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Global Programme Advisor

Geneva

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

Background Information - Job-specific

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is a partnership involving Governments of around 50 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), over twenty donor countries and institutions, and six partner Agencies: ITC, IMF, UNCTAD, UNDP, WB and WTO, and three other partner agencies: UNIDO, FAO, UNWTO. It has further built partnership and operational collaboration with a series of organizations and institutions dealing with trade and/or LDCs development. The EIF aims at enabling LDCs to build and strengthen their trade capacities, better integrate trade in their national development strategies and use trade as a tool for growth and poverty reduction. EIF Phase 2 was launched in 2016 and has been extended up to end of 2024.  

The EIF is financed through a multilateral Trust Fund managed by the Trust Fund Manager (TFM) who works closely with the EIF Executive Secretariat (Executive Secretariat) and reports to the EIF Board. The TFM acts as a trustee, receives funds from donors, disburses financial resources allocated to projects, provides reporting on all financial aspects of the Trust Fund, and fulfills other functions as requested by the EIF Board.  

UNOPS was selected competitively in April 2008 as the TFM of the EIF (EIF/TFM) to operate the EIF Phase 1 and its assignment was extended from 2016 up to 2024 for the EIF Phase 2, following a second bidding award and the extension of the EIF Phase 2 by the Board in November 2019. UNOPS as the TFM operates with its central operation office in Geneva and three field offices in Bangkok, Dakar and Nairobi. The EIF/TFM is part of the Geneva Office within the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR). UNOPS rules and regulations are applicable to TFM as indicated in UNOPS offer and agreed to by the EIF board. TFM further discharges its fiduciary mandate taking into account EIF board approved policies, rules and regulations.

The TFM Global Programme Advisor (GPA) position based in Geneva is reporting directly to the TFM Executive Officer.  In the framework of TFM mandate and terms of reference, the GPA leads on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of specific EIF tools to facilitate the implementations of its activities. Moreover, the GPA will supervise a specific portfolio out of Geneva and will advise on all country operations and serves as the main focal point for TFM for the coordination with EIF Executive Secretariat, UNOPS IPAS for all types of agreements related to TFM’s work, donors and countries on EIF/TFM tasks and responsibilities as per its TORs.

The position works closely with a range of UNOPS colleagues – first the TFM team in Geneva, including the Finance and Administrative Officer, the Programme Support Officer and reporting to the Executive Officer.  The position also closely works with the Regional Portfolio Managers in the approval and implementation of the projects in their portfolios, as necessary. More specifically the GPA will be involved in complex countries situations and provide solutions to sensitive and difficult situations related to TFM work in the countries. Finally, the position consults UNOPS Geneva Office and relevant UNOPS Offices as needed and cleared with the TFM Executive Officer, for advice and guidance (legal, audit, programme management and other fields) and coordinate TFM responses to UNOPS Geneva and other working partners on programmatic matters.

Under the supervision of the TFM Executive Officer, the external focus of the post is linked to the EIF – close contact with the Executive Secretariat based at WTO, contacts with counterparts in the EIF Partner Agencies for the implementation of projects, contacts with the LDCs for the implementation of projects, and contacts with EIF Donors for the conclusion of contribution agreements, as well as contact with the EIF Board and Steering Committee members, as necessary for the undertaking of TFM activities, as guided by the TFM Executive Officer. The GPA may act as Officer in Charge during the absence of the Executive Officer.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary:

1- Advice and Implementation of TFM Global Activities; 

2-Programme development, management and supervision; 

3- Monitoring and reporting; 

4- Coordination and networking.


Under the supervision of the TFM Executive Officer and in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations procedures and practices as well as EIF policies and procedures, the Global Programme Advisor  is responsible for:


1. Advice and implementation of TFM global activities 

  • Advise TFM Executive Officer on UNOPS and EIF policies and procedures in particular in addressing complex countries situations and sensitive matters in the TFM operations;

  • Lead and Coordinate the EIF program fiduciary tools development and implementation, as requested by Executive Officer, with the support of all TFM team as well as, when required, with relevant UNOPS Geneva colleagues and in line with EIF Compendium and UNOPS rules and regulations.

