Deputy Global Manager

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership. As the responsible Executing Agency, UNOPS provides services to UNDP for administrative, financial and legal aspects of grant-making and country operations. 

Through the SGP modality, the GEF provides support to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in developing countries for efforts to address global environmental challenges, including issues on biodiversity conservation, climate change, international waters, land degradation, and chemicals and wastes management. 

Established in 1992, SGP is present in 125 countries, with over total 20000 projects.  Over the years, SGP has developed extensive partnerships at global, national and local levels to reverse global environmental degradation and address sustainable development issues. Refer to http://sgp.undp.org for further background information.

Under the supervision of the SGP Global Manager, the Deputy Global Manager (DGM) will be responsible for the timely and effective implementation of the SGP programme, including liaison with UNOPS. The DGM will manage the SGP Central Programme Management Team (CPMT), which will include a team of Programme Advisors, M&E/Results-Based Management Specialist, and Communication and Knowledge Specialist to ensure timely and effective delivery of the Country Programmes. The DGM will be responsible for oversight of the programme executing agency, which is currently UNOPS. The DGM will also assist the Global Manager on strategic and other related matters as required. The DGM will act as SGP Officer-in-Charge during the absence of the Global Manager.  The key tasks of the DGM is outlined below:

Summary of functions:

1. Leadership on SGP Programme Implementation (40%)
2. Financial, Human Resources, and Procurement Management with Executing Agency (25%)
3. Strategic Policy Development and Dialogue (20%)
4. Partnerships, Advocacy and Resource Mobilization (15%)

Leadership in Implementing the SGP Programmes (40%)

• Develop and oversee management systems, in coordination with the CPMT and UNOPS teams, and monitor the overall effectiveness of SGP country programme implementation.
• Facilitate the development of work plan and budget of the SGP Operational Phase, followed by a joint annual work plan development and delivery projection with UNOPS.
• Oversee the work of the CPMT Programme Advisors in the provision of guidance to the SGP Country Programmes, including on operational and administrative issues.
• Facilitate and provide advice to resolve implementation issue of the SGP Country Programmes with the CPMT Regional Focal Points, including liaising with the UNDP Country Offices, NCs, SRCs, National Steering Committees (NSCs), National Focal Groups (NFGs) and other relevant partners as needed.        
• Coordinate with the Programme Coordinator of the SGP Upgraded Countries to enable coherent implementation of the SGP Operational Guideline and other relevant guidance/policy papers.
• Oversee the cross-cutting work of CPMT’s Communication and Knowledge Specialist as well as Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in the provision of developing and implementing robust and cutting edge communication strategy, knowledge management, and results based management systems.  
• Coordinate with other units of UNDP, GEF Secretariat, and partner institutions for effective implementation of the SGP
• Create opportunities for CPMT staff to synthesize knowledge and learning across SGP to strategically improve results and enable broader adaptation (e.g. replication, upscaling, and mainstreaming);
• Facilitate the organization of SGP global and regional meetings, and participate in relevant international events and/or critical programme related missions, as and when required.

Human resource related tasks:

• Oversee SGP staff contractual status and ensure timely extension and hiring of staff with UNOPS.  Facilitate resolutions to any human resource management issues.  
• Coordinate the Performance and Results Assessment (PRA) process for CPMT staff, National Coordinators (NCs), Sub-Regional Coordinators (SRCs), and Programme Assistants/Associates (PAs); 
• Take the lead in efforts to improve staff welfare and professional career development, including periodic review of contractual modalities, and development and implementation of training plans;
• Develop and implement plans and incentives to improve the SGP programme’s social and physical working environments,

Key Results:  SGP country operations are implemented efficiently as part of coherent global programme. CPMT staff and National/Sub-Regional Coordinators are motivated and performing effectively to achieve global portfolio level results and outcomes. 

Strategic Policy Development and Dialogue (20%)

• Serve as alternate to the Global Manager in liaising with the GEF Secretariat and GEF Council on strategic policy development, implementation and funding replenishments;
• Prepare reports for GEF Council and serve as alternate to the Global Manager in representing the programme at GEF Council Meetings, GEF NGO Consultations and other relevant international engagements;
• Organize consultations with GEF Implementing Agencies, UNDP, multilateral and other donor partners, for upstream mainstreaming and synergies;

• Serve as a thinking partner with the Global Manager to identify emerging issues and opportunities.

Key Results:  The SGP is widely recognized for its ability to deliver global environmental benefits through community-based action, contribute to poverty reduction, and lead to the empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Financial, Human Resource, and Procurement Management with Executing Agency Partner (25%)

• Serve as the primary contact between the CPMT and UNOPS for SGP financial, administrative, human resources and legal matters, including audit arrangements;
• Lead development and update of effective systems and regular communication with UNOPS and UNDP on financial and human resource management, and other operational issues;
• Assess strategic and medium-term financial and human resource, and other resource requirements of CPMT and Country Programmes with a view to optimizing resource management and cost-efficiency;
• Develop/update guideline and review appropriate annual Country Operating Budgets (COBs) for SGP Country Programme, in close coordination with CPMT and UNOPS teams;
• Monitor timely financial reporting of UNOPS, including allocation, commitment, and disbursement of donor funds at the global and country levels.  Prepare updates for the SGP Global Manager and CPMT Team for strategic planning and decision-making purposes;
• Oversee work of Financial Associate in providing necessary information to UNDP on financial status of the programme, and facilitate budget revision, extension, and other financial issues
• Advise and provide support to the Global Manager in periodically reviewing the SGP Operational Guidelines and UNOPS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders (e.g. CPMT, UNOPS, and UNDP Country Office) and update them as required;

• Monitor and facilitate Country Programme Audits with UNOPS, and facilitate resolution to any audit management issues.

Key Results:  SGP widely recognized for its ability to minimize bureaucracy, maintain flexibility and innovation to cater for country driven solutions, and efficiently deliver results as a “fast and friendly” operating system at the national, regional and global levels.

Partnerships, Advocacy and Resource Mobilization (15%)

• Provide support to the SGP Global Manager on resource mobilization in relation to GEF targets, including establishing contacts with and cultivating relationships with multilateral and bilateral donors, foundations, private sector and other partners at the global and/or regional levels;
• Create opportunities for partners and donors to interact with SGP programme staff, incubate and nurture these relationships;
• Develop new partnerships and joint efforts with other agencies and institutions, together with the Global Manager and CPMT Programme Advisors;
• Provide guidance and support to NCs and SRCs for improving their ability to mobilize resources and raise co-financing, as well as for country programme scaling up and institutional sustainability.

Leadership & Management:

• Strong technical, managerial, operational and decision-making skills;

• Proven ability to provide direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals in a complex multi-cultural team and institutional environment;

• Proven ability to plan and organize work and make timely decisions;

• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to persuade and influence others to reach agreement on complex issues;
• Independent judgment and discretion in arriving at complex and delicate decisions.

Integrity:

• Demonstrated integrity, ability to stand by the decisions that are in the Organization’s interest and resist undue pressure in decision-making;

• Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues;

• Recognized and highly respected by peers, clients and staff.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Strong management skills and experiences, including financial, human resource, and procurement management. 
• Ability to guide the formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of multi-sectoral development programmes and projects;

• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
• Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.

Communication:

• Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written;
• Ability to defend and explain difficult and complex issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of legislative and oversight bodies;
• Excellent presentation skills.

Client Orientation:

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;

• Ability to identify needs and propose appropriate solutions as well as establish and maintain effective relationships with outside collaborators and other contacts, including representatives of Member States and the public;

• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines.

Human Resources Management:

• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor the work of others;
• Ability to create an enabling work environment and consider work/life issues.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the relevant technical field and to develop own skills;

• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.

• Master’s degree in environmental or social science, development studies, public administration, business management, or closely related fields.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in multi-country project/programme management, operation and resource mobilization;
• Experience within the UN system and familiarity with UN financial and administrative rules and regulations;
• Familiarity with the operations and programmes of the Global Environmental Facility and its Implementing Agencies an asset;
• Understanding of strategic issues and emerging trends related to environment and sustainable development;
• Demonstrated skills and experiences on complex financial and human resources management, including a strong working knowledge of issues related to accountability and transparency.
• Demonstrated ability building functional links with governmental agencies, as well as civil society partners in developing countries;
• Experience in working with community-based projects, NGOs, and on-the-ground environmental action;
• Demonstrated skills in mobilizing resources by identifying and cultivating prospective donors;
• Computer proficiency, including familiarity with electronic financial management systems and in financial scenario analysis;
• Ability to operate both as a leader and team player;
• Creative and flexible problem-solving approach;
• Ability to travel to all regions

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish highly desirable. Knowledge of other official UN languages an asset.

Small Grants Cluster

UNOPS executes the UNDP-implemented Small Grants Programme though the Small Grants Cluster. Funded by the Global Environment Facility, the Small Grants Programme efficiently channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with climate change; conserve biodiversity; protect international waters; reduce the impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants; and prevent land degradation. Helping communities with their initiatives for sustainable livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits is the core inspiration of the Small Grants Programme.

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

 ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

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. 

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

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.