General Information

Position Title
Senior Programme Manager
Job Category
Programme
Duty Station(s)
Yangon
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 12
Contract Type
ICA - IICA - Regular
Contract Level
IICA 4
Posting Start Date
07-Apr-2026
Posting End Date
26-Apr-2026
Duration
Ongoing (extension subject to performance and fund availability)

Job Highlight

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-profile, EU-funded programme focused on innovative solutions for the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in Myanmar. The position provides significant leadership experience, strategic engagement with key stakeholders, and the chance to contribute to systemic change in a complex and dynamic environment.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Established in 1996, UNOPS Myanmar is a key partner in the country’s humanitarian and development efforts, with a strong, long-standing presence on the ground. UNOPS supports both chronic and sudden-onset needs across Myanmar, offering flexible and responsive solutions. UNOPS manages several major development funds, including the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund, the Access to Health Fund, and the Joint Peace Fund. Through the Asia Regional Health Cluster, UNOPS also serves as the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and implements the Regional Artemisinin-Resistance Initiative Towards Elimination of Malaria (RAI3E) programme. UNOPS Myanmar's core strengths lie in fund and programme management, infrastructure, and procurement, delivering tailored, high-impact solutions to support the development partners.

About the Project Office

Established in 1996, UNOPS Myanmar is a key partner in the country’s humanitarian and development efforts, with a strong, long-standing presence on the ground. UNOPS supports both chronic and sudden-onset needs across Myanmar, offering flexible and responsive solutions. UNOPS manages several major development funds, including the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund, the Access to Health Fund, and the Joint Peace Fund. Through the Asia Regional Health Cluster, UNOPS also serves as the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and implements the Regional Artemisinin-Resistance Initiative Towards Elimination of Malaria (RAI3E) programme. UNOPS Myanmar's core strengths lie in fund and programme management, infrastructure, and procurement, delivering tailored, high-impact solutions to support the priorities of government and development partners.

About the Group

The EU Nexus Response Mechanism for Myanmar (NRM) is an eight-year programme working to help foster a peaceful, cohesive Myanmar grounded in resilient communities, responsive governance, and inclusive service delivery. Funded by the European Union and managed by UNOPS, the NRM’s interventions are diverse—from emergency assistance and livelihoods support to community-based crisis preparedness and local systems strengthening.


The Overall Objective of the NRM is to help foster a peaceful, cohesive Myanmar grounded in resilient communities, responsive governance, and inclusive service delivery.

It specifically aims at providing support to conflict-affected populations, displaced populations, host communities, and returnees by strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.


As part of the support for socio-economic recovery in conflict-affected areas, a strong emphasis will be given to alleviating inter-communal and politically induced tensions, providing durable solutions and addressing serious human rights concerns: the systematic integration of Rights Based Approach (RBA) while meeting immediate needs, will be pivotal to all aspects of programme implementation in order to assure principled, inclusive, non-discriminatory and needs based interventions. Human Rights protection and promotion will be at the core of the action: all actions will be screened against strict due diligence criteria specific for the Myanmar context for assuring principled engagement, limiting the potential to perpetuate harmful practices. The Nexus Mechanism will rely on an incremental and adaptive approach to enable the EU to respond to sudden needs and the changing operational conflict context. Pool funding will allow the programme to address humanitarian and development needs in protracted crisis situations while supporting longer term durable solutions. Decision making will follow procedures designed to ensure that the humanitarian, development and peace perspectives are taken into consideration. Finally, the action will strengthen the capacity of the EU to conduct context specific conflict analysis tailored to the evolving needs. UNOPS will act as the Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the Nexus Mechanism and manage the programme. The programme commenced in January 2020 and is expected to continue operations until July 2031.

Job Specific Context

The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for providing leadership and promoting best practice in the performance and delivery of the Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) programme. This EU-funded initiative focuses on innovative solutions for peace and development in Myanmar, requiring a deep understanding of the humanitarian-development-peace (H-D-P) spectrum and the ability to navigate a complex and dynamic environment. The role involves strategic engagement with key stakeholders, management of a diverse team, and contribution to systemic change through adaptive project design and a robust learning agenda.

Role Purpose

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 is the head of the programme team which includes professionals in M&E, grants, programme management and support. The Senior Programme Manager will be under the overall supervision of the UNOPS Myanmar Director and Representative and working closely with the NRM Steering Committee.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Stakeholder Management


  • Establish solid working relationship with the Steering Committee, current and potential partners and key stakeholders

  • Represent UNOPS and the NRM Secretariat at the NRM Steering Committee and manage key relations with EU stakeholders including Head of Delegation, Head of Cooperation and Head of ECHO.

