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Programme Management Advisor

Bamako

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Bamako
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Programme Management
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (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.  It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients.  The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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.

Background Information - Job-specific

Mali is facing a problem of weapons and explosive hazard contamination as a result of protracted and recent armed conflicts. The presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW), improvised explosive devices (IED) and insecure stockpiles of weapons and ammunition (obsolete, abandoned or neglected), poses a serious threat to civilians as well as to United Nations and humanitarian personnel operating in the country.

UNMAS deployed to Mali in January 2013 to conduct an emergency assessment of the situation with regard to explosive threats. In July 2013, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established under Security Council resolution 2100 and is currently operating under Security Council Resolution 2480 (2019)). In accordance with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS PSC to implement a mine action programme in Mali to:

  • Improve the protection of civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance;
  • Enhance national capacity to mitigate explosive threats and enable compliance with international treaty obligations;
  • Reduce the explosive threat to MINUSMA and United Nations personnel.

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Management Advisor contributes to the development, management, and coordination of the Programme's strategic activities, for leading the implementation of the Programme's Gender & Diversity work plan, and for providing management backstopping support as required. Within this framework, the incumbent will be responsible for:


Strategic management
  • Participate in the development, management, and coordination of the Programme strategic initiatives.
  • Provide strategic support to the Senior Programme Manager and the management team on the programme implementation in conjunction with UN and National strategies.
  • Provide the management team with advice on regional and national dynamics including on the strategies of UN entities and international stakeholders.
  • Communicate and lead the implementation of strategic initiatives with project managers and heads of sections.
  • Provide advice on local and regional political and security trends which might affect the delivery of the activities.
  • Provide advice on the design and production of communications products in support of Programme initiatives.
  • Draft various strategic reports and notes highlighting the contribution of the Programme to the mandate of the mission and to various initiatives of the Secretary General, the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS, and UNOPS PSC.
Quality Assurance
  • Facilitate the application of standard management processes within the Mali programme, including the management of reviews and progress updates, risk and issue management, and long-term planning in line with UNOPS PSC rules and regulations.
  • Conduct internal reviews with staff and stakeholders to discuss programme implementation aimed at identifying strengths and areas for possible improvement.
  • Promote continuous improvements in the way the Programme delivers through the execution of lessons learned exercises, development and implementation of standard operating procedures, facilitation of information exchange with other programmes, and by leading the reflection and review of processes aiming to optimize internal quality management of business processes.
  • On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, oversee progress toward the implementation of strategic, annual, and quarterly plans, and engage in risk mitigation when escalated by project managers.
Integrating crosscutting issues
  • Lead the design and implementation of the gender work plan in line with UN and UNMAS-UNOPS PSC Gender & Diversity strategies.
  • Lead the design, implementation and reporting on Health, Safety, Security & Environment strategies.
  • Provide section heads and project managers with strategic support on project management and efficient business practices.
  • Reinforce the principles of capacity building and sustainability across the programme’s work, in all areas.
  • On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, periodically review the programme’s activities and operations, with focus on value for money and effectiveness.
  • Contribute to the creation and oversight of a strategic communication strategy.
  • Provide advice on Programme initiatives in the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy
Management backstopping
  • Manage stakeholder engagement at the request of the Senior Programme Manager.
  • Act, if required, as Officer in Charge of the programme in the absence of the Senior Programme Manager.
  • Other duties as required by the Senior Programme Manager.
     * CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a.  Education

  • Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; or
  • First level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience 

b.  Work Experience

Relevant work experience is defined as progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, strategic planning, or related area.

  • Within relevant experience at least five years’ experience working in an international organization is required;
  • Within relevant experience at least two years’ experience in a senior management or advisory role is required;
  • Experience in the promotion of gender parity and mainstreaming in a large organization is desired;
  • Experience implementing strategic guidance on behalf of high-level officials is desired.
  • Experience in Mine Action is desired.

c.  Language

  • English and French are the working languages of the Programme in Mali. For this position, fluency in English (Read, Write and Speak) is required and basic level of French is desired.

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term (FTA) Contract level: P4
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
  • 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.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request
  • 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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