Regional Manager for Asia

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is the global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership which has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader, with a strong track record in grant-making to support strategic citywide planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.

Resource mobilisation and programming for operations in Asia

• Draw on Cities Alliance business development strategy to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities including earmarked funding from Cities Alliance members, donors and open bidding.
• Focus on programmes which are within the geographical scope of priority countries defined by the Secretariat, and also consistent with the thematic areas under the Cities Alliance Strategic Plan 2018–21.
• Use regional resource networks and work with Secretariat staff to prepare bid documents, funding proposals and concept notes.
• Prepare framework documents, in consultation with members and other stakeholders, for the design and roll-out of subsequent phases of existing country programmes and/or new country programmes.

The initiation and set-up of Country Programmes 3.0

• Ensure all in-country partnership agreements are in place with national government and selected cities.
• Lead the recruitment of the Country Programme Manager(s)/team(s) and oversee set up of new country offices.
• Ensure Country Manager(s) receive full induction into both the Cities Alliance and the specifics of Country Programme(s).
• Support and advise Country Manager(s) through the initial set up stages of  Country Programme(s)

Oversight of Country Programmes 3.0 in Asia

• Oversee implementation of Country Programmes in Asia ensuring coherence and consistency within and between them.
• Collaborate closely with the Country Programmes Coordinator and with the Head of Global Programmes (both based in Brussels) to strengthen country programme implementation and the synergies with Cities Alliance normative work.
• Work with the Country Managers to establish effective and efficient coordination, accountability and reporting mechanisms to ensure all programmes and results are on track, being delivered on time, within budget and to high quality standards and in accordance with the Results Framework 2018-21 for country operations.
• Oversee the quality of reporting to donors funding multi-annual programmes.
• Ensure gender equality considerations are integrated into all programming.
• Review progress, assess constraints, ensure early warning of reported risks, and take corrective action.
• Supervise the Country Managers to ensure programme delivery by providing clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently..
• Promote teamwork and collaboration among Country Managers in the region. 

Partnership networking and advocacy for operations in Asia

• Establish effective relationships with Cities Alliance members and partners and establish regional resource networks involving political leadership at national, sub-national and community level and other key stakeholders which also includes the private sector and academia.
• Identify partners that are key to transformative urban development and promote new membership opportunities in the region.
• Represent Cities Alliance at global, regional and national events, and foster inter- and intra-regional experience exchange for shared learning.
• Provide support and guidance to Cities Alliance members with strong presence in the region.

• A Master’s degree in management, urban planning, international development or environmental studies, economics, social sciences or other related disciplines is required.
• PRINCE2 Foundation or a similar project management certification (i.e. PMBOK, PMP, PMI) is desirable.

• A minimum of seven (7) years’ professional programme management and reporting experience is required, including work experience acquired in Asia on sustainable and inclusive urban development.
• Experience in leading and managing staff and complex multi-partner programmes, acquired in the Asia region, which include technical assistance grants and projects is required.
• Experience in the UN system organisations and in developing countries is required.
• Demonstrated experience in business development and resource mobilization is required.

• 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.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.

APPLICANTS SHOULD INCLUDE A COVER MOTIVATION LETTER

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.