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Country Manager

Port Moresby

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Port Moresby
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Background - Thailand Multi-Country Office (THMCO)

The Thailand Multi-Country Office (THMCO), established in 2017, supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises five main business units: THMCO Thailand, THMCO Indonesia,  THMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, THMCO Papua New Guinea and, THMCO China. 


Background - THMCO  Papua New Guinea

The THMCO Pacific Cluster, established in early 2018, was formed to support the implementation of infrastructure design, procurement, construction of infrastructure, training, programme management, and facilitate access to funding sources across 12 Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS), including: Palau; Federated States of Micronesia; Marshall Islands; Nauru; Kiribati; Papua New Guinea; Solomon Islands; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Fiji; Tonga; Western Samoa. 

The interim PNG Project Office was established in August 2020. The Project Office is currently overseeing the implementation of five key projects; two DFAT projects related to access to clean energy; two World Bank projects related to procurement and an EU WASH project in partnership with UNICEF.

The office is located in the same building as the majority of UN Agencies. In addition to the Country Manager, there are three Project Managers and other specialist and support personnel based in the Country. The staffing contingent is expected to grow over the next few months to implement the current projects as well as pipeline engagements that are expected to materialize over the next few months and in 2022. 

Background - Job Specific

To support the planning and implementation of the above project responsibilities UNOPS is hiring a Country Manager for the project Office operates as an integral part of the Multi Country Office management structure. The Country Manager reports to the Multi Country Office Director who provides direction and guidance.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Multi-Country Office Director who is based in Thailand, the Country Manager will provide leadership to the UNOPS Papua New Guinea country team and ensure delivery of responsive and client-focused services as well as the growth of the UNOPS portfolio in PNG. The incumbent will coordinate and oversee the projects implemented in the country, ensuring effective and efficient planning, implementing and monitoring, and effective supervision of the delivery of the projects. The incumbent will liaise with and engage with the heads of the functional units at the MCO head office in Thailand on various matters, including with the Head of Partnerships and  Outreach on engagement development and portfolio growth activities, and will from time to time contribute to the formulation and/or implementation of various country and MCO-level initiatives such country and MCO strategies, plans of actions, etc. The Country Manager will serve as part of the THMCO leadership structure. 
 
Key Results Expected

Summary of key results:
  1. Project Office programme/project management
  2. Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development
  3. Service delivery and quality assurance
  4. Representation and inter-agency partnership
  5. Knowledge management and innovation 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Office programme/project management 
  • Develop proposals and prepare project documents agreements in connection with identified opportunities and in cooperation/collaboration with partners. 
  • Plan and propose to the Multi Country Office Director required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office. 
  • Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office, in collaboration with the partners, set objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services. 
  • Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
  • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team 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.
  • Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
  • Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel (and their eligible dependents) within the respective area of responsibility.  
  • In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development
  • Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them (and the Multi Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results. 
  • Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.
  • Keep the Multi Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development

Service delivery and quality assurance
  • Establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programmes/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
  • Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Multi Country Office, for action and/or intervention.
  • Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Project Office, including submitting financial reports to the Multi Country Office Director

Representation and inter-agency partnership 
  • Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNDAF/One Program, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.
  • Participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.
  • Keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Papua New Guinea through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.

Knowledge management and innovation 
  • Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
  • Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Impact on Results 

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Manager directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served


Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education 

  • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Economics, International Development, Business Administration, Project Management, International Relations or other relevant field is required.  
  • A relevant first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master’s/advanced university degree.

Experience

  • A minimum of ten (10) (years of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development, operations and/or programme management in a large international and/or corporate organization.  
  • Minimum 5 years experience in a leadership position or at a senior managerial level is required.
  • Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable.

Language

  • Full working knowledge of English is essential.
  • Knowledge of another official UNOPS language 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

  • Contract type:  International Individual Contractor (IICA)
  • Contract level: ICS 12, 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.
  • The position is based in a Family Duty Station with R&R (Hardship leave)
  • 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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