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Senior Programme Manager

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location:
  • Grade: Senior level - ICSC-12
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.


  

Background Information - Development Group Cluster

Development Group Cluster

UNOPS Development Group Cluster is based in the GPSO - New York Office and supports a diverse and complex portfolio including partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (the Bureau for Development Policy, the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation), the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Secretariat and a broadening community of primarily New York-based UN partners in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Department of Field Support, Information and Communications Technology Division (UN DFS-ICTD) is responsible for the delivery of applications that satisfy the requirements of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support (DPKO/DFS) missions as well as Special Political Missions (SPMs).

DFS has implemented a range of systems to address the principal requirements of peacekeeping operations and to support and enhance the processes DFS undertakes.

UNOPS has been requested to assist in the implementation of this activity.

Functional Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager reports directly to the Global Programme Director in New York, who provides direction and general supervision.  The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for programme development planning and preparation and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility.  The role contributes, to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners.

 

Below are some of the key functionalities, which it may vary from duty station to duty station.

 

Summary of key results: 

1.            Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

2.            Programme development and planning

3.            Manage Programme resources

4.            Partnership networking and advocacy

5.            Knowledge management and innovation

 

1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

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

•     Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.

•     Supervise the Programme ensuring that the client’s project governance and quality standards are adhered to during project (initiation and implementation);

•     Participate in the implementation and coordination of operational and governance procedures, including change management;

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

•     Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

•     Develop and implement the programme governance framework.

 

2. Programme development and planning 

•     Support the Global Programme Director to ensure the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, ensuring compliance with organizational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

•     Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the Global Programme Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.

•     Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

•     Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the Global Programme Director.

•     Manage the structured transition of newly deployed field systems to production support and maintenance functions;

•     Ensure that field systems architectures are developed and deployed in accordance with the International Organization standards

 

3. Manage programme resources

 •     Plan and propose to the Global Programme Director, required programme resources (human and financial).

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

•     Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encouraging the formation of diverse teams in term of gender and geography.

•     In collaboration with individual UNOPS team leaders, manage the various teams responsible for the implementation, deployment, maintenance and operational integrity of administrative and logistics support field systems;

•     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.

•     Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys.

 

4. 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/customer opportunities.

•     Collaborate with the Global Programme Director to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.

•     Contribute to current and future growth plans for the overall programme, ensuring alignment with the Organization’s Strategic Plan.

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

 

5. Knowledge management and innovation

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

•     Institutionalise 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 environment.

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

Perform other related duties as required.

 Impact of Results  

The effective and successful performance by the Senior Programme Manager directly impacts on achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

 

Competencies

Professionalism - Strong theoretical background and substantial experience in information technology and information management.. Demonstrates capacity for intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives. Good knowledge of organizations ICT strategy and infrastructure as it relates to user area(s). Ability to develop innovative approaches to resolve a wide range of issues/problems. Good knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities and processes within the area(s) in which the system operates. Demonstrated ability to manage projects and working towards the achievement of defined deliverables. Expert decision-making experience in the field and proven record of managing contracted onsite as well as offshore teams.

 

Client Orientation – Ability to identify and analyze clients needs and develop appropriate technology to meet business requirements.

 

Management – Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate groups of staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills. Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority.

 

Communications – Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.

 

Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

 

Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; provide oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

 

Leadership – Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

 

Respect for Diversity – Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; Treats all  people with dignity and respect; Treats men and women equally; Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; Examines own biases and behaviors to avoid stereotypical responses; Does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in Computer or Information Systems, Mathematics, Engineering, Law, Project Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a field related to the position. 
  • A Bachelor’s or equivalent degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and additional 2 years of experience in information technology may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Certifications:  

Certification and experience with governance and system management frameworks such as ITIL, Prince2, and related ISO standards is highly desirable.

 Experience:

  • A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in ICT services delivery and the ICT technology that is used in UN field missions is required; this should include experience developing and supporting large centralized and globally distributed institutional systems.
  • At least 5 years of experience in a senior or managerial position at the international level is required.
  • Extensive in-depth experience in the development and management of information and communications technology projects and programmes, managing and delivering highly complex systems and data management projects is required.
  • Experience in the United Nations or a similar international organization is a strong asset.
  • Experience with the peacekeeping operations environment is strongly desired.
  • Experience in both public and private sector organizations is highly desirable.
  • UN Experience is a strong asset for this position.

 

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of a second UN language is highly desirable.

Additional Considerations

This roster announcement will remain open for several weeks and we will review applications and conduct assessments continuously. 

For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the job.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Based on organizational needs at the time of recruitment, applicants accepted into this UNOPS roster pool may be considered for job at the advertised job level or its equivalent. The successful candidate(s) may be offered a contract governed by the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules or UNOPS individual contractor agreement.

This vacancy is now closed.
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