Programme Manager (Innovation Manager)

Helsinki

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Helsinki
Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Programme Management
- Project and Programme Management
- Innovations for Sustainable Development
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Project Information:

Sustainable Infrastructure Impact Investments “S3I” Innovation brings together a diverse range of innovators, entrepreneurs, programmers and researchers to provide creative ideas and solutions needed to advance the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Innovation Centres with UNOPS support innovation by building local communities and reliable networks to draw on expertise, knowledge and technology.

The Innovation Centres offer a partnership arrangement to private sector organizations that would like to become global members.

This is a position with UNOPS for supporting the Sustainable Infrastructure Impact Investments "S3i", Global Innovation and Technology projects.
The incumbent will act according to the S3I management framework and related annexes, as well as to the UNOPS legislative framework, including where relevant, delegations of authority applicable to the role.

Functional Responsibilities

The Innovation Manager will bring strong leadership experience and skills, have established networks and relationships with the public and private sector, and a track record of working in the area of innovation. Reporting to the Head of S3I Innovation, the Innovation Manager will lead in the following key areas:

Leadership and strategy

Provide strategic leadership, particularly on S3I Innovation commitments and goals in every locality, and support local center Managers.
Lead regular and ongoing strategic reviews of the S3I Innovation portfolio. In particular, work with teams to ensure that they are focused on the updated and crucial objectives.
Support across S3I Innovation teams on strategic issues, find durable solutions when needed.
Work closely with the S3I colleagues to review and adapt S3I innovation systems and processes to support project implementation.

Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners.
Act as Officer-in-Charge when required, e.g. in the absence of the Head of S3I Innovation.

Programmes

Lead and support the coordination and quality implementation of S3I Innovation work plans promoting synergies and learning in the delivery of S3I innovation strategy.
Support increased focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including ensuring all S3I Innovation programmes are consistent with UNOPS gender strategy.
Oversee assessment of proposals submitted by Center Managers.
Review and analyze annual and semi-annual reports as well as regular programme updates, briefing papers.

Ensure effective supervision of the programme unit and represent programmes with other units.

Partnerships

Build and strengthen strategic relations with stakeholders, in particular new potential global and local members.
Conduct competitive analysis incorporating industry consultation, demographic and development trends, to track and screen targeted partnership opportunities for innovation.
Coordinate and collaborate with relevant Partnerships personnel at HQ level, as well as Project Managers and project personnel, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.
Under the overall authority of/as delegated by the Head of S3I Innovation, represent the unit externally to build relationships and trust.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Innovation manager will report to the Head of S3I Innovation, who will monitor his/her performance as per these ToR. Monitoring will look in particular at the following:

Efficient, timely execution and follow-up of tasks as per the scope of responsibilities detailed above;

Proactive and professional interaction with colleagues at UNOPS to exchange information and feedback on requests in an effective and efficient manner;

Demonstration of UNOPS competencies and behaviors at the expected level when interacting with stakeholders and colleagues.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Engineering, Political Science, Communications or International Relations is required.

A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Work Experience

Required

At least five years of experience in international development and/or Project Management. Also candidates are required to demonstrate experience in at least two of the following areas:

Developing and executing partnership and programme development plans;
Project development
Team lead and supervision of at least 10 people.
Proposal writing;
Acquisition of projects;

Desirable:

Establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organizations is an asset.

Prior experience working in international organizations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.
Experience from the Innovation ecosystem is highly desirable either as investor, founder or incubator/accelerator manager.

Language skills

For this position, fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
Other UN languages are 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2)
Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability 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.
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.

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.

The New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

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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