Background Information - Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. 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 Portfolio 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 (DSI). 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.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) to implement the project activities for the Partnership Facility on behalf of the PBSO.
The Partnership Facility, established under the Peacebuilding Fund in 2019, seeks to advance the strategic partnership between the UN and the World Bank as well as other IFIs, in crisis affected situations through small grants to UN entities for dedicated capacities co-located between UN, WB or other IFIs as well as shared analyses, data, and analytical processes, including deep dives, to contribute towards establishing a common and shared understanding of multidimensional risks and root causes of fragility and conflict and identify and address gaps in planning, resources allocation, and programming, amongst UN and IFI country leadership.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager, the Senior Programme Manager is responsible for:
Summary of functions:
- Programme Management
- Project Delivery and Performance
- Procedures
- Monitoring and reporting
- Stakeholder engagement
- Quality assurance
- Knowledge management and innovation
- Personnel management
- Project Development and Engagement Addition
- Operational project closure and coordination financial project closure
1. Programme Management
- Lead operational management and implementation of the Partnership Facility programme;
2. Project Delivery and Performance
Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s) of the Partnership Facility; Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board; Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span; Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary; Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan; Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers; Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages; Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly; Control project and work packages changes; Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers; Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation; Act as the Employerโs Representative within the FIDIC works contracts; Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved; Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS.
3. Procedures
Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual; Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board; Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team; Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded; Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations; Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time; Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project; Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel; Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports); Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements; For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager; Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.
4. Monitoring and reporting
Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting; Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality); Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organizationโs standard procedures; Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system; Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span.
5. Stakeholder engagement
Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies; Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders; Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications; Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs.
6. Quality assurance
Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements; Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems; Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables; Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc).
7. Knowledge management and innovation
Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff; Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices; Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice; Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span; Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
8. Personnel Management
Lead and motivate the project management team; Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established; Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely; Select, recruit and train a team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives; Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards; Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and 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.
9. Project Development and Engagement Addition
Identify opportunities for new projects; Support project development in all stages, including negotiation with the partners, development of the project document, budget, and legal agreement; Support the Senior Portfolio Manager in portfolio growth and partners' diversification.
10. Operational project closure and coordination financial project closure
Lead operational closure of projects and liaise with other stakeholders accordingly; Coordinate financial closure of projects with UNOPS Finance.
Impact of Results
The Senior Programme Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.
Monitoring and Progress Controls A work plan will be developed based on the UNOPS Performance Evaluation Report (PER) cycle and serve as the overarching document to monitor progress and record performance. Regular meetings with the supervisor. Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education
Work Experience
Required experience:
Relevant experience is defined as working experience in project management, project development, or project operational support. Minimum of three (3) years of International experience in development or humanitarian support working with an international organization is required. Experience managing grants is required. Previous experience within or working with the UN Secretariat partners, the Resident Coordination system, or the World Bank operations is required.Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
Previous experience in peacebuilding would be an asset.
Language requirements
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 3)/ICS11
Contract duration: Open-ended (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration).
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.