  • Coordinate with UNOPS IPAS Legal drafting of legal agreements with EIF Main Implementing Entities (MIEs), EIF partner agencies, LDCs and Donors, based on the approved EIF/TFM templates, and as necessary, ensure the development of new templates with the support of the Legal Practice Group. 

  • Manage and monitor the implementation of TFM activities under the EIF global activities including agreements with all EIF constituencies, in close consultation with TFM team and Executive Secretariat 

  • Advise TFM Executive Officer and guide other EIF partners on the development and implementation of EIF institutional matters, including development of new EIF policies and guidelines, taking part in working groups, contributing to drafting new policies and guidelines.

  • Support TFM Geneva Team for the signing and monitoring of contribution arrangements (CAs);

  • Support the Executive Officer for the achievement of TFM targets as per UNOPS yearly targets;

  • Develop and advise on measures to implement EIF Board decisions as applicable to TFM or TFM operations. 

  • Develop and advice on guidance to implement new UNOPS rules or regulations as applicable to TFM;

Coordinate the preparation to the UNOPS project Board quarterly meeting for EIF and ensure that all UNOPS Project Management requirements are up to date for each review (engagements, risks, issues and lessons logs).

Expected results:

  1. TFM involvement in the conclusion of legal agreements to be signed throughout EIF life cycle; 
  2. TFM tools are updated and developed in line with the needs and as requested; 
  3. TFM processes are in compliance with UNOPS and EIF policies and procedures;
  4. TFM financial targets with UNOPS are monitored and reported;
  5. TFM adherence to EIF Board’s decisions are monitored.

2. Programme  management and supervision

  • Oversee the coordination with the Executive Secretariat on the development of the EIF projects pipeline, in cooperation with the RPMs and TFM Geneva based staff. 

  • Assess the main implementing entities (implementation, financial management, procurement, monitoring and supervision capacities) relevant to the portfolio under his/her management and review other portfolios capacity assessment reports when requested by the Executive Officer. 

  • Oversee the preparations for TFM project appraisals through TFM Project Review Committee (PRC) and update the relevant tools for it. Inclusion of approved proposals by the EIF Board to the UNOPS system. Review project proposals submitted by RPMs, as part of the TFM PRC and review recommendations for submission to the Executive Officer. 

  • Oversee specific complex countries and sensitive situations related to EIF/TFM operations and propose an approach for intervention. 

  • Manage and supervise a portfolio of projects, as assigned by the Executive Officer, covering country and regional projects. This will include monitoring, supervision of fiduciary performance, oversight of use of resources, approval of disbursement, ensure adherence to MOU requirements and carried out supervision missions. It will also include advice and building capacities of national main implementing entities (MIEs) on financial management and other fiduciary matters.

  • Develop mechanisms for monitoring the TFM intervention in the EIF global portfolio of pipeline and approved projects, including project initiation, reporting and closings as part of the regular portfolio oversight. 

  • Organize and monitor the progress of the periodic meetings with each RPM involving the Portfolio Associate and TFM Geneva team for portfolio reviews; 

  • Participate in meetings on EIF programmes with the Executive Secretariat to address bottlenecks and move forward with programme policies, projects’ pipeline, approval as well as supervision and monitoring for achieving EIF logframe results. 

  • Coaching and support to new Regional Portfolio Managers on the implementation of EIF policies and guidelines as well as TFM tools. 

  • Oversee and ensure that closing procedures are updated as approved by Executive Officer and are implemented by RPMs at the completion of projects;  

  • Advise Executive Officer on new mechanisms to ensure improved effectiveness and efficiency of TFM work; 

  • Ensure and facilitate knowledge sharing among the TFM team and with the rest of UNOPS; 

  • Participate as EIF/TFM to UNOPS Geneva meetings as requested by Executive Officer;  

Expected results:

  1. TFM contribution to the EIF programme meeting with the Executive Secretariat is prepared and performed with the support of the Executive Officer, including the proper involvement of TFM in the development of EIF project pipelines.
  2. EIF global portfolio is monitored from TFM perspective. TFM review of Capacity Assessment reviewed for own portfolio and other RPMs ones as well as monitoring of TFM closed procedures is performed for all completed projects.
  3. TFM PRCs carried out with updated tools and recommendations ready for review/approval and approved projects by the EIF Board included in the UNOPS system.
  4. TFM approach to complex countries identified and finalized.
  5. Assigned portfolio of projects properly supervised and monitored as well as MIEs enhanced capacity supported.
  6. Portfolio review for each RPM is organized and prepared to learn from previous reviews and recommendations for new ones and new RPMs are coached and supported. 
  7. New mechanisms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of TFM are proposed and knowledge sharing among TFM teams and with the rest of UNOPS is performed.
  8. Reporting on UNOPS Geneva meetings, when needed, is performed.

