Senior Programme Manager

Contract

This is a IICA-4 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 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-4 contracts.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health, the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT), the Joint Peace Fund (JPF), EU Nexus Mechanism, and the SECO funded UN Trade Cluster Fund. In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations and stakeholders in the country, including international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The objective of this humanitarian program is to provide prioritized assistance and protection for highly vulnerable people such as IDPs and refugees, in the most conflict affected areas through national and civil society organizations. MHAP will support those most in need in the worst conflict affected areas, initially concentrated in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine States and possibly in the northwest.

MHAP key activities (especially in the inception stage) include:

• Delivery of multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance for Rakhine, Shan and Kachin State through provision of grants to CSOs and local partners (INGO, NNGOs), including capacity building activities for local partners and support to local partner coordination mechanisms.
• Development of MHAP strategy as part of Programme inception.
• Establishment of framework for monitoring, learning, evidence and knowledge management.
• Scoping studies to explore possible assistance in northwest Myanmar and piloting humanitarian assistance to northwest during Inception Phase.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme (HoP), the Senior Programme Manager will provide leadership, strategic direction and promote best practice in the performance and delivery of this innovative and challenging programme. The Senior Programme Manager leads the MHAP programme team which includes professionals in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), grants, programme management and support. The Senior Programme Manager works closely with the MHAP Steering Committee, UNOPS Myanmar Programme Management Office, and other UNOPS Funds.

Summary of Key Functions

1. Stakeholder management
2. Programme management
3. Procedures
4. Monitoring and reporting
5. Knowledge sharing and knowledge building
6. Personnel management and leadership

1. Stakeholder Management

• Establish a solid working relationship with the Steering Committee, current and potential partners and key stakeholders.
• Manage the Secretariat communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of the Programme activities, progress, exceptions.
• Advise the partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes.
• Manage the information flows between the Steering Committee, the HOP and the UNOPS team dedicated to the Programme.
• Represent MHAP and UNOPS at external events and meetings.
• Act as UNOPS Myanmar focal person for MHAP-related matters towards the Authorities, UN partners, donor, civil society and implementing partners.

2. Programme management

• Implement approved programme plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Steering Committee
• Advising the Steering Committee on issues such as project selection and financial operations such as budgets, cash flow and expenditure.
• Support design and formulation of bankable projects in line with FCDO Due Diligence Criteria and assure projects are transformative.
• Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, and accountability, ‘doing no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities associated with the programme.
• Manage delivery of the programme’s outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
• Managing the programme to ensure performance in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations.
• Authorize, monitor and control work packages to be delivered by the UNOPS team or grants by implementing partners.
• Advise the Steering Committee and HOP of deviations that have or will exceed set tolerances as approved in the programme plan.
• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to clients and stakeholders is achieved.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers from a fiduciary and contract management perspective.
• Control risks to UNOPS internal business case and take corrective action.
• Represent UNOPS at Steering Committee meetings as MHAP Secretariat on a periodic basis in order to discuss key issues and propose solutions to fiduciary and operational challenges that arise.
• Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the Steering Committee.

3. Procedures

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy.
• On behalf of UNOPS, contribute to the development of the Annual Work Plan for approval by the Steering Committee.

• Ensure all reporting requirements as per legal agreement as well as ensuring internal UNOPS rules are met.

• Maintain critical programme records/documents on the UNOPS Google Shared Drive (online audit/record retention folder).

• Ensure that all Programme activities comply with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules (FRR).
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors, grantees/ implementing partners and personnel are received on time.
• Understand and manage UNOPS pricing policy and related corporate charges as they apply to the Programme.
• Ensure implementing partner capacity is commensurate with funding requirements.
• Understand the structure and approaches of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel.
• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).
• Ensure appropriate measures have been documented in a Closure Plan to facilitate the transition of operations in the final stage of delivery.

4. Monitoring and reporting

- Puts in place and continuously implements solid reporting mechanisms in the programme on a regular basis against set targets and indicators. - Prepare and issue regular reports in accordance with the funding partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting. - Regularly review programme status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality). - Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures. - Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data. - Ensure all team members track and regularly update milestones and targets. - Coordinate quality reviews of programme documents and deliverables. - Provide quality control for management outputs (documents, reports, etc.).

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Establishment of a framework for monitoring, learning, evidence and knowledge management to contribute to the localization approach in Myanmar.
• Knowledge building and sharing with regards to the development and implementation of the programme, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNOPS Communities of Practice and knowledge management initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed.
• Support UNOPS Myanmar’s efforts in becoming a center of excellence for Fund management.

6. Personnel management and leadership

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure principles of human rights, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘doing no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities.
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrassment, sexual harrassment, sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
• Continuous assessment of the performance and effectiveness of the programme implementation, recommending changes and/or corrective actions in the team structure and/or financial operations to enhance and maintain effectiveness in the changing environment.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in law, human rights, social science, international development, business administration, public administration, international relations or related areas is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A project management certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset.

2. Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively relevant working experience is required. Out of these 10 years,

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian response or humanitarian-development- or related areas is required.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience managing government and donor relations, preferably for an international organization is required.
• Experience working in conflict-affected and highly political contexts is highly desirable.
• Solid experience managing programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is desirable.
• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.
• Proven track record of humanitarian programming and/or context analysis in a fragile state(s) and complex/protracted crisis is desirable.
• Working experience and knowledge in Myanmar conflict affected areas is a strong asset. Previous experience in South and/or South-East Asia is also an asset.
• Knowledge of aid architecture is essential with previous experience working in Grants Management is desirable.
• Solid experience of managing, or having worked in a senior position with a large multi-donor fund or programme is desirable.

3. Language Requirements

• Fluency in English(both oral and written) is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.