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 some of the largest development programmes in the country, including the Access to Health Fund and the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS Myanmar is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Myanmar and Cambodia, and for the Global Fund Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS Myanmar 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

Myanmar continues to have significant Internally Displaced Person (IDP) populations, some of which result from long-term displacement and escalation of conflict. The current conflict situation is triggering dire needs that are multi-sectoral and spanning geographically throughout Southern Shan, Kayah and Kayin States of Myanmar and in border areas in Thailand. The EU-funded programme, Support to displaced Myanmar populations along the Thai-Myanmar Border, aims to provide support to displaced Myanmar populations in these regions. The key objectives of the programme are to increase the resilience and self-reliance of both displaced populations and host communities in the areas bordering Thailand and, if conditions allow, to prepare for the IDPs to return or relocate.

Functional Responsibilities

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

Programme Development

• Organizing and participating in scoping missions to support the development of new calls for proposals for Thailand
• Supporting the appraisal of project proposals submitted by applicants to assess their compliance with programme’s policies and strategic priorities
• Following up to ensure timely contracting of projects selected for funding

Programme Management

• Reviewing work plans, progress and financial reports, budget revisions, no-cost extensions and other documentation submitted by implementing partners (IPs) in Thailand to ensure they follow the programme’s 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
• 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 programme at events and technical meetings as required
• Supporting the implementation of the programme’s annual work plan

Learning and knowledge management

• Supporting implementation of the 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 by analyzing narrative reports and MEAL data submitted by IPs
• Support the development and implementation of the Learning Strategy for the programme
• Coordinate development of knowledge products to effectively share lessons learned and best practices and ensure adequate dissemination

• Lead on maintaining detailed knowledge of the context and situational developments that may affect programming and share with team members

  Other duties

• Drafting terms of reference for procurement of services as necessary

• Assisting with the interpretation and translation of documents when needed
• Other duties relevant to the implementation of the programme

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s degree preferably 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 preferably 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 in one or several of the following areas: project/programme development, management and monitoring or evaluation is required

• Technical expertise in conflict analysis, peacebuilding and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, and humanitarian response is considered a strong asset
• Experience of working with displaced populations in the Myanmar-Thai border area is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to write analytical and summative reports in English is considered an asset.
• Experience working with government officials, international organizations, civil society and other development stakeholders in Thailand is considered an asset.
• Computer literacy is required

Language Requirements

• Full working knowledge in written and oral English and fluency in Thai 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: 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.

The successful candidate is expected to be in Thailand 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 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.