Programme Management Advisor (Internal Candidates Only)

1. Project implementation planning 

• From the standpoint of being accountable and responsible provide input to the -SACEP on programme and project design documents such as: 

  • Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.) 

  • Programme Workplan and Budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.)

  • Resource mobilization Strategy (e.g. monitor trends humanitarian and development needs to identify potential areas of intervention within UN mandates and existing capacity; 

  • Project proposals to donors

• Support the PLEASE Project in applications of policies, practices and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms, where relevant, in collaboration with the donor and other stakeholder.

• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include: 

  • UNOPS Project Agreements

  • Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees)

  • Human resources plans.

2. Project implementation delivery 

• In accordance with project agreements with the World Bank, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.

• Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Senior Programme Manager (SPM), for action and/or intervention.

• Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

  • Financial and procurement rules

  • Contract and grant management policies

  • Project management standards

  • Health, safety, social and environmental standards

  • Gender parity and mainstreaming policies

  • Information management systems and standards

  • Organizational design standards and human resources policies

• Depending on the circumstance, either in support of SACEP or as part of UNOPS obligations, draft high quality reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents.

• Advise the SPM on financial decisions to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the project.

3. Project Unit leadership and management 

• Build and strengthen strategic partnership with SACEP  through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements. 

• Keep the SPM informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management. 

• Support the SPM to plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity. 

• 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. 

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, 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, harrasment, sexual harrassment 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.

• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility. 

• In support of the Senior Programme Manager (SPM), support design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms. 

• Support Senior Programme Manager (SPM) preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials. 

• Act as Senior Programmer Manager OIC upon request from MCO Director or Head of Programme.

4. Stakeholder management

• Support the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) in managing relationships with:National authorities, UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget / programme performance and programmatic / substantive issues.

• Participate in any UN mission / country team meetings to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.

• Support the SPM to keep the UN Mission leadership / Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities.

• Manage relationships with the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) and other direct UNOPS stakeholders.

5. Knowledge management and innovation 

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones. 

• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (master Degree or equivalent) is required with seven years of relevant experience.

• First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience.

Experience: 

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in development contexts, such as international development, humanitarian aid, capacity-building initiatives.

• A minimum of two years of leadership experience, including supervising teams, managing complex projects,and budgets is required.

• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.

• Experience working in a developing country is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required (read, write, speak).