Programme Management Specialist

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Myanmar

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 targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus Response Mechanism (Nexus Mechanism) programme is established to allow innovative, tailor-made, flexible, rights-based activities along the humanitarian-development spectrum in Myanmar States and Regions in protracted crisis and/or conflict-affected.

The overall objective of this European Union funded programme is to contribute to lasting peace and national reconciliation, security, stability and sustainable development in Myanmar by reducing vulnerabilities and building the resilience of communities affected by conflict or natural disasters. It specifically aims at providing support to conflict-affected populations, displaced populations, host communities, and returnees by strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, linking relief with rehabilitation and socio-economic recovery in conflict-affected areas and protracted situations of displacement and inter-communal violence.

UNOPS will act as the Secretariat of the Nexus Mechanism and manage the programme. The programme commenced in January 2020 and is expected to continue operations until December 2023.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The position will be located in the programme unit of the Nexus Mechanism Secretariat office. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Management Specialist will work to support the delivery of the H-D-P Nexus Mechanism programme and will be responsible for:

Functional Responsibilities

Developing evidence-based and strategic programming

• Organizing and participating in scoping missions to support the development of new calls for proposals
• Supporting the appraisal of project proposals submitted by applicants to assess their compliance with Nexus Mechanism programme policies and strategic priorities
• Following up to ensure timely contracting of projects selected for funding by the Steering Committee, in cooperation with the Secretariat contract team

Supporting efficient and effective management of the programme

• Reviewing work plans, progress and financial reports, budget revisions, no cost extensions and other documentation submitted by implementing partners (IPs) to ensure they follow the Nexus Mechanism guidelines and meet contractual obligations
• Monitoring of progress on implementation of activities and budget expenditures, including through conducting regular field visits. Providing technical support to IPs through recommendations for strategic adjustments to improve results
• Planning and organizing independent mid-term reviews and final evaluations of projects
• Reviewing audit report findings for IPs and ensuring recommendations are addressed and implemented
• Organizing donor field visits and preparing briefing materials on project activities and progress achieved
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, IPs and donors to share information, ensure optimal cooperation and coordination, resolve challenges and increase the effectiveness of the programme
• Building good relations with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, trade unions, civil society organizations, private sector companies, UN agencies, INGOs, research institutes and media.
• Participating and/or representing the Nexus Mechanism programme at events and technical meetings as required

• Supporting the implementation of the programme’s annual work plan

  Contributing to knowledge management

• Supporting implementation of the Nexus Mechanism Monitoring and Evaluation for Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework by ensuring that robust MEAL plans are developed and implemented by IPs.

• Contributing to the preparation of the annual and semi-annual reports through analyzing narrative reports and MEAL data submitted by IPs
• Identifying and documenting good practices and lessons learned for projects, including identifying topics for more in-depth studies
• Maintaining a detailed knowledge of the context and situational developments that may affect programming and promoting information sharing among stakeholders
• Drafting monthly reports for the Steering Committee

• Contributing to communications outputs to share information about Nexus Mechanism-funded projects and results achieved

  Other duties

• Drafting terms of reference for procurement of services as necessary

• Assisting with interpretation and translation of documents in the Myanmar language when needed
• Other duties relevant to the implementation of the Nexus Mechanism programme

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s degree in international development, law/human rights, business management, peace studies, sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required

• A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with an additional two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree

  Work Experience

• A minimum 5 years of experience in project/programme development, management and monitoring and evaluation is required.

• Technical expertise in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian response is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in supporting capacity strengthening and systems building of partners is a strong asset.
• Experience in stakeholder management and relationship building is preferred.
• Proven ability to write analytical and summative reports in English is considered an asset.
• Experience working with government officials, international organizations, civil society and labour organizations and other development stakeholders in Myanmar is considered an asset.
• Computer literacy is required.

Language Requirement

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Myanmar languages is required
• Knowledge of an additional UN language is 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: ICS 10/ LICA 10 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - ‘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

THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. ONLY MYANMAR NATIONALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE REJECTED.

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.