Programme Management - Senior Officer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-9 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-9 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS “UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.” -Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

UNOPS employs more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Peace & Security ClusterFor over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs.

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

Colombia Programme In Colombia, UNOPS implements an UNMAS programme principally aiming to support the Colombian National Mine Action Center (currently part of the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace, OACP for its Spanish acronym). The goal of this programme is to enhance the managerial and operational coordination capacity, as well as the efficiency of the Colombian mine action sector in order to provide a more robust and holistic mine action response to affected communities and contribute to broader protection, security, peace- building and development objectives. In this context, the programme also undertakes significant work in support of the implementation of the mine action elements of peace agreement, signed between the Government and the armed groups.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results 1. Support programme and project development, planning and coordination 2. Contribute to resource mobilisation initiatives 3. Support stakeholder coordination, representation, and inter-agency collaboration 4. Project management 5. Knowledge management and document management 6. People management

1. Programme development planning and coordination • Under the direction of the client and Project Unit leadership, support the coordination and provide inputs to the Programme Strategy (PS) in line with relevant UN and government and/or national or regional strategies, and review/update at necessary intervals. • Support the management team to translate the Strategy into implementation/results work plans and associated monitoring mechanisms and draft project documents, such as reports, as needed for the implementation of the programme. • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders in-country and at HQ, to ensure aligned and coherent planning and implementation processes.

2. Development and follow up of resource mobilisation opportunities • Monitor humanitarian and development funding trends and opportunities to identify potential sources of funding that would enable PSC and our clients to meet the needs of those we seek to serve. • Stay abreast of policies on mine action, UN policies, and cross-cutting priorities, such as gender, diversity, conflict sensitivity, sustainability, and environment, to be included in project delivery as relevant. • Under the direction of the client and/or Head of Project Unit, support the preparation of programme documents, including concept notes, proposals, and associated budgets. • Draft and/or review funding agreements and other project documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.

3. Programme management support • Analyze funding agreements and develop compliance plans and monitoring frameworks to guide key departments and management teams to meet requirements of funding agreements, in coordination with HQ. • In collaboration with relevant personnel, establish monitoring mechanisms to measure delivery against targets outlined in funding agreements. • Provide review/input to scopes of work for procurement processes to ensure the requirements of the relevant funding sources are reflected in agreements with implementing partners. Review implementing partner reports to ensure requirements are being met. • Track programme results against targets, alert relevant management if delivery is not on track, compile data and draft reports to internal and external stakeholders and support the management team to prepare for internal reviews. • Support the coordination of information flow between implementation teams, and headquarters, particularly related to any deviations that would require revisions to the relevant legal agreement; when required, coordinate budget and activity revisions to funding agreements. • Prepare, and provide editing support for, high quality summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents for the management team. • Support the coordination of communications between the Project Unit office and the headquarters Programme, Portfolio Management, and Risk, Quality and Partnership teams to support compliance to programme documents and funding agreements, and the implementation of policies, processes and methods according to internal standards.

4. Stakeholder coordination, representation, and inter-agency collaboration • Provide support to the client in the establishment and building of relationships with UN, international organizations, donors, governments, and mine action stakeholders for the purposes of facilitating activities and improving the quality and relevance of programme implementation. • As instructed by the Head of Project Unit, participate in, contribute to and report on the relevant inter-agency, UN mission, donor and inter-governmental coordination meetings in consultation with relevant programme technical experts when required. Support the management team with UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNSDCF, humanitarian response plans, integrated strategic frameworks, etc. • As instructed by the Head of Project Unit, support the coordination and participation in, or contribution to the Mine Action Area of Responsibility/Sub-Cluster under the Protection Cluster, where relevant, including the formulation of the mine action components for the Humanitarian Needs Overview and Response Plan Response plan. • In coordination with the Head of Project Unit and the client, develop and execute communication strategies, linked to resource mobilization requirements, to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of the Project Unit’s aims. • Support design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms. • Support preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials.

5. Knowledge management and document management and innovation • Maintain records of programme files and other necessary programme documents such as documentation of decisions and actions taken on programme issues. • Implement relevant standards, tools and templates to effectively manage programme and project development and implementation. • Identify, contribute to, record and share the ongoing development and implementation of best practice, lessons identified, and innovative approaches to improve overall programme performance • Contribute to the management and upkeep of risk management and issue management logs and processes.

6. People management • Act as the programme team manager role in the absence of the HPU. • Ensure the effective planning, recruitment and development of a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity. • When acting as interim programme team manager, lead and motivate the programme team. • Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. • Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff). • Act as HPU in the absence of more senior management. ** Carry out any other related duties as needed.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education and Relevant Years of Experience- Advanced University degree with two (2) years of relevant experience in the areas of Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Information Management, or related field is required; Or - University degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with four (4) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

Work Experience

• We define relevant experience as progressive experience in programme/project development or management, in either public or private sector organizations;
• Two (2) years of experience working in a project development or project management role is required;
• Experience in donor reporting and preparing project proposals is required;
• Knowledge of the UN mine action policy and Mine Action Information Management Policy is desirable; And
• It would be fantastic if you've worked in humanitarian mine action or explosive risk reduction programmes, but if you haven't, that's ok too - we still want you to apply!

Language skills - Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required. - Fluency in Spanish (speaking, reading and writing) is required; And - Knowledge of another official UN language is desired.

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.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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
• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: LICA-9 (ICS-9) 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

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.