Programme Management Specialist

Mid Senior Programme & Policy

Overview

Support management of mine action projects in Ukraine.

You have:

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) is required.
• Fluency in Ukrainian is desirable.
• Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience.
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience includes progressive experience in programme/project development or management in either public or private sector organizations.

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

On 24 February 2022, the military of the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with strikes across the territory of Ukraine. Since then, Russia’s invasion imposes a severe humanitarian and socio-economic toll, global energy and food crisis, large-scale destruction of the country's infrastructure, and disruptions in the provision of critical services and degradation of social fabrics and communities’ ties, triggering one of the world’s most significant forced displacements.

Severe attacks on energy and critical infrastructure facilities leave millions of people without electricity, water or heating supply, struggling to access water, food, health services, materials to repair homes, among others. The continued attacks cause substantial damage to the country’s economy and agricultural production, and also affect the poorest countries worldwide.

UNOPS support to partners spans the humanitarian-development nexus from emergency response to building back better, across the housing, health, education, transport, energy and mine action sectors, through infrastructure, procurement and technical assistance / project management interventions, with the ultimate aim of supporting the country on its EU accession and in its achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Programme Management Specialist will support the UNOPS Ukraine Multi Country Office (UAMCO) Mine Action Portfolio. The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and reports to the Deputy Portfolio Manager - Planning and the Senior Portfolio Manager. The role involves assisting in programme development, planning, coordination, and management of mine action projects, with a strong focus on supporting activities in Ukraine.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Programme Development, Planning, and Coordination

• Assist the Deputy Portfolio Manager and Senior Portfolio Manager in ensuring work plans are accurately budgeted and resourced.
• Support the management team in translating strategies into implementation plans and monitoring mechanisms.
• Coordinate with stakeholders in-country and at HQ to ensure aligned and coherent planning and implementation processes.

2. Resource Mobilization and Monitoring

• Monitor donor funding cycles and Ukrainian government policies to identify potential areas of intervention.
• Stay informed on mine action, UN Resident Coordinator policies, and cross-cutting priorities such as gender, diversity, conflict sensitivity, sustainability, and environment.
• Assist in the preparation of programme documents, including concept notes, proposals, and associated budgets.
• Support the drafting and review of funding agreements and other project documents.

3. Programme Management Support

• Help analyse funding agreements, develop compliance plans, and establish monitoring frameworks.
• Assist in reviewing scopes of work for procurement processes to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Track programme results, alert management of any deviations, and prepare necessary reports.
• Facilitate communication between the Country Programme office and HQ teams to support compliance and implementation of policies and standards.

4. Stakeholder Coordination and Inter-agency Collaboration

• Support the implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms.
• Assist in developing communication strategies linked to resource mobilization to maximize impact and outreach.
• Prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations, and speeches for official meetings and events.

5. Knowledge and Document Management

• Maintain records of programme files and other necessary documents.
• Implement relevant standards, tools, and templates to manage programme and project development.
• Identify, record, and share best practices and innovative approaches to improve programme performance.

6. People Management (if applicable)

• Assist in the effective planning, recruitment, and development of a flexible workforce.
• Foster a positive work environment respectful of both men and women.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience.

• University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience.

Work Experience

• Relevant experience includes progressive experience in programme/project development or management in either public or private sector organizations.

Language Skills

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) is required.
• Fluency in Ukrainian is desirable.

Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Ongoing ICA Contract level: International ICA - IICA2/ICS - 10 Contract duration: open-ended, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

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

International ICA

International ICA

International ICA

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org