International Project Manager

About UN University

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

About UNU International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH)

UNU-IIGH is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision making by UN agencies, UN programmes, and Member states towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNU-IIGH is hosted in Malaysia, thanks to an endowment by the Malaysian Government. The status of UNU-IIGH in Malaysia is as a resident UN agency. However, its mandate is global, with a focus on global health priorities linked to sustainable development in lower- and middle-income countries.
As a neutral convener, and leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy, and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and capacity building.

Responsibilities

Under its current strategy (2019-2023), UNU-IIGH has prioritised the generation of policy-relevant analyses on gender and health. As part of this work, it is launching a Policy Hub to provide a platform for collaboration, practice-based learning, and co-production of critical analyses and evidence, as well as brokering new partnerships and alliances to extend the sources of evidence and support dissemination and policy translation.

The Project Manager will provide leadership and effective project management, establish networks and oversee high quality monitoring and evaluation system, in line with the implementation of the Policy Hub. The Project Manager will work closely with the Operations and Research team to execute the Policy Hub initiatives.

Financial, Administrative, and Human Resources:

• lead the project team in both substantive and operational issues ensuring optimisation of human and financial resources and nurturing a culture of results with highest performance standards
• undertake day-to-day management of the programme, including effective programme implementation and documents progress towards the achievement of outputs
• manage the programme budget and facilitate budget approvals and revision processes as per UNU-IIGH policies and procedures
• ensure appropriate recording and accounting documentation as required by UNU-IIGH and preparation of required financial reports
• facilitate transparent financial management  of the programme that is able to stand up to audits and evaluation
• prepare work plans, produce timely reports – financial and progress reports – as required by UNU-IIGH and donor reporting systems
• ensure that UNU-IIGH rules and regulations concerning finance, procurement and human resources are adhered to

Programme Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation:

• develop the necessary strategic documents concerning programme planning and implementation, such as policy papers, concept notes, etc.
• oversee the establishment of the monitoring and evaluation plan of the programme and ensure its implementation
• guide the development of the programme’s communication strategy in close collaboration with relevant partners
• ensure that the Terms of Reference for programme consultants/experts hired on a short-term basis are in place and ensure proper delivery of technical services and submission of technical and other reports
• ensure the participation and involvement of relevant stakeholders in programme implementation so that the process is inclusive, participatory, and transparent
• ensure proper coordination of the programme implementation among UN, research and civil society partners
• ensure the timeliness and quality of the outputs as well as timely preparation of reports on achievements and challenges faced within the project
• ensure delivery of resources and results according to planned targets
• ensure compliance with donors’ agreements
• promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organisational sharing and learning.

Required qualifications and experience

Required qualifications and experience include:

• an advanced university degree (masters) in management, business administration, public administration, public health, international development or a related field
• minimum 5 years work experience in project or programme management, or a related area, preferably in an academic institution, research think-tank, international organisation or NGO working in the public health domain experience in institutional grants management in international organisations
• experience in results-based budgeting and writing budget performance reports
• familiarity with major donor rules and regulations including IPSAS compliance highly is desirable
• experienced in working with a large range of stakeholders including donors and partners
• experienced working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment
• excellent analytical and problem solving skills including ability to identify issues with contractual implications, ensuring consistent donor reporting and providing appropriate analyses of activities
• significant level of competency with MS Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• fluency in English is required; knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage
• knowledge of Atlas/Peoplesoft or other ERP system is a plus

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applicants from the Global South and women are particularly encouraged to apply.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a project funded post.

This position carries an annual leave entitlement of 2.5 working days per month (a total of 30 days of paid annual leave), and private health insurance coverage.

Duration of contract

This is employment under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract. This is a project post. The initial appointment will be for a period of one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to funding and satisfactory work performance.

This post is open to applicants from all countries and UNU will aid the successful applicant in securing a work visa for Malaysia, as necessary. However, no relocation allowances apply. The duty station will be Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

Starting date

1 July 2020.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their application materials by email to iighrecruit@unu.edu

Applications must include the following:

• a complete UNU Personal History (P.11) form
• a cover letter detailing how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position and the specific contributions you can make to the UNU; please include the vacancy announcement reference number: 2020/UNU/IIGH/PSA/PM/46

You may also refer to the following websites when you are compiling your application:
https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=CYJA
https://careers.un.org/lbw/media/jobapplication/en-US/index.htm
https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/how-to-prepare-properly-for-a-competency-based-interview-at-the-un/

Vacancy Announcement: UNU-IIGH Project Manager (268.1 KB PDF)

By email: iighrecruit@unu.edu