By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Programme Support Specialist (Internal Candidates only)

Geneva

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology

ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, is seeking a Programme Officer to join its Director in managing the daily operations and first catalytic initiatives of its initial strategic phase. This new role provides a unique opportunity to be a core part of the team that is building and moving forward a unique multi-stakeholder partnership to address one of the most significant and most underinvested issues of our global development agenda – the need for assistive technology (AT). 

Today, over 1 billion people need at least one form of AT, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but over 900 million people (90%) do not have access to the AT they require. The number of people who need AT is expected to grow to more than 2 billion people by 2050..

Access to appropriate AT enables people with loss of function, disabilities, non-communicable diseases, and the aging population to participate in education, work, family, and community life. Lack of access to AT has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without AT, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labour market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate AT causes poorer health outcomes including premature death, deteriorating mental health, and increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications, all of which lead to a higher burden on health systems. Increasing accessibility and affordability of AT unlocks unrealised economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefit for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce. 


Launched at the Global Disability Summit in July 2018, ATscale2, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, was developed in response to the need for a new, catalytic approach to overcoming the significant gap in access to appropriate, high-quality, and affordable AT globally. ATscale is a cross-sector partnership for AT that aims to bring greater resources and strategic focus to this significant global challenge with the goal of reaching 500 million more people with life-changing assistive technology (AT) by 2030, to enable a lifetime of potential. 

The ATscale Secretariat is hosted by UNOPS.

Role of the Programme Support Specialist

The Programme Support Specialist is part of the ATscale Secretariat Operations Team is responsible for ensuring effective provision of support service for the Secretariat across all aspects of operations (Finance, HR, Procurement, Health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE), Information Technology(ICT) and Administration) to ensure achievement of results, whilst driving compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.  This role is particularly focussed on ensuring UNOPS programme management standards and procedures are implemented within the Secretariat.  

The Programme Support Specialist reports to the Chief Executive Officer who provides direction and general supervision. 

He/she works in close collaboration with teams across ATscaleas well as interfacing with the Support Services function of the UNOPS Geneva Office, UNOPS HQ and other key stakeholders for successful service delivery.

Functional Responsibilities

  1. Programme Management Support

  • Support leaders across the ATscale Secretariat to establish measurable long/short term targets and monitor progress to measure performance and provide quality oversight.

  • Monitor the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, ensuring compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

  • Prepare and submit mandated reports on critical issues to the relevant stakeholders, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.

  • Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, programme plans etc).

  • Working with UNOPS Geneva Office and UNOPS headquarters, define and maintain effective operations/support services processes. 

  • Monitor client service and satisfaction with operations/support services processes, liaising with  UNOPS Geneva Office and UNOPS headquarters for required support, as required.

  • Support the Chief Executive Officer to manage the structured transition of any new UNOPS systems into ATscale Secretariat.

  1. Operations and advisory

  • Support the CEO to develop and implement the Secretariat’s workplan and collaborate with colleagues to identify the needs, determine costs and plan all support services, including human resources, procurement, finance, travel, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and administrative services.

  • In close consultation and coordination with the CEO, advise on effective use and delivery of resources against the budget. 

  • Advise personnel across the ATscale Secretariaton the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate operational rules, procedures and guidelines.

  • Provide advisory support to personnel across the ATscale Secretariat on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), templates and guidelines, and support documents from project formulation, project approval and project closure with a focus on budget/finance related matters, costing, etc.

  • Assist the CEO to establish rosters/manage contacts for technical advisory personnel that are available on an on-call basis to provide the required external support.

  • Prepare and issue Terms of Reference or Statements of Works for agreements and subcontractors, including identifying suitable firms or institutions; evaluating proposals received; making recommendations for contract awards, and negotiating with successful bidder(s).

  • Prepare contract documents and Letters of Agreement with institutions and UN agencies, including administering contracts and agreements and processing amendments.

  • Negotiate and draft complex contracts for services; administer and monitor contracts and agreements; process amendments and payments

  • Assist the CEO to monitor use of Delegations of Authority (DOA).

  1. Reporting

  • Prepare and maintain project budgets and revisions, in consultation with the appropriate parties and ensure timely submission of financial reports.

  • Monitor agreements, budgets and expenditure and prepare any periodic process and budget/financial reports required.  

  • Prepare and finalise documentation and contracts required for service delivery by UNOPS and the ATscale Secretariat.

  • Interact closely with the wider ATscale Secretariatand UNOPS to ensure consistency in service delivery and operating protocols.

  • Develop and maintain a repository of programme documents, progress technical and financial reports, audit reports, assessment reports, terminal reports, etc.  

  1. Quality assurance

  • Work with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with audit requirements.

  • Coordinate quality reviews of programme management documents and deliverables.

  • Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.).

  1. Innovation and knowledge management

  • Strengthen and mainstream processes and procedures in providing support services through the development/provision of manuals and work flow processes and procedures, placing at the disposal existing UNOPS guidelines and tools/ SOPs and projects’ best practices and training materials.

  • Assess and identify training and learning needs, develop training schedules and organise workshops, meetings, on-the-job training, etc. to strengthen the capacity of personnel and thereby ensure smooth implementation of the workplan and effective reporting. 

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. 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

a. Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as finance, business, public administration or other relevant related field is required.

A Bachelor's degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree.

b. Experience
  • A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in managing or working in development projects, with significant international experience in project management, service delivery and establishing relationships among international organisations. 

  • Proven track record managing staff and operational systems and dealing with UNOPS regulations, rules and policies in the areas of contracting, procurement and human resources is required.

  • Previous experience managing UN/UNOPS programmes and command of oneUNOPS or similar ERP system is a strong asset.

c. Language

Full working knowledge of English is essential.

Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, particularly French, is an asset.



Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement Level 2
Contract duration: 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 


  This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.

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
  • 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.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: