Project Management Support - Specialist

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.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) 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. The 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. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project activities for the Global Programme on Nature for Development.

UNDP’s Global Programme on Nature for Development brings together three different initiatives -- the Equator Initiative, and the National Biodiversity Initiative, and Learning for Nature under one program in order to identify, foster, showcase and celebrate nature-based solutions that help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at local, national, and international levels. The work of the Global Programme on Nature for Development contributes to UNDP's Strategic Plan 2018-2021 by charting sustainable development pathways through the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems; and by promoting inclusive and effective democratic governance in the area of natural resources.

The Equator Initiative brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses and grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The Equator Initiative seeks to:

• Identify and recognize the success of Indigenous and local initiatives,
• Create opportunities and platforms to share knowledge and good practice,
• Inform policy to foster an enabling environment for Indigenous and local community action, and
• Develop the capacity of Indigenous peoples and local communities to scale-up their impact.

The National Biodiversity Initiative supports countries to manage their ecosystems and biodiversity to improve national planning and governance of biodiversity, ecosystems, and development, and to promote resilience for sustainable development. The National Biodiversity Initiative works in three project areas to support countries in their commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) Support, National Reporting, and Capacity Building. The use of spatial data for spatial planning is an important cross-cutting theme across these project areas, including our flagship platform UN Biodiversity Lab and our work to map Essential Life Support Areas (ELSAs). The UN Biodiversity Lab, created in partnership with UN Environment and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, provides policymakers with access to 100 of the world’s best spatial datasets on nature, climate, and sustainable development for planning, monitoring, and reporting. Building on this base, our work to map ELSAs brings together the world’s best scientists and governments in 11 pilot countries to use spatial data to identify where nature-based actions to protect, manage, or restore ELSAs can deliver efficiently across national priorities for biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development.. A nascent area of work is building the spatial literacy of Indigenous peoples and local communities and ensuring their participation in spatial planning.

Learning for Nature is a capacity-building offer provided by the Global Programme on Nature for Development, cutting across the three areas of work. This programme connects biodiversity policymakers, change-makers, and on-the-ground subject matter experts to facilitate the delivery of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Access to the global multi-stakeholder networks mobilized by the Equator Initiative and the National Biodiversity Initiative allows Learning for Nature to circulate knowledge while promoting best practices. Building on our learnings on the ground, we seek synergies, build linkages, and engage thousands of course participants on their journey towards sustainable development solutions for people, nature, and resilient communities. Learning for Nature builds capacity to scale up efforts for nature-based sustainable development through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), webinars, self-paced e-learning modules, podcasts, and private training courses.

Knowledge Sharing is a main goal of the Equator Initiative, the National Biodiversity Initiative, and Learning for Nature. The Equator Initiative has a large series of research papers, books, and other publications focusing on local approaches to poverty reduction and conservation, informed by community-based initiatives. 180 case studies in over 30 languages have documented the Equator Prize winners’ innovative practices that deliver the win-win-win solutions that ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The National Biodiversity Initiative works with partners to share knowledge on the role of spatial data in biodiversity planning, policymaking, and reporting through story maps, blogs, Google Earth stories, articles etc.

For further information please go to: www.equatorinitiative.org, www.nbsapforum.net, www.learningfornature.org, or http://www.unbiodiversitylab.org.

This is a position for a project which UNOPS is implementing for the United Nations Development Programme. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Manager the incumbent will carry out the following activities:

Project planning, coordination, and execution

• Contribute to the preparation of work plans for different components of the projects , including the establishment of resource requirements and cost implications.
• Ensuring coordination in work-plan preparation for project management, including the setting of goals, targets, and performance standards for the portfolio or several projects.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of project budgets, forecasting, and revisions, in consultation with the appropriate parties.
• Manage client relations at the authorized level to ensure constant responsiveness to client needs and monitoring of project implementation progress and proactively address all issues arising.
• Actively work with the programme management team to coordinate and implement the different work streams.
• Under the delegated authority, report to the partners and the supervisor on portfolio and/or project performance, ensuring consistency with both external requirements such as legal agreements and contractual obligations as well as UNOPS internal reporting.

HR, Procurement, Grant and Fund Management

• Under delegated authority assist the programme management team on HR, procurement and grant support services, ensuring upkeep of UNOPS’ credibility in delivering on highly visible projects.
• Provide and review technical input in preparation of terms of reference for contractors, subcontractors and consultants; prepare list of suitable firms and individual consultants; evaluate proposals received; prepare documents for award within delegated authority or make recommendations for contract awards; help negotiate with successful bidders and prepare contracts and letters of agreement; do the necessary transactions related to ERP system and OneUNOPS.
• Implementation of proper monitoring and control of procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulation.
• Provide practical, result-oriented guidance and coordination in order to optimize workflows and standardized processes with regard to the partner needs, including development of operational manuals and procedures.
• Advise provision of fund management services, including compliance on fiduciary standards and focus on optimized disbursement structure, accountability, oversight, and supervision of the entrusted Fund.

Manage client relationship management, knowledge management and quality assurance

• Contribute to an effective client and donor relationship management and the development, set up, and initiation of new projects and business lines.
• Contribute to the organization and client capacity building of high-performance delivery by educating the partner on UNDP/UNOPS practices and procedures, as well as guiding the partner on relevant learning opportunities within UNOPS Contribute to the development and use of quality assurance and monitoring tools within the portfolio, to ensure the quality of services and meeting of targets.
• Manage data management and ensure information and knowledge sharing with colleagues and partners in project management; maintenance of the recording and archiving systems, as well as lessons learned and best practices of the project management team. Ensures the necessary follow-up of audit recommendations and their due implementation.
• Initiate and lead organization and client capacity-building of high-performance delivery through coaching and mentoring of internal clients and partners.
• Participate in and conduct training for the operations/project/client personnel on best tools and/or ERP systems. Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Develop specifications/TOR, establishment of evaluation criteria, and evaluation of bids/proposals for databases or other similar new systems.
• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to NFD country programmes and project management;

Finance and Administration

• Manage the administration and monitoring of all budgetary, financial, procurement, and routine administration aspects of service delivery;
• Drafting project communications, documentation, reports, and contracts, checking documents for accuracy and compliance with UNDP/UNOPS format and style.
• Review of the budget journal to confirm if funds are available; review of budget activities; running of budget reports; review of budget status and transaction details, budget check exceptions.
• Continuous interaction with colleagues, clients, and partners to exchange information on administrative issues and seek cooperation. Resolution of routine administrative and process problems, referring complex issues to the supervisor with recommendations for a course of action.

Monitoring and Progress Controls - The assignment is supervised by the Manager of the Global Programme on Nature for Development.

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** - Master’s Degree or equivalent preferably in Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field is required. - A first level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree.

Required Experience: - Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in providing advisory services in the operations/administration area including finance, procurement and/or administration activities. is required. - Having working knowledge on project planning, field mobilisations and progress reporting skills are required;

Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply): - Experience in the UNDP ERP system and OneUNOPS ERP system is highly desirable. - Experience with UNDP’s Financial Management System is highly desirable. - Experience of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS is highly desirable.

Language: - Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills - Fluency and excellent writing ability in other UN languages 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2- ICSC10) 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

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

• 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.