Portfolio Manager

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our 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.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ 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 that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Background Information - PSC

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

One of the main objectives of the Peace and Security Centre is to rapidly deploy project personnel to the field. To accomplish this, it has established a Pool of Experts, from which it deploys and re-deploys personnel in order to fulfil personnel vacancies.  A Pool of Experts is a roster of specialists whose technical knowledge and personal suitability has been evaluated and approved in advance, allowing them to be deployed on short notice and in short order.   Pool members can be deployed on any of UNOPS contract modalities: FTA, TA, or I-ICA (International Individual Contractor Agreement). 

Functional Responsibilities

In performing his/her duties, the Senior Portfolio Manager reports directly to the Deputy Director of the PSC but is ultimately responsible to the PSC Director for achieving the targets. The Senior Portfolio Manager is responsible for the operational management of a large and/or complex business portfolio to meet revenue and income targets and the delivery of quality service responsive to client needs. Main duties and responsibilities are:

I. Portfolio Management

• Prepare an annual work and procurement plan for the assigned portfolio.
• Collaborate closely within the team and with project staff and the client to review all operational aspects of the assigned portfolio and service delivery. Integrate work with other team members and internal partners. Take timely and appropriate actions to meet work and procurement plan objectives.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to team members and oversee all PSC programme related procurement processes and actions.

II. Service Delivery and Operational Management

• Assist, when requested, clients in the design of programmes to be implemented working closely where appropriate with internal practice lead and/or sectoral adviser.
• Prepare and finalize documentation and contracts required for service delivery by UNOPS and the portfolio’s management
• Prepare and maintain project budgets and revisions, in consultation with the appropriate parties and ensure timely submission of financial reports to clients.
• Prepare Statements of Work for subcontractors; propose lists of suitable firms or institutions, evaluate proposals received; make recommendations for contract awards; negotiate with successful bidder.
• Prepare contract documents and letters of agreement with institutions and UN agencies; administer contracts and agreements and process amendments, if required.
• Negotiate and draft complex contracts for services. Administer and monitor contracts and agreements. Process amendments and payments
• Approve disbursement of allocated financial resources for the portfolio. Propose and/or take decisions in consultation with clients to reallocate resources as required within the resource planning and results management framework requirements of the clients.
• Actively work with clients on proposed projects, work and procurement plans, their cost implications, identifying milestones to ensure success. Undertake monitoring missions to evaluate progress, identify problems and take appropriate and timely decisions to meet client needs.
• Interact closely with team members and internal partners to ensure consistency in service delivery and operating protocols.
• Maintain consultations, as applicable, with the Resident Coordinators’ Office in countries under his/her responsibility; UN client institutions, field programme managers and staff and partners involved in the delivery of projects and programmes.
• Represent UNOPS in negotiations, meetings and follow-up with donors, governments, clients, including calculating and justifying the cost of UNOPS services.
• Work closely with project staff in the timely preparation of reports, as requested by clients.

III. Business Acquisition and Growth

• Identify potential clients (i.e. governments, country offices and international funding institutions) and business partners to pursue new business opportunities and ensure portfolio growth by delivering quality service to maintain a competitive edge.
• Actively market and promote UNOPS services by building a network of key business partners and clients keeping abreast of market (and social, economic, political) trends in the area. Apply innovation to business development.
• Negotiate cost effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services with prospective clients and partners.

IV. Knowledge management and technical support

• Contribute to UNOPS capacity building in effective service delivery by focusing on learning, coaching and mentoring team members, field staff and internal partners.
• Contribute to development of tools and platform for data and content management and ensure information and knowledge sharing.

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.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s  or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• First-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field with 9 years of relevant experience

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) / Temporary Appointment (TA) / International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA) Contract level: ICS-11: P4 FTA  / P4 TA  / I-ICA 3  Contract duration: Length of contract will depend on contract modality and funding availability.
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/english/whoweneed/contract-types/Pages/United-Nations-staff-contracts.aspx 

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

• This roster announcement will remain open for several weeks and we will review applications and conduct assessments continuously.
• 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.
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the job.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 
• Based on organizational needs at the time of recruitment, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the job.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the job

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.  Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.