Programme Management Specialist (Policy)
Provide expertise on preventing and countering violent extremism policies.
Overview
Provide expertise on preventing and countering violent extremism policies.
You have:
- Advanced university degree in political science, public policy, international law, international relations, peace and conflict studies or other relevant field.
- Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience.
- At least three (3) years specifically in the area of preventing and countering violent extremism.
- Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
- Working level capacity in Arabic is desired.
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
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management
Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)/the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) Global Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Programme provides integrated capacity building packages, institutional development and technical assistance to requesting Member States, civil society and the UN system to strengthen individual, community and national resilience to violent extremism and reduced threat of terrorism. The Programme engages in nine substantive and mutually reinforcing portfolios: policy assistance, strategic communications, youth engagement, education, mental health, new frontiers, gender, human rights and coordination.
This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for or in UNOCT. The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
The position supports the work of UNCCT, part of UNOCT and promotes the delivery of United Nations capacity building assistance to Member States relating to PCVE. The Specialist will focus on providing expertise on policy assistance and supporting effective implementation of the UNCCT Global PCVE Programme.
The Specialist will provide technical and operational support as follows:
- Undertake conflict and gap analysis and stakeholder mapping for Member States that UNCCT engages with, in as directed by the Programme Manager.
- Provide support to Member States and regional organizations, including through onsite deployment where possible, in developing or implementing PCVE strategies or PCVE National Plans of Action, including organization of briefing of task forces, workshops with national actors to facilitate development of national action plans and the production of tools as may be required such as road-map, terms of references for consultative and drafting mechanisms and analytical notes.
- Draft highlight reports of the technical assistance provided to be delivered on a rolling basis, under the guidance of the Programme Manager.
- Contribute to the drafting of a PCVE Measurement and Evaluation guides for internal and external use.
- Develop a Measurement and Evaluation approach to PCVE Policy Assistance, including the scoping and development of a training module on M&E for PCVE Policy.
- Prepare detailed research papers, reports and background analysis for workshops, conferences, and meetings on PCVE-focused issues.
Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The Specialist will:
- Deliver, and provide direct assistance for the delivery of capacity building activities, including regional, national and subnational workshops and technical assistance.
- Assist and deliver scoping missions to support the project outcomes.
- Contribute to the continued development and incorporation of good practice and lessons learned into the programme delivery.
- Contribute to the Programme’s Measurement and Evaluation framework.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
***FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY** Education - Advanced university degree preferably in political science, public policy, international law, international relations, peace and conflict studies or other relevant field. - Bachelor’s degree with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree is required.
**Work Experience **Required work experience:**** - A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience, with a minimum of three (3) years specifically in the area of preventing and countering violent extremism, is required.
Desired work experience: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply
- Experience in developing and implementing PCVE capacity building and technical assistance is desirable, specifically for the development of National Action Plans.
- Experience conducting PCVE scoping missions and engaging with government, CSO and industry is desirable.
- Experience in developing PCVE monitoring and evaluation frameworks and approaches is desirable.
Language - Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required. Working level capacity in Arabic is desired.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2) Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability 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
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.
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time you conducted a stakeholder analysis for a project? | This explores your experience in mapping stakeholders and understanding their needs. | Highlight your systematic approach to stakeholder analysis and the outcomes achieved. |
| What strategies have you implemented to address violent extremism? | This assesses your practical experience and understanding of PCVE. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure effective communication among diverse stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with M&E frameworks in previous projects. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle conflicts during group workshops? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |