Programme Management Advisor (Humanitarian) - Retainer

Home Based - May require travel

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Home Based - May require travel
Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
- Programme Management
- Project and Programme Management
- Documentation and Information Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Nexus Response Mechanism is a programme initiated by the EU aimed at contributing to Myanmar lasting peace and national reconciliation, security, stability and sustainable development without missing humanitarian needs. Its actions are focused on providing support to conflict-affected populations, displaced populations, host communities, and returnees by strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, linking relief with rehabilitation and development.

Myanmar faces both long-standing complex humanitarian emergencies as well as newly emerging humanitarian needs as a result of its ongoing political crisis. In some areas, new political dynamics are exacerbating pre-existing tensions and conflict, leading to further displacement of individuals in conflict areas including southeast Myanmar, northern Shan and Kachin States. Urban displacement and economic insecurity are also creating increased vulnerability and needs in urban centers and across central Myanmar, including areas that have not historically been affected by conflict. Pre-existing humanitarian emergencies remain grave, including those faced by Rakhine, Rohingya, Kachin, Karen, Shan and other groups throughout the country.

The NRM is responding to these needs through local and international implementing partners providing humanitarian, development and peace support. To ensure the technical proficiency of its response and ensure coordination with other actors, the NRM is seeking a Programme Management Advisor that can provide guidance and support for the design, development and implementation of the NRM’s emergency response programing. The Programme Management Advisor will also play a key role in advancing the NRM’s localization agenda, ensuring effective coordination among the NRM’s emergency response projects, and identifying opportunities to incorporate nexus approaches into humanitarian programming.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the NRM Senior Programme Manager (SPM), the Programme Management Advisor will be responsible to advise and support UNOPS Programmes on as needed basis, and may be requested to support specific work packages/individual assignments, detailed through individual task notes. Such assignments may be home-based or require travel to the NRM’s operational sites (conditions permitting).

These can include, but are not limited to, providing guidance to the NRM Secretariat on emergency response programing; desk-based scoping of humanitarian needs across Myanmar; participation in humanitarian coordination meetings on behalf of the NRM; support on the design of concept notes, calls for proposals, and program frameworks; support on the evaluation of proposals; providing updates on humanitarian needs; etc.

The Programme Management Advisor will broadly carry out the following tasks, in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices based on needs expressed by country offices. These may include (but are not limited to):

Conduct scoping reports and provide programming recommendations about emerging humanitarian needs and challenges.
Map response activities by other actors in target areas and identify gaps in thematic/geographic coverage.
Provide guidance and analysis to the NRM Secretariat about long-term humanitarian strategy and orientation.
Coordinate with key stakeholders, including humanitarian donors and other UNOPS-hosted funds
Identify opportunities for integrating NRM humanitarian activities with longer-term development and peacebuilding work
Build relationships with local response partners on behalf of the NRM
Provide support on the development of concept notes and calls for proposals
Provide support on the evaluation of partner-submitted evaluations and monitoring reports
Provide guidance to the NRM Secretariat on the management of humanitarian projects
Participation in humanitarian coordination meetings and other relevant external meetings
As necessary, ensure coordination among NRM partners implementing humanitarian activities and ensure linkages with NRM development and peacebuilding activities.

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

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

Masters’ Degree or PhD in Humanitarian Studies, Human rights, Political Science, International Development, International Relations or a related social science field is required.
Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree.

Experience

At least 7 years of relevant experience in humanitarian response in complex emergencies is required. Additional experience in development and peacebuilding is desirable.
At least 7 years of relevant experience in humanitarian program management, including programme design, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance, and learning is required.
Robust experience working on humanitarian coordination across local, national and international agencies and mechanisms is required.
Practical experience in developing, reviewing and revising humanitarian proposals is an asset.
Experience working with local first responders and on localization issues is an asset.
Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.
Experience working on humanitarian response activities in Myanmar is highly desired.
Solid understanding of the Myanmar context, including political, economic, social and conflict dynamics, is preferred.
Strong writing and public speaking skills is required.
Strong interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment, including communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team setting will be an asset.

Language

Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.
Myanmar language skills will be considered 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.(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: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: IICA 3/ICS11
Contract duration: Retainer not exceeding 100 working days within a year

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

Other considerations

Applicants are requested to:

• Include the names and contact details of three recent, professional referees.

• Note that this is a home-based contract with at least 30% mission travel to Myanmar. Reimbursement of travel and payment of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be paid according to UN rules and regulations

Please note that this is for a desk review assessment and only the most relevant profiles will be reviewed for the further recommendation. No interview will be conducted. By applying, you are expressing your interest in this position.

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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