Background Information – Job-specific

 

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 Portfolio (DSIP) 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 hosts the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), a global entity advancing regional Climate Mobility Initiatives (CMIs) and the Rising Nations Initiative (RNI):

The CMIs currently consist of the Africa Climate Mobility Initiative (ACMI) and the Greater Caribbean Climate Mobility Initiative (GCCMI). The ACMI is a joint undertaking of the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations, and the World Bank to support the African continent in addressing climate-forced displacement and migration while harnessing climate mobility to advance its development agenda and political & economic integration. The ACMI’s people-centered & evidence-based approach aims to generate political momentum, a common policy agenda, and resources to advance comprehensive and locally anchored solutions for climate mobility. The GCCMI pursues similar objectives and is a joint undertaking of the Association of Caribbean States, the United Nations and the World Bank.

The RNI is a Member States-led initiative, guided by a core group of champions, including the Pacific atoll countries. Its objective is to press forward efforts towards protecting the statehood of Pacific atoll countries, preserving their sovereignty and safeguarding the rights and heritage of affected populations. In this regard, the RNI aims to mobilize the needed political momentum for prompt action at all levels to highlight the climate emergency facing the Pacific atoll countries and inspire global and local action, including through intergovernmental processes of the United Nations.

The Senior Programme Manager has the primary responsibility to lead the project to build White Papers assessing and projecting the impacts of the climate crisis; and providing recommendations and options on a wide range of policy and programme areas for adaptation and resilience. The Senior Programme Manager will focus on Tuvalu as the first pilot country for the project.

The incumbent of this position will be Staff member of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

Under the supervision of the Head of the RNI Secretariat, the incumbent will carry out the following activities:

Strategy development & coordination

• Designs and advances comprehensive scientific and expert assessments of the subsidence rate and climate impacts of rising sea level and extreme weather on Tuvalu, including on livelihood, culture, and heritage.
• Coordinates public consultations in Tuvalu to assess and incorporate the opinions, views, and the preferences of the people vis-à-vis the climate impacts on the population and their livelihoods, existing infrastructure, and the social and economic fabric of the nation state.
• Leads consultations with national, regional, and global experts and practitioners to review the findings and generate policy recommendations.
• Consolidates the outcomes of the above activities into the White Paper for Tuvalu
• Ensures the knowledge and good practices are applied to other countries supported by the RNI as well as the relevant CMIs.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education:

 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) preferably in Public Policy, Governance, Economics or other relevant fields is required.
• Two (2) additional years of relevant experience, in combination with a relevant first-level university (bachelor’s degree or equivalent), may substitute for the requirement of a Master’s degree.

Required Work Experience

• At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in environment, migration, economic and social affairs, public policy, climate mobility, and/or programme/project management and/or strategy is required.
• Proven track record of active participation and engagement in UN and other multilateral processes related to climate change and/or migration
• Proven track record of effectively managing a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds

Desired Experience (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

• Experience in evidence-based approach to assessing vulnerabilities of populations preferably in the context of climate, environment or sustainable development is desired.
• Experience effectively synthesizing, communicating and presenting technical and policy findings in a clear and concise manner to colleagues internally and to external non-technical audiences, including through producing briefing, speeches and strategy papers for seniors is desired.
• Experience in global climate mobility projects that span multiple regions (ideally including the Pacific region) will be given special consideration
• Demonstrated expertise through academic or professional publications related to climate change impacts and/or climate change and migration on the Pacific region is considered advantageous

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

 

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: Fixed-term staff contact
Contract level: P4
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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.
• 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.
• This position is stationed in Barcelona, Spain, which is a 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.
• 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.