Programme Management Specialist

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.

NYPO 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 Development and Special Initiatives team works with UN partners and Member States. This portfolio offers support for various initiatives and priorities of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs in areas such as political affairs, climate, counterterrorism and peacebuilding, among others.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Youth Office.

On 8 September 2022, the General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 76/306 to establish a United Nations Youth Office as a dedicated entity for youth affairs within the UN Secretariat. The UN Youth Office leads engagement and advocacy for the advancement of youth issues across the United Nations, in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. 

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

The incumbent will provide  support to advance the implementation of key initiatives at the UN Youth Office, linking high-level events, collaborative engagements, and resource mobilization efforts.

Within delegated authority, the Programme Management Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in strategic planning processes for flagship initiatives; provides business intelligence insights to inform programme design and positioning; identifies opportunities for differentiation in competitive funding environments.
• Provides strategic support to the planning of special events convened or co-convened by the UN Youth Office, contributing to conceptualization, agenda design, logistical preparation and alignment with the Office's flagship initiatives and mandate priorities.
• Supports the substantive preparation and delivery of special events, including drafting concept notes and briefing materials, advising on participant composition, and meeting design and execution.
• Represents, as needed, the UN Youth Office at relevant external networking events to promote flagship initiatives, and identify resource mobilization opportunities; builds and maintains professional networks in relevant sectors. 
• Engages in the organization of high-level events identifying and liaising with potential partners, providing advice on the planning, preparatory process, agenda and overall representation of a varied constituency.
• Contributes to the organization of high-level events, identifying and liaising with potential partners, and providing advice on the planning, preparatory process, agenda, and stakeholders engagement.
• Supports resource mobilization efforts for the UN Youth Office, including developing compelling funding proposals, pitches and concept notes for non-earmarked contributions and flagship initiatives; helps identifies and cultivate relationships with potential donors, foundations, and funding partners; tracks funding opportunities and prepares regular updates on resource mobilization progress.
• Develops and helps implement proposals to accelerate the delivery of selected flagship initiatives; conducts opportunity assessments; prepares investment cases and value propositions for external stakeholders; 
• Supports the preparation — in collaboration with relevant sections and focal points — of high-level pitches, presentations, and briefing materials for the senior leadership in strategic engagement opportunities; ensures consistent messaging and alignment with organizational priorities and partner interests.
• Manages relationships with existing and prospective funding partners; maintains a comprehensive database of donor contacts and engagement; prepares donor reports and ensures timely communication on programme progress and impact; identifies opportunities for strategic co-financing and collaborative funding arrangements.
•  Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Required:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, international development, public policy, economics, social sciences, international relations or a related field, in combination with five (5) years of relevant experience, is required or;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor`s degree or equivalent), in combination with seven (7) years of relevant experience,  may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Required:

• Relevant experience is defined as progressively responsible experience in programme management and implementation, high-level event planning, resource mobilization, or a related area is required.
• Experience in developing project proposals, mobilizing resources, and organizing high-level events is required.

Desired:

• Demonstrated experience in pitching programmes for international development, humanitarian, or peacebuilding initiatives is desirable.
• Experience working on resource mobilization is desirable.
• Experience in youth development, peace or mental health programming is desirable.
• Experience in organizing events with multiple audiences is an asset.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• 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. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• 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.