Programme Management Advisor - Retainer

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 - Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region.

Fund Management has become a recognized strength of UNOPS Myanmar and a new potential business model for other country offices in the region and beyond. UNOPS Myanmar is the designated Asia Centre for Fund Management (CFM), which aims to assist UNOPS offices elsewhere to expand and manage pooled funds. In 2019, the CFM supported over 14 UNOPS offices, both remotely and on-site, on fund management across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme Management Office/CFM, the Programme Management Advisor may be requested to support specific work packages/individual assignments, detailed through individual task notes, covering but not limited to negotiate, design, advise, start up or turn-around programmes and funds. Support needed will mostly be for programmes in Myanmar and Asia but may also include assignments from other UNOPS regions. Such assignments may be home-based or require travel to specific country offices.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme Management Office/CFM, the Programme Management Advisor will be responsible to advice and support UNOPS Programmes on a need basis, and as defined in the task notes. The Programme Management Advisor will support in relation to humanitarian development, peace process and social, political and institutional context in conflict-affected areas.

The Programme Management Advisor will broadly carry out the following tasks, in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices based on needs expressed by country offices.

• Support and advise on the development of UNOPS partnerships with different types of partners (e.g., INGOs, LNGOs, NSAGs, local community groups, humanitarian actors and networks) and engage between UNOPS and key actors and stakeholders in conflict affected area
• Lead in preparation of concept notes, proposals and presentations for possible new projects for UNOPS offices, particularly in durable solutions context
• Identify political, human rights-related, and conflict-related risks, and develop on approaches and methods for a continued applied political economy analysis
• Advise on strategy formulation of programmes and projects
• Increase UNOPS’s understanding of the ongoing peace process/conflict situation and its effect on operating environments
• Conduct research and scoping on possible projects and programme and develop into call for proposal for future funding windows
• Produce briefs, reports, etc. on the political/peace situation
• Advocate and support the implementation of a Human Rights Based Approach
• Design and implementation of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding programming, shaping donor funding streams and the implementation of INGO and CSO programs across sectors and cross-cutting areas
• Advise on monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes, with a specific focus on implementing partner performance monitoring
• Support to stakeholder management, providing thematic guidance and direction, particularly in Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus context.
• Develop and design multi stakeholder process in terms of formulation of indicators and monitoring and evaluation component
• Provide support to different related evaluations, studies, and assessments as needed.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Masters’ Degree or PhD in law/human rights, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development Studies, International relations or a related field is required. Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered as equivalent.

  • PM Certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset.

Experience

• At least 7 years’ of relevant experience in development, conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery or humanitarian response is required.
• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, Non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.
• Proven track record of incorporating Human rights in programming and/or context analysis in a fragile state(s) and complex/protracted crisis is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment, including communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team setting will be an asset.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
• Fluency in French or Spanish 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.(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 (Individual Contractor Agreement) Contract level: IICA 3/ICS11 Contract duration: Retainer not exceeding 150 days per calendar year

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.