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Senior Programme Manager

Bonn

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Bonn
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Programme Management
    • Partnerships
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—each country’s strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnership’s work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. UNOPS support to the NDC Partnership is provided through the Water and Energy Cluster (WEC).

Scope of Responsibilities: 

The Senior Programme Manager/Team Leader provides overall direction and leadership for the implementation of the NDC Partnership activities assigned to UNOPS. S/he oversees the performance and supervises the UNOPS-managed NDC partnership team-SU. In doing so, and as member of the Support Units/s Management Team, s/he closely coordinates with the NDC Partnership’s Global Director to ensure full integration of work results in accordance with the NDC Partnership Work Program. S/he assumes primary responsibilities for strategy and programme development planning as well as programme implementation of all stages of the NDC Partnership programming assigned to UNOPS. This also includes, in close coordination with the NDC Partnership Global Director, representational responsibilities vis-à-vis NDC Partnership’s donors and partners for implementation enhancement of the NDC Partnership and for resource mobilization purposes. The Senior Programme Manager/Team Leader reports directly to the AUMCO Director who provides direction and general supervision.  


Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results:

  1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

  2. Programme development and planning

  3. Manage programme resources

  4. Partnership networking and advocacy 

  5. Knowledge management and innovation


1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring
  • Assume responsibility for overall project oversight through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.

  • Establish and execute the elements of the Support Unit’s yearly Work Plan, assigned to UNOPS for  implementation,  , including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely delivery. 

  • Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the Support Unit’s yearly Work Plan, assigned to UNOPS,  according to UNOPS goals and the NDC Partnership Work Program, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with the relevant Legal Agreements. 

  • Supervise project management governance, policies, processes and methods in compliance with and practiced according to the UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM) and standards. 

  • Ensure that best project management practices are advocated, and overall assurance of the project is provided.

  • Ensure proactive project risk identification and assessment and implementation of adequate mitigation measures.  

  • Mentor and assist Project Officers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated activities, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

  • Oversee and facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

2. Programme development and planning
  • Ensure the financial sustainability of the project and delivery of desired results, compliance with organizational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance and alignment with SU operations and yearly Work Plans, assigned to UNOPS, and the NDC Partnership Work Program.

  • Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the AUMCO Director and to the NDC Partnership’s Global Director, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.      

  • Analyze and keep abreast of political and development trends related to NDC Partnership Members, especially Development Partners, Implementing Agencies, and other Relevant Stakeholders to maintain and develop relationships that aim at the execution of the NDC Partnership’s mandate.      

  • Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

  • Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review, in cooperation with the NDC Partnership Global Director and the SU, and for approval of the AUMCO Director.

  • Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonization of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

  • Ensure the integration of consistent services across country engagements, including knowledge, communications and finance.

  • Act as the Gender Focal Point for the project, assume accountability for the Gender Mainstreaming, including Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan being actioned and timely implemented, as well as ensuring that the office has required gender mainstreaming capacity and knowledge, and that gender is mainstreamed into relevant projects, programs, and processes.

3. Manage programme resources
  • Plan and manage required programme resources (human and financial).

  • Compile, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts.

  • Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models.

  • Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability. 

  • Plan, recruit, manage and develop UNOPS’s managed  NDC Partnership programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse and cross institutional teams.

  • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently. 

  • Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

  • Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys. 

4. Partnership, networking and advocacy
  • Collaborate with  the NDC Partnership Support Unit’s Global Director to build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of the NDC Partnership’s value proposition as well as UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management .

  • In cooperation with the NDC Partnership Support Unit’s Global Director and the SU, advance the development of new  partnership opportunities. 

  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior government officials and other key stakeholders involved in NDC implementation in developing country partners

  • In collaboration with the NDC Partnership Team, build strong working relationships with support providers capable of responding to country requests

  • In coordination with the Outreach and Membership team, work with the Global Director in establishing strategic relationships (including but not limited to UNFCCC, GIZ, Germany, France, EU and future associate members)

  • Work closely with the SU to ensure and facilitate the capture of lessons learnt from programme and project implementation into new opportunities and engagement development, as well as the adequate identification of risks and mitigation measures as outlined in the NDC Partnership’s Work Plan and M&E framework.

  • Contribute to current and future growth plans for the NDC Partnership, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS Strategic Plan.

  •  Guide Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximize communication impact and outreach and build awareness of NDC Partnership.

  • Participate and/or represent the NDC Partnership in international Fora and high-level meetings and ensure that its interests and priorities are fully considered.  

5. Knowledge management and innovation
  • Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results. 

  • Operationalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building

  • Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environments especially related to the Paris Agreement and NDC cycles.

  • Lead the planning, implementation, and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients, and stakeholders within the programme in close coordination with the NDC Partnership Support Unit.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:
A Master’s degree in project management, public administration, social science or other relevant related field that allows cross sectoral thinking is required.

Certification:
  • PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner an asset, but required completion within the first 6 months of onboarding.
  • Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) an asset.
Experience:
  • A minimum of 10 years of proven experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization.  
  • Experience in managing bilateral and multilateral development cooperation programs at HQ level and in country at a country office, embassy or delegation
  • Experience in cooperation and aid effectiveness modalities, especially related to technical and financial assistance instruments involving public, public private and private stakeholders
  • 5 years of experience in the UN system or similar organizations, whereby a climate and development policy focus of the experience is desirable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of bilateral and multilateral development cooperation modalities, especially about financial cooperation instruments involving public, public private and private stakeholders is desired.
  • Strong network of relationships amongst governments and/or providers of technical assistance and climate finance is desired
  • Ability to foster multi-stakeholder initiatives and a proven track record for fundraising responsibilities is desired. 
  • Familiarity with the NDC Partnership’s mission, values, and approach regarding climate issues the NDC Partnership’s mission, values, and approach regarding climate issues is desired
Language Requirements:
Full working knowledge of English is essential, good command in French is desirable. 
Knowledge of other UN languages 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.(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.

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.


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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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