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

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 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 Myanmar Humanitarian Aid Program (MHAP)

The objective of this humanitarian program is to provide prioritized assistance and protection for highly vulnerable people such as IDPs and refugees, in the most conflict affected areas through national and civil society organizations. MHAP will support those most in need in the worst conflict affected areas, initially concentrated in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine States and possibly in the northwest.

MHAP key activities include;

• Delivery of multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance for Rakhine, Shan and Kachin State through provision of grants to CSOs and local partners (INGO, NNGOs), including capacity building activities for local partners and support to local partner coordination mechanisms
• Development of MHAP strategy as part of Programme inception
• Establishment of framework for monitoring, learning, evidence and knowledge management
• Scoping studies to explore possible assistance in northwest Myanmar and piloting humanitarian assistance to northwest during Inception Phase

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Management Specialist will work to support the delivery of MHAP programme and will be responsible for:

Coordination of activities

• Support the DPM and SPM with action tracking and ensuring implementation of decisions, compiling and reporting on KPIs, preparing materials for and responding to donor requests.
• Support the DPM to manage and coordinate implementation of recommendations to MHAP, including those from donor reviews.
• Develop and maintain MHAP dashboards and information analysis as needed.
• Manage events, meetings, consultants and technical experts as needed.
• Communicate effectively to ensure optimal cooperation and coordination, resolve challenges and increase the effectiveness of the programme

Project implementation, financial and procurement management

• Contribute to strong coordination between MHAP and the UNOPS/Project Management Office/PMO. Support through monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met in liaison with PMO.
• Review work plans, progress reports, no cost extensions and other documentation submitted by implementing partners to ensure they follow the MHAP guidelines and contractual obligations.
• Work with the DPM and SPM to identify and manage risks, including risk management through the OneUNOPS systems.
• Review audit report findings for IPs and ensure recommendations are addressed.

• Lead/co-lead work in areas requiring special attention or turnaround, initiate and support adjustments if required, manage assigned work packages and take responsibility for progress.

• Respond to or support inputs to UNOPS corporate requirements from HQ, RO or MMOC.

• Support the DPM with the monitoring of progress on implementation of activities, including through field visits or donor visits as needed.

• Support to identify and document good practices and lessons learned for projects.
• Contribute to communication outputs to share information about MHAP, assist with interpretation and translation of documents in the Myanmar language when needed.
• Other duties relevant to the implementation of the MHAP 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

• Knowledge of UNOPS’ project management tools, UNOPS financial and procurement rules and regulations, and financial management tools, and establishing best practices in Project/ Programme Management is desirable.
• Experience in programme management or grants management is desirable.
• Strong experience with data analysis, management reporting and project management tools and information management systems is desirable.
• Technical expertise in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian response is considered a strong asset
• Proven ability to write analytical and summative reports in English is considered an asset.
• Computer literacy is required

Language Requirements

• Full working knowledge in written and oral English and fluency in Myanmar language required.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language 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: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: Local ICA Specialist-10 / LICA-10 / ICS-10 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

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

The successful candidate is expected to be in Myanmar to perform the duties and responsibilities of the advertised position

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.
• 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
• 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.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.