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Regional Gender-Responsive Project Management Advisor (Re-advertise)

Bangkok

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Bangkok
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Women's Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

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.


Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director for UNOPS Asia Region (AR), and with the guidance from the Implementation Practices and Standards (IPS) team in UNOPS HQ, the Regional Gender-Responsive Project Management Advisor’s (GRPMA) role is to provide support to the Office of the Regional Director (ORD) for the Asia Region (AR), AR business units and all other AR operations to increase project management (PM) capacity through learning, recommendations, advice and assistance. The GRPMA is expected to strengthen project management practices in the Region, specifically utilizing a gender-sensitive lens in order to ensure all AR projects and programmes are gender mainstreamed with appropriate considerations in support of gender equality, diversity and SDG 5.


Functional Responsibilities

The GRPMA is responsible for supporting and overseeing the delivery of better projects of AR business units through efficient implementation support; improving project management capacities for strategic business development; reinforcing the use of project management standards, tools and training; and providing the appropriate lens to ensure all UNOPS AR projects, programmes and other activities are gender-sensitive with appropriate considerations taken for gender mainstreaming and parity.
The GRPMA will review all proposals submitted by business developers for the Engagement Review process undertaken by Advisors working in the Office of the Regional Director, providing expert comments on any related weaknesses, reputational and/or implementation risks found in the proposals or documents annexed with a specific focus on providing recommendations for ensuring the prospective project or programme is sufficiently gender-sensitive. 

The GRPMA would be expected to provide expert advice on highly complex or risky multidisciplinary project(s) which are expected to deliver against aggressive timelines and often in complex situations. 

The GRPMA is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project life-cycle are being duly complied with.

They must be able to influence and advise Project Managers on project success criteria by undertaking the following actions, among others:

  • Advise on Stakeholder Management: Relationship with the project board, manage communications, and issues that may impact the achievement of project outcomes; maintain engagement with relevant communities and stakeholders to monitor ongoing activities in support of gender-related targets; advise on community and stakeholder engagement to obtain inputs for the development of gender responsive project proposals.
  • Advise on Delivery and Performance in line with the UNOPS PMM (Project Management Methodology): Advise on the development and maintenance of project plans, including the establishment of milestones, embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life-cycle, manage products required, advice for any deviations from the project plan, and identify potential business.
  • Procedures: Advise and guide PMs on following the Project Management Life Cycle Instructions as established by the UNOPS PMM, and ensure that all relevant organizational policies are complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions). 
  • Outreach, Coordination and Knowledge Management: Actively participate in the relevant Communities of Practice, sharing case studies, lessons learned and best practices on the Knowledge Management System; provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy and supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies and lessons learned from projects; prepare reports for internal and external dissemination that document the progress of mainstreaming gender and meeting gender targets across the region; represent UNOPS in UN-related gender working groups and other relevant forums; provide support in reviewing and suggesting content for relevant gender-related communication products.  

●  Provide the gender lens to enable integration of gender-sensitive needs and requirements in the design of UNOPS projects: Lend expertise and guidance on conducting gender-related stakeholder analysis and needs-assessment as per the requirements of the project in question; where necessary, conduct a horizon-scanning of the local and national context to have a baseline to inform the gender-needs of a project; actively advise on the development of action plans and strategies to meet the gender targets of new and ongoing projects
●  Lend gender expertise on the production of technical notes and guidance: Provide advice on incorporating existing technical guidance notes in the context of the Asia Region for gender mainstreaming in projects, programmes, training and capacity-building initiatives and relevant communication products; review the drafting of technical guidance notes with a focus on the gender dimension; lead the development of gender-related content for training and capacity-building activities

●  Advise on the implementation of the UNOPS Gender Parity Strategy/Gender Mainstreaming Strategy: Take a lead in supporting the continuous updating of office Gender Action Plans within the Asia Region, as and when called upon for advice; conduct training sessions in UNOPS Asia Region offices to raise awareness on gender mainstreaming and parity; serve as an advisor to senior management on issues related to gender parity and gender mainstreaming across the region
●  Core Values and Principles: Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles, understand and respect national ownership and capacity, and promote accountability for results and the use of resources.

The GRPMA’s main responsibilities  will also include:

  • Advising the Regional Director and the Office of the Regional Director as well as Implementation Practices and Standards on the further development of PM capacities in the region
  • Provide the PM perspective as a key member of the Regional Management Team
  • Supporting the Regional Director in positioning UNOPS effectively as an authoritative/recognized regional PM partner

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The following are some of the outcomes that will be used to gauge the contribution of the GRPMA’s advisory responsibility to the Asia Region:

  • Regional portfolio with planning, process and controls improved: Projects with up-to-date Project Plans including Gender Action Plans (GAPs); projects with established issue registers; projects with established lessons learned registers; projects completed on time; projects with Blue File (Project Documentation) kept up-to-date.
  • Project governance and controls improved: Projects having an established governance structure in line with UNOPS Gender Parity objectives; projects being managed and reported by stages.
  • Enhanced Regional Client Satisfaction: Project Progress Reports submitted on time; projects issuing regular client/donor satisfaction surveys with questions addressing the gender dimension; communication to partners being distributed according to Project Communication Plan.
  • Enhanced Regional Management Team satisfaction: Projects having up to date resource, procurement and HR plans; Projects Managers having PRINCE2 Practitioner Certificate; Project Managers having completed all mandatory UNOPS Learning Zone courses on gender mainstreaming.
  • Enhanced Regional Risk Management: The GRPMA successfully advises PMs to manage projects with up-to-date risk registers; risk responses are being implemented as planned and being followed up on with appropriate consideration for gender-sensitive needs and requirements in projects.
  • Enhanced Regional Benefit Management: Projects incorporating sustainability aspects and gender-sensitive considerations from the pre-engagement stage and onwards.
  • Enhanced Regional PM Practice: PM capacities enhanced across the region. Gender mainstreaming included as a key component of all projects and programmes.

General

The GRPM Advisor will work closely with and advise the PMs to ensure that the regional portfolio produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits/impacts. The GRPMA is also responsible for monitoring Project Management and gender-sensitive KPIs as defined by IPMG and to contribute to the overall regional business targets and needs.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant discipline with a strong focus on gender and/or intersectionality studies is required.
  • First university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned areas in combination with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.                 

Experience:

  • 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme development and/or management, focusing on monitoring, reporting, development and/or coordination in either public or private sector organizations required in combination with an advanced university degree.
  • At least 3 years of experience in gender mainstreaming as part of a PM role, as a practitioner/specialist or similar capacity required.
  • At least 3 years of experience at a senior management level required.
  • Prior work experience in the Asia Region is an asset.

Language:

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • fluency in another UN language is considered a valuable asset.


Certifications

  • PRINCE2® Foundation is an asset.
  • PRINCE2® Practitioner is desired (the successful candidate will be required to obtain the certification within the first 6 months of onboarding).
  • Certified Senior Project Manager - International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B) or Project Management Professional (PMP - PMI) is desired.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.


For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • 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.
  • 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
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • 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.

The duty station is a family duty station.

This vacancy is now closed.
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