Head of Programme Talent Bench & Global Roster

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location:
Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Programme Management
- Leadership
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

French & Spanish Versions of the vacancy are available as well, please apply to one vacancy only.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Country Offices /Multi Country Offices are responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with a subset of the regional portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

The Head of Programme at this level is expected to manage portfolios that are of low to moderate complexity from a stakeholder management, financial management, risk management, governance and resource management perspectives.

The Head of Programme reports directly to the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director who provides direction and general supervision. The Head of Programme is responsible for programme development planning and preparation and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility. The HoP is a leadership role which contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners.

Talent Benches and Global Rosters are designed to further strengthen UNOPS capacity to identify talent and to enable succession planning for business critical roles. Where a Talent Benches or a Global Roster has been established for a particular role, any future vacancy will be filled from the Talent Benches and the Global Roster, unless there is a need for a specific skill or expertise that members of the Talent Benches and Global Roster do not have.
Persons who apply to be included in the Talent Benches and the Global Roster will undergo a rigorous assessment. This assessment will serve as a pre-qualification exercise, and those who successfully complete the assessment will be members of the Talent Benches or the Global Roster for the coming 3 years, during which they will have the priority of being selected for Head of Programme roles in UNOPS. Also, part of the evaluation for this role is a Virtual assessment and development center, where the candidates will benefit from personal feedback sessions to discuss their performance throughout the process.

Information about the role is set out below.

As these positions are in a number of locations, candidates are expected to be internationally mobile. Candidates with demonstrated field experience are encouraged to apply, and relevant work experience from field based assignments, including hardship duty stations will be an asset. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you would like to know more about this initiative and the assessment process, please register for the upcoming information session by completing the Google Form in the link below and we will make sure to send you further details in due course: https://forms.gle/wJJroZ1bkAqi8TSn6

Also, Please follow this link to understand how Talent Benches and Global Rosters work in UNOPS.

Internal Candidates: https://intra.unops.org/operations/people/professional-development/talent-benches-rosters-and-pools
External Candidates: https://content.unops.org/HR-Documents/HR-jobs/UNOPS_Rosters_flyer.pdf

Functional Responsibilities

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring
Programme development and planning
Manage programme resources
Partnership networking and advocacy
Knowledge management and innovation

1- Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director and through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.
Establish and execute the programme implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely delivery and client-oriented services.
Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with signed Legal Agreements
Supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) and its set up, to ensure that project management governance, policies, processes and methods are complied with and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.
Ensure proactive programme and project risk identification and assessment and implementation of adequate mitigation measures.
Mentor and assist Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.
Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

2- Programme development and planning

Support the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.
Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.
Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director areas for UNOPS engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.
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 and approval of the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director.
Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.
Act as the Gender Focal Point for the Country Office/Multi Country Office, assume accountability for the Gender Mainstreaming in the Country Office/Multi Country Office, 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 propose to the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director, required programme resources (human and financial).
Compile from the Project Managers, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Country Office/Multi Country Office financial goals.
Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.
Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.
Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse 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

Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.
Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.
Work closely with the partnership unit 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.
Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Country Office/Multi Country Office, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS Strategic Plan.
Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of UNOPS goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results.
At the request of the Country Office/Multi Country Office Director participate and/or represent the Country Office / Multi Country Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, 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.
Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A Master’s degree in engineering, project management, public administration, social science or other relevant related field is required.
A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

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 7 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in engineering infrastructure, social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in an international context within either the private or public sector or international organisation.
A minimum of 3 years of experience managing large teams and operational systems, including management of senior professional staff is considered as a distinctive advantage.
Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
Experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders either at the private or public sector is a distinctive advantage.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously or a programme is a distinctive advantage

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English or French or Spanish is essential.
Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Additional Considerations

Only those candidates that are short-listed 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
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. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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