Senior Programme Manager (multiple positions)

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable
  • Job type:
    Full-time
  • Posted:
    2 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Management and Strategy, Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    10/04/2023

JOB DESCRIPTION

As part of the Multi-Country Office setup, the Project Office is responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements and cost-effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results. Project Office also manages the operational risks associated with the Project Office’s portfolio of engagements.

 


Under the direct supervision of the Hub Director, seconded by the Head of Programme, the Senior Programme Manager is expected to provide local leadership and oversees the programme/project portfolio and is expected to manage one or more highly complex or risky multidisciplinary project(s) delivering against an aggressive timeline. Project(s) of this caliber are highly strategic and visible for UNOPS. The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle that he/she manages. Additionally, the role entails a representative function and actively engages in alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development and fostering inter-agency partnership.

1. Delivery and Performance
  • Oversee the country office’s projects effectively;

  • Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders

  • Advise the Project Board and supervisor of any deviations from the plan(s);

  • Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved;

  • Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted;

  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers;

  • Identify, develop, and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor;

  • Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business cases to the supervisor.

  • Manage budgets efficiently;

  • Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables;

  • Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)

2. Procedures
  • Ensure all UNOPS rules and regulations are adhered to

  • 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).

  • 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.

3. People leadership
  • Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Project Office.

  • Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

  • 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.

  • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity, by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

  • Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.

  • Lead and motivate the project management team and ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established

4. Representation and inter-agency partnership
  • Participate in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonization of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNSDCF, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.

  • Participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.

  • In alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Zimbabwe through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF or equivalent.

5. Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development
  • Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them (and under the guidance from the Multi-Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.

  • Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.

  • Keep the Multi-Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development.

6. Knowledge management and innovation
  • Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.

  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.

  • Plan, implement and organize the strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.


Education

  • Advanced University Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant discipline.
  • University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant disciplines, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
  • A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management and implementation is required. .

  • Demonstrated experience in managing multicultural and multidisciplinary teams is desirable.

  • Previous experience in the implementation of complex sector-wide programmes is an asset.

  • Experience in developing countries including in Africa is preferred.

  • Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage

  • Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is an asset.

  • Knowledge of aid architecture is essential

  • Experience working in Grants Management is desirable.

  • Solid experience managing programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is desirable.

  • Experience/knowledge of web-based applications and Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.

Language Requirements
  • Fluency in English is required.

  • Working knowledge of another UN Language is desirable


  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.

  • 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

  • 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, click 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.

 

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: ICS-11 IICA-3 or LICA-11
Contract duration: We are interested in identifying suitable candidates for the role of Senior Programme Manager as there might be the need for several positions. The contract duration (e.g. short-term, ongoing, etc.) will be defined according to the needs of the projects and specific assignments.

 

Kenya

The UNOPS Kenya office manages more than 60 projects in around 10 countries of eastern and southern Africa. UNOPS in Kenya helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including: governance, education, health, the environment, grant management and rural development.