Project Management Support - Specialist (Event Management) (Retainer)

Support planning and execution of supplier capacity building event

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UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Tuesday 25 Jul 2023 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Support planning and execution of supplier capacity building event

You have:

  • Advanced University Degree Programme (Masters or equivalent) in relevant disciplines.
  • 5 years of work experience in private sector outreach, capacity assessment, or related fields.
  • Full working knowledge of English and Arabic is essential.
  • First level degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with 2 years of work experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
  • Experience in event organisation is highly desirable.

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 has operational presence in both Baghdad and Erbil.

The current project portfolio in Iraq consists of a number of major infrastructure rehabilitation projects in Anbar and Nineveh governorates, aiming at the rehabilitation of housing units and restoration of decentralised services in order to improve basic living conditions for returnees in areas of Al-Anbar and Nineveh governorates that were liberated from ISIS. These projects have experienced a series of challenges with contractor performance on key areas of UNOPS requirements, both at the tendering and implementation stages.

In light of the above, the objective of this initiative is to engage with the active supplier market in Iraq, develop their capacity and strengthen their ability to participate effectively in UNOPS tenders. This is expected to contribute to risk reduction, a decrease in tender failure as well as improved compliance and increased supplier diversity, inclusion and participation.

In order to best engage with the suppliers and increase the effectiveness of UNOPS procurement procedures engagement will be established through the use of UNOPS Sustainable Procurement Framework, particularly the UNOPS Possibilities Forum events, the supplier capacity building programme and DRiVE, the supplier sustainability programme. This has been determined based on the success of such engagements with UNOPS.

Functional Responsibilities

About the role

The UNOPS Iraq operational office is organizing a 3 day in person supplier capacity building event (UP Forum) to engage with suppliers and focus on capacity development activities that will enable them to be potentially more successful when participating in UNOPS tenders. During the three days, suppliers will be taken through how to do business with UNOPS, including supplier sustainability (DRiVE) and UNOPS Sustainable Procurement. Side events will be planned for diverse supplier groups such as Women Owned Businesses (WOBs), Youth Owned Businesses (YOBs) and Disability Inclusive Suppliers (DIS) in order to diversify the supplier base and enhance competition in the market, while responding to the UN Secretary General Office’s call to action in this area.

We are seeking the services of a retainer to support various tasks related to planning and execution of the event, including supplier mapping and needs assessment as well as logistical and communication related organisation of the event.

Objectives and scope of the position

Under the direct supervision of the Iraq Programme Advisor, the retainer will perform the following duties;

Pre-event activities: 1. Market research and outreach - Mapping of existing suppliers in Iraq, incl. diverse suppliers within the areas of spend of UNOPS projects. Compile and share the supplier long list with the UNOPS UP Forum planning team - Support the pre-engagement needs assessment survey for identified /shortlisted suppliers - Outreach to relevant donors/partners, including KfW (main funder of Iraq projects) and UN Women - Possible outreach to financial institutions (banks) that can support suppliers with investment capital (loans etc.) - Support the pre-engagement completion of the UNOPS supplier sustainability questionnaire (DRiVE) for identified suppliers

  1. Develop and monitor the UP Forum workplan to ensure timeliness of activities. Ensure that planned activities follows the guidance provided in the UNOPS UP Forum planning guide

  2. Communication and material preparation

- Coordinate and support all communication related to the UP forum planning - Communicate with internal and external stakeholders and make follow ups to ensure participation - Coordinate internally and arrange briefing sessions with external stakeholders and ensure an understanding of their obligations - Keep the stakeholders informed about progress through regular meetings and briefing notes - Ensure the invites are sent in a timely manner - Support the development of training materials in line with the UNOPS possibilities templates - Support the drafting of UP Forum agenda based on an analysis of the supplier survey

Activities during event: - Support to ensure the venue is well equipped for the event - Support the registration of participants - Support/moderate the event - Full briefing of the participants and partners

Post event activities: - Ensure distribution of satisfaction survey - Ensure thank you notes are sent out together as per guidance provided in UP templates - Report writing

Competencies

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 Programme (Masters or equivalent) is required, preferably in economics, management, international affairs, political science, development studies or other relevant disciplines from an accredited university. - A first level degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with 2 years of work experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience: - 5 years of work experience is required in at least one of the following areas: - Private sector outreach and capacity assessment - Report writing or communication or project management or partnership development - Experience in event organisation is highly desirable.

Language: - Full working knowledge of English and Arabic is essential.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA Specialist Contract level: LICA-10 Contract duration: Retainer - 12 months

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.
  • This position is stationed in Baghdad, Iraq, which is a non-family duty station.

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.

Potential interview questions

How would you approach engaging diverse suppliers in a tender process? To assess your understanding of inclusive practices in procurement. Discuss strategies you would implement to ensure diverse participation.
Can you describe a successful event you organized and what made it successful? This question gauges your event management experience and effectiveness. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods would you use to ensure suppliers understand their obligations during an event? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you had to adapt your approach in a fast-paced environment. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle conflicts among stakeholders during event planning? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org