  • Organize Steering Committee meetings on a quarterly basis or as needed, providing background material, supporting documents, clear options for decision-making, and any other relevant support. Advise the Steering Committee and UNOPS Director and Representative of deviations that have or will exceed set tolerances as approved in the programme plan

  • Manage the Secretariat communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of the Programme activities, progress, and exceptions

  • Advise the partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes

  • Manage the information flows between the Steering Committee, the UNOPS Director and Representative and the UNOPS team dedicated to the Programme

  • Represent NRM in the UNOPS Management Group (MG) to ensure coordination, effective delivery and information sharing

  • Act as UNOPS Myanmar focal person for Nexus-related matters towards the Government, UN partners, donor, civil society and implementing partners.


Delivery and Performance


  • Oversee the effective implementation of the NRM programme, including management of country offices and teams, development of new programmes and portfolios, management of existing grants, results monitoring and evaluation, and client relationship management.

  • Lead and oversee the development and subsequent revisions of key programme documents, including the Programme Strategy, MEAL Strategy, Gender Strategy, Communication Strategy, Governance documents, and other programme documents as needed.

  • Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the MMCO Director and NRM Steering Committee.

  • Establish and execute the programme implementation plans in collaboration with the team and implementing partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely delivery and client-oriented services.

  • Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with signed Legal Agreements

  • Mentor and assist project staff in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

  • Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the MMCO Director and NRM Steering Committee for areas for UNOPS and NRM engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.

  • Lead and manage the preparation of supporting programme documents (including business cases, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

  • Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the NRM Steering Committee, the MMCO Director, and the Asia Regional Office.

  • Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

  • Ensure the financial sustainability of the programme through fund-raising, business development, relationship building with client building, and contractual amendments.

  • Implement approved programme plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Steering Committee.

  • Advise 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 EU Delegation to Myanmar Due Diligence Criteria and assure projects are transformative.

  • Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, peace, voice 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.

  • Manage 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.

  • Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client 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.

  • Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the Steering Committee.

Procedures


  • Plan and propose to the MMCO Director any required programme resources (human and financial) to ensure effective management of the NRM.

  • Oversee the setup of NRM and oversee development firewalling and security measures to enable optimal security for UNOPS and the programme.

  • Compile from the NRM programme and finance staff, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and MMCO financial goals.

  • Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.

  • Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

  • Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy.

  • On behalf of UNOPS, develop the Annual Work Plan for approval by the Steering Committee

  • Lead and oversee all reporting processes including annual and financial reports. Ensure all reporting requirements as per legal agreement as well as 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

Partnership, Networking and Advocacy


  • Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.

  • Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/client opportunities.

  • Work closely with the partnership unit to ensure and facilitate the capture of lessons learnt from programme and project implementation into new opportunities and engagement development, as well as the adequate identification of risks and mitigation measures.

  • Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Country Office/Multi Country Office, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS Strategic Plan.

  • Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of UNOPS goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results

  • At the request of the MMCO Director participate and/or represent UNOPS in diplomatic, donor and inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered.


Knowledge Management


  • Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.

  • Operationalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

  • Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environments.

  • Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.

  • Participate in relevant UNOPS Communities of Practice

  • Actively interact with the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice

  • Provide feedback to HQ Groups Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies complete lessons learned as per reporting format

  • Contribute to EU’s knowledge management initiatives to document the Nexus pilot in Myanmar

  • Further duties may be identified throughout the implementation period

Personnel Management


  • Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts 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.

  • Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

  • Managing personnel and ensuring behavior consistent with UN values.

  • Ensure that performance reviews are conducted efficiently and effectively.

  • Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Senior Programme Manager will report to the UNOPS Myanmar Country Director and Representative and make contributions as per these TOR. The Senior Programme Manager will also work collaboratively with the Steering Committee and the Advisory Board. A work plan will be formulated and agreed between the Senior Programme Manager, the Advisory Board, and the Steering Committee with clearly defined outputs, milestones and reporting requirements.

Skills

Communication, Leadership, Program Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in law/human rights, social science, international development, business administration, public administration, international relations or related areas is required.

  • Bachelor’s Degree with additional 2 years of relevant work experience to the above duties and responsibilities may be accepted in lieu of a Master's Degree.


Desired

  • Project Management Certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset.

Experience Requirements

Required


  • A minimum of 10 years of progressively relevant working experience is required and out of this at least 5 years in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian response or humanitarian-development- peace nexus or related areas is required.

  • A minimum of 5 years experience managing programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is required.

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

  • Strong writing skills including the ability to synthesize information and translate it into analytical reports and actionable plans is required.

  • Experience in managing teams is required.

  • Knowledge of ODA and international assistance/aid architecture is essential.


Desired

  • Proven track record of incorporating human rights in programming and/or context analysis in a fragile state(s) and complex/protracted crisis is desirable.

  • A minimum of 5 years' experience in developing countries or post conflict environments is an asset.

  • Working experience and knowledge in Myanmar conflict affected areas will be a strong asset. Previous experience in South and/or South-east Asia will, or in different fragile and conflict settings, is also an advantage.

  • 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.

  • Vast experience in writing reports, developing action plans, performing data analyses, and drafting documents is an asset.

  • Solid experience in risk management is an asset.

  • Strong problem-solving skills are an asset.

  • Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset.

Language Requirements

Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. 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. 
  • UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please 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.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.