3. Monitoring and reporting 

  • Lead the preparation of TFM contributions to EIF annual reports, coordinating inputs from TFM colleagues and drafting relevant sections as agreed with the Executive Secretariat. 

  • Manage and monitor the risks related to TFM operations and interventions in line with the TFM risk management framework, the risk log and risk matrix. Ensure adherence of RPMs to implementation of risk mitigations at the EIF Programme and at the portfolio levels. 

  • Coordinate the contributions to EIF TFM annual workplan and budget as well as the other documents required for the EIF Board meetings (twice a year) under the guidance of TFM Executive Officer. 

  • Lead TFM interventions in Monitoring & Evaluation work, in collaboration with Executive Secretariat, and oversight of TFM indicator data for EIF log frame inclusion. Participate in EIF M&E working group meetings.  

  • Lead TFM communications work, as requested by the Executive Officer, including collaboration with the Executive Secretariat on such efforts.  

  • Monitor the TFM annual workplan’s outputs to ensure achievement of its goals and draft the TFM annual performance indicators assessment to be submitted to the Executive Officer for review and clearance before onward submission to EIF Board Chair. 

  • Coordinate the efforts of TFM for the upcoming Phase 2 Evaluation in close cooperation with the TFM team. 

  • Draft relevant reports and briefs as requested by TFM Executive Officer. 

Expected results:

  1. TFM contribution to EIF annual reports is performed on time. 
  2. Monitoring of risk management is performed and reported on quarterly basis.
  3. Preparation of TFM contributions to EIF Board meetings is performed on time for Executive Officer review.
  4. TFM inputs to M&E activities with the Executive Secretariat are performed.
  5. TFM communication efforts are coordinated with the Executive Secretariat.
  6. Monitoring of TFM’s work plan achievement and preparing the annual performance indicators assessment is performed.
  7. Contribution of TFM to upcoming EIF Phase evaluation is performed on time.
  8. Reports/briefs provided as requested by the Executive Officer.

4. Coordination and Networking

  • Undertake coordination initiative with the EIF counterparts, particularly as it relates to portfolio development and planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and communications, as well as the development of new EIF working tools. 

  • Engage actively with the EIF Partner Agency counterparts and cultivate relationships with new implementing partners, where required, specifically the finalization of project proposals, the undertaking of agency project capacity desk reviews, portfolio reviews and reporting. 

  • Coordinate TFM participation in Executive Secretariat/TFM coordination meetings and Executive Secretariat/TFM workshops including those related to pipeline review and progress. 

  • Coordinate TFM contribution and responses to UNOPS Geneva Office and ECR management, PMO and other portfolios as guided by the Executive Officer. 

  • Lead the preparation and organization of the TFM annual meetings taking into account constraints from crisis such as COVID 19. 

Expected results:

  1. Coordination with the EIF constituency is performed as needed.
  2. Relationships with EIF MIEs including agencies are managed to fulfill TFM responsibilities.
  3. TFM participation is organized for all Executive Secretariat/TFM meetings on several subjects.
  4. TFM contribution to UNOPS Geneva requests is performed.
  5. TFM meetings are prepared and organized on an annual basis

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent), international relations, international development, in management or other related field is required.

Experience:

  • Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in international development or with national government’s institutions is required. 

  • Experience in supervision and monitoring & evaluation  preferably within the UN system, is desirable;

  • At least 3 years of experience in programme management, particularly project supervision and fiduciary oversight  within the UN system or a national/international institutions is required;

  • Experience as manager or advisor is desirable;

  • Experience in managing relationships with partners and national governments’ counterparts is required.


Languages:
Proficiency required in English and French.  Working knowledge of any UN language and Portuguese is an asset.

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.
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.  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

  1. Contract type: Fixed Term Staff Contract
  2. Contract level : ICS11/P4
  3. 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

  • 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.

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.
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