Programme Management Specialist (Policy Development and Implementation)

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 - Job-specific

UNOPS is undertaking a project to support the establishment and management of the Programme Management Unit” (PMU) funded by BMZ through the KfW. The PMU will be incorporated into the Development Cooperation Unit (DCU) at the Ministry of Education (MoE), and it aims to support the establishment of the function of coordination and facilitation for the German School Construction Projects at the DCU, and to support the implementation of the Development Policy Loan (DPL) and any other future projects financed by the German Government.

The main objectives of the PMU include: a) to facilitate and create the function of coordination for all the German projects and activities at MoE, b) to act as a focal point for KfW/Government of Germany and the School Construction Projects and DPL; c) support communication and coordination with other stakeholders, and d) to provide quality assurance, according to international standards, of the outputs related to these projects prepared by the concerned departments and managements at MoE.

The DPL aims at supporting reforms in the Ministry of Education (MoE) and related entities to improve Facility Management (FM) in Jordanian public schools. The reform agenda for the DPL will primarily focus on facility management at three levels: i) policy, ii) school administration and iii) schools.

Functional Responsibilities

The Programme Management Specialist (Policy Development and Implementation) will be supporting the implementation of the DPL, including refining the responsibility matrix (containing key deliverables, milestones and timeline for the implementation of the DPL), following-up on key deliverables, decision taking and reporting to KfW. The incumbent would also be required to support the establishment of a governance structure for the DPL and participate in project steering committee meetings. This would entail supporting the MoE in setting-up the DPL Steering Structure (DPL Policy Committee) that should include high-level representation from relevant stakeholders to guide and lead the technical and political discussions related to the DPL reform.

• Provide overall support to the elaboration of the Responsibility Matrix through DCU with participation of the relevant Directorates, which assigns clear tasks for each trigger to specific individuals within the respective Directorates and clearly details timelines and milestones to be achieved and, thereby, forms the basis for implementation by the DPL Implementing Entities;
• Identify and report any overlaps between the “School Environment Improvement Strategy in Public Schools 2020-2022” and the DPL Policy Matrix;
• upport the implementation of the DPL Reform Matrix and pave the way for the DPL activities in the Project Management Unit (PMU), including but not limited to: (i) refining of Responsibility Matrix (in line with what is stated above), (ii) ensuring the understanding of tasks in the Responsibility Matrix for with all relevant individuals/Directorates, (iii) following-up on deliverables, (iv) attending the working meetings of the Cluster Teams, (v) track open issues, (vi) interlink actors and (vii) (ad hoc) communication, reporting and interventions, wherever and whenever needed, as well as (viii) maintaining of an electronic project archive.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with all relevant partners and key stakeholders, including but not limited to, MoE, MoPWH, KfW, implementation consultants, contractors, suppliers, etc;
• Attend and participate in all relevant coordination meetings to address technical problems and the associated needed mitigation measures on a timely basis;
• Develop and provide proactive advice on the implementation criteria for appraisal and assessment;
• Provide proactive advice for keeping up-to-date with developments and changes in legislation, regulations, national standards, etc., and produce and/or update the policy statements in response to changes;
• Analyze and synthesize policy documents, identify relevant key points, facts, and statistics that help explain complicated policy topics to broad audiences in a concise way;
• Identify any need for recruitment of short term experts (TA) where and as needed in coordination with the Head of PMU;
• Provide proposals for policy development and implementation for the approval of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
• Facilitating communication with concerned governmental entities and other partners/stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties, as may be requested by the Head of PMU.

Governance, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Proactively support the design and implementation of a monitoring system for the implementation of reform measures as outlined in the DPL reform matrix in line with the Steering and Monitoring Concept and Structure.
• Support MoE in preparing quarterly detailed reports that provide a good overview about the status of implementation on trigger level, including possible challenges, deviations and achievement.
• Support MoE in preparing monthly updates/ brief overviews for the Virtual Reviews (condensed version of the Quarterly Reports).
• Support the Quarterly Review Missions including arranging of meetings and overall coordination of schedule.
• Support setting-up and facilitation of DPL Policy Committee that should include high-level representation from relevant actors and, thereby, forms the committee where the steering of the reform and political dialogue takes place.
• Manage, maintain and coordinate the DPL Policy Committee (Secretarial Functions), i.e. preparation of meetings, follow-up of stakeholder participation, provide professional opinions and support decision-making processes in the Steering Structure. Attending Committee Meetings as an observer
• Conduct studies and brainstorming sessions, together with the relevant Jordanian partners to define the triggers for development, improvement of structures and processes from ministry to school level.
• Support the design and implementation of a MoE-led monitoring and reporting system for the implementation of DPL reform measures.
• Provide technical assistance to MoE in the reporting to KfW on German FC projects

Knowledge Management

• Share knowledge with the PMU team members and other relevant key stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery of DPL activities and synergies;
• Contribute to the identification and dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for PMU and DPL development planning and knowledge building;
• Support the MoE in capacity building planning and transfer of DPL programme-related knowledge among MoE staff.

Internal/ External Communication

Outside MoE:

Supporting the communication with the following stakeholders outside MoE:

• KfW
• MoPWH
• MoPIC
• MoF
• Consultants
• Contractors
• Suppliers of furniture and equipment
• Government entities/ authorities for approvals and regulations.
• Utility providers
• Local communities
• Donors/Implementing Agencies/International Partners

Inside MoE:

• Head of PMU
• PMU Steering Committee
• PMU Technical Committee
• Development and Coordination Unit (DCU)
• DPL Triggers Focal Points
• DPL Departments and Directorates
• Educational Quality and Accountability Unit (EQAU)
• Education Training Center (ETC)
• Management of the OpenEMIS staff at the Queen Rania Center for Education & Information Technology
• Curriculum and Textbooks Management
• Management of Educational Activities
• Management of Buildings and Projects
• Planning & Educational Research Department
• Management of Queen Rania Center for Education & Information Technology
• Management of Supplies and Equipping
• Financial Affairs Administration

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 degree or equivalent) in education, project management, international relations or related fields is preferred.

• A first level university degree in education, project management, international relations or related fields is preferred, with two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least 5 years of demonstrated progressive experience in management and/or implementation and/ or support to policy in public sector (preferably in the Education Sector) is required;
• At least 3 years of demonstrated progressive experience in developing and managing relationships with donors and/or government/ public sector partners, as well as engaging with bilateral and/or multilateral partners is required;
• At least 3 years of experience in the development sector is desired;
• Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to research a wide-range of public sector issues using multiple sources is desired;
• Demonstrated ability to develop staff capacity and train others, as well as to engage effectively with staff at national and/or governorate levels is desired;
• Excellent communication skills;
• High proficiency with computers, and other software/ platforms related to the positions field of expertise. Good experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides;
• Familiarity with German school construction projects implemented in the Education sector in Jordan is desired;
• Demonstrated experience in Gender mainstreaming in the public sector is highly desired;
• Experience of working in the UN/ International Organization is desired.

Certifications - International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B) or Project Management Professional (PMP - PMI) or PRINCE2 foundation is desired.

Language - Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractual Agreement (ICA) Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - Level 10 (LICA10) 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

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.
• Amman is a family duty station.
• This position is open to nationals only.
• 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
• 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.