan and the programme governance and team structures; develop guiding coalitions; determine benefits and appropriate courses of action; and anchor change management in the transformation process.
  • Provide intellectual leadership, strategic vision and overall guidance and quality assurance for UNOPS Digital Transformation.
  • Partner with the Practices, Regional Directors, Project/ Programme Managers, etc, as well as the Chief Information Officer to develop solutions for current and future business needs and current as well as future / forward-looking business capabilities to relevant products and technologies with a view to deliver the most effective and sustainable technology solutions for UNOPS.
  • Act as trusted advisor to UNOPS managers as they set about digitally transforming their respective areas of work.
  • Collaborate with senior counterparts in the broader UN family to explore opportunities to reuse work done by others as well as offer technology and knowledge products to others for their use.

2. Stakeholder engagement

  • Manage stakeholder profiles and formulate stakeholder engagement strategies, including stakeholder maps and stakeholder engagement plans that identify the different needs and priorities of HQ groups and regions.
  • Engage with stakeholders and manage stakeholder expectations, including UNOPS Management Team, clients and other key stakeholders.
  • Promote effective collaboration and partnerships with all relevant stakeholders. This includes ensuring that different HQ groups and regions are aware of what is required/expected from them in terms of contributions and active participation in the programme.
  • Manage stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, and exceptions, and are in a position to accept handover outputs.
  • Support change management activities and end-to-end understanding of the digital value chain to coach stakeholders on driving enterprise change and internal collaboration.
  • Liaise with counterparts in the broader UN family to build coordinated efforts towards digital transformation, in line with the Secretary General’s Strategy on New Technologies and the Secretary General’s Digital Cooperation Roadmap.

3. Programme Management

  • Develop a strategic framework for a business driven digital transformation, which outlines both the opportunities and potential risks of leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development.
  • Oversee the development of implementation plan(s) (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances agreed by the Management Team.

  • Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.

  • Oversee the design and deployment of key projects associated with the Digital Transformation programme, including managing delivery of the programme’s outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
  • Manage the programme to ensure performance in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilisation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations.
  • Assume accountability for overall progress of the programme and use of resources, ensuring it is achieving the expected benefits for the different HQ groups and regions, and initiating corrective action where necessary.
  • Authorise, monitor and control work packages to be delivered by the UNOPS team or external implementing partners.
  • Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to clients and stakeholders is achieved. Advise on mitigating measures to the UNOPS Management Team so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers from a fiduciary and contract management perspective.
  • Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the UNOPS Management Team, including escalating relevant risks and issues that may hold up the adequate development of the programme.

4. Knowledge Management

  • Build and share knowledge with regards to the development and implementation of the programme, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNOPS Communities of Practice and knowledge management initiatives.
  • Provide guidance to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed.

5. Leadership

  • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
  • Ensure principles of human rights, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘doing no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities.
  • Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrassment, sexual harrassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
  • Continually assess the performance and effectiveness of the programme implementation, recommending changes and/or corrective actions in the team structure and/or financial operations to enhance and maintain effectiveness in the changing environment.

    Impact of results

The Programme Director - Digital Transformation directly impacts on achievement of the programme results by adhering to programme methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

  • Master’s Degree, preferably in Business Management or other relevant discipline is required
  • A Bachelor’s degree in combination with additional two years of highly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree.

Experience

  • A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience working for a global organisation, preferably an international public organisation.
  • A minimum of 5 years of strategic and managerial experience at a senior level managing complex programme portfolios in a global setting, preferably within the UN or not-for-profit context is required.
  • Experience supporting a large-scale change management initiative is required.
  • Extensive field operations experience, preferably with UNOPS, with direct experience in at least two of the following areas Finance, Procurement, HR, and/or Project Management processes and practices is required.
  • Strong knowledge of process optimization is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills required.
  • Familiarity with identifying / developing and applying digital solutions to an organisation’s business challenges is highly desirable.
  • Leadership experience from leading a UNOPS country office, a large programme in UNOPS or a large scale project in UNOPS is highly desired.
  • Direct experience in implementing Digital Transformation programmes in an organisation is highly desirable.

Languages

  • Full working knowledge of English is essential.
  • Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an asset.

Certifications

  • Prince2 practitioner or similar Project Management Certification is an asset

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. 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: IICA Contract level: IICA-4 / ICS-13 Contract duration: This role will lead the Digital Transformation programme, which is expected to last three (3) years.

The contract modality is subject to change and could be defined as a D1 FTA appointment if a current UN staff member is selected.

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

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org

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