Programme Advisor

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. 

The UNOPS Regional Office for the Middle East oversees UNOPS activities in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Turkey.  In those counrties, UNOPS implements projects on behalf and in support of national governments, UN agencies and bilateral donors in a its three mandate areas of  infrastructure, procurement, project management. UNOPS delivers its project in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner, in line with the highest project management standards.

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

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Provide comprehensive analysis on the current situation in Iraq, including political and socio-economic developments;
• Keep abreast of the relevant developments in Iraq, including information on the key actors, events and stakeholders;
• Provide support to the Head of Programme,  and the Partnerships Advisor in understanding of the operational context in Iraq and in identifying opportunities for UNOPS support to the stakeholders in Iraq;
• Develop a forward-looking strategy for UNOPS activities in Iraq, incorporating a number of alternative sccenarios;
• Work closely with the the Partnership Advisor on project development, including drafting of concept notes, project proposals, and negotiating legal agreements;
• Maintain relationship with key partners and stakeholders, as relevant to the situation in Iraq;
• Engage with relevant UN and non-UN coordination mechanisms and represent UNOPS as needed;
• Produce periodic reports, briefing papers, and talking points for meetings of the senior management as related to Iraq;
• Represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team, Humanitarian Country Team, and the relevant sectoral coordination meetings;
• Review and provide inputs into strategic-level, inter-agency, humanitarian, and national planning processes, as pertaining to UNOPS programming in Iraq;
• Support the Regional Director/ Director Amman Operational Hub on strategic matters relating to UNOPS positioning and/ or programming in Iraq;
• Perform other related duties, as required.

·         Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills (spoken/written), including the ability to listen to and incorporate the views of stakeholders; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (both verbally and in written); ability to tailor language, tone, style and format to match the audience.

·         Teamwork:  Proven ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

·         Client orientation: Ability to identify clients’ needs and suggest appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients.

·         Planning and Organizing: Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; and, ability to identify priority activities and adjust them as required.

·         Required advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international relations or related fields.

·         Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in political and strategic analysis, strategic planning and client/stakeholder management;

·         Experience in and good knowledge of the situation in Iraq and the accompanying challenges;

·         Experience in conducting assessments, planning and implementing development and stabilization projects in Iraq is highly desirable;

·         Experience with bilateral and multilateral partners;

·         Familiarity with the UN and national planning processes is required;

·         Certification in Project Management such as Prince 2 or PMP is highly desirable

·         Computer literate, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.

·         Excellent spoken and written English. Fluency in Arabic is required.

1. Contract type: Local ICA
2. Contract level: LICA 11
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

• 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.