Regional Portfolio Manager

Nairobi

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

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS has been selected, through a competitive bidding, as the Trust Fund Manager (TFM) of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) in its second phase 2016-2022, based in Geneva (hereinafter referred to as the “Fund”).

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is a partnership that involves Governments of around 51 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), around twenty four (24) donor countries, and eight (8) Agencies: the International Trade Center (ITC) ,the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) , the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank(WB), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The EIF is financed through a multilateral Trust Fund managed by a Trust Fund Manager. The Trust Fund Manager shall act as a trustee, disburse financial resources
allocated to approved projects, provide reporting on all financial aspects of the Trust Fund, and fulfil its Full Fiduciary Responsibility (FFR) as per its TORs for the Second Phase of EIF as approved by the EIF Board. The Trust Fund Manager works closely with the Executive Secretariat (ES) of the EIF and is responsible to the EIF Board.

To perform its FFR, the TFM will rely on the Regional Portfolio Managers based in Africa (Dakar and Nairobi) and in Asia (Bangkok).

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the TFM Executive Officer (EO) and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the Regional Portfolio Manager is responsible, from the fiduciary/managerial perspective, for assessing the implementing entities, providing and facilitating capacity building, monitoring and supervising the implementation of projects funded by the EIF in the countries assigned to him or her. The responsibilities assigned to the Regional Portfolio Manager include:

 Review and support the conclusion of the agreements with Government institutions of the Least Developed Countries that are within his/her portfolio.

 Review and support the conclusion of cooperation agreements with any of the EIF Partner
Agencies if they intervene in the countries within his/her portfolio.

 Ensure close coordination and cooperation with ES Coordinators relevant to his/her portfolio to ensure the optimum support to the beneficiary countries.

 Carry out the initial assessment of the Main Implementing Entities including the assessment of the implementation capacity, financial management and IT Systems, human resources services, procurement, monitoring and supervision capacities.

 Participate in the appraisal of Tier 1 and Tier 2 project proposals.

 Encourage ownership of projects by the beneficiary countries.

 Advise on capacity building and training with the aim of building on and leveraging local human resources and skills.

 Monitor all aspects of project progress and implementation from fiduciary perspective.

 Undertake supervision, review and other periodic missions (as per the agreed upon plans) to assess the physical and financial progress of the projects as well as the adherence to fiduciary procedures agreed upon in the agreement with the country and reflect observations and recommendations in mission reports in line with the template available within EIF/TFM.

 Review and report on the procurement of goods, services and civil works and recruitment of personnel or consultants undertaken by the project.

 Liaise regularly with implementing partners, relevant government officials, local donor facilitator, relevant partner agencies involved and any other local actor concerned by the EIF funded projects.

 Examine the annual work plans and budgets to ensure that they are in line with the financing agreements and the objectives of the projects.

 Review audit, progress and financial reports to ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with the funding agreements and government’s established regulations.

 Assist the project for setting up the necessary administrative, financial and monitoring structures to ensure a smooth project start-up to effectively implement and wrap-up the activities at project closure.

 Maintain regular contact with the implementing partner(s) of the project to ensure that implementation is in accordance with the budget as well as the applicable rules and procedures.

 Assist the project in addressing implementation constraints in terms of administrative and fiduciary issues.

 Review for approval the application for disbursement of funds submitted by the projects is accompanied by the required documentation and that the provisions of the grant agreements are respected and executed.

 Ensure that the utilization of funds is in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

 Investigate and advise on any concerns encountered in relation to the administration of funds allocated to the project.

 Facilitate knowledge sharing at the regional and sub-regional levels.

 Coordinate and organize training events in line with TFM’s responsibilities at the regional or sub-regional levels and in coordination with EIF Secretariat.

 Prepare mission plans on quarterly basis or as requested by EO.

 Coordinate mission plans with ES Coordinators such mission to promote Joint missions as much as possible.

 Prepare Supervision Mission TORs for review and clearance by the EO.

 Complete mission reports; no later than one month after completion of the supervision mission, for approval by the EO then ensure its uploading in the TFM Hub system.

 Assist, if so requested by the Executive Officer, in the preparation and completion of narrative reporting and Audits related to EIF/TFM.

 Report in a timely manner on any potential conflict of interest, misuse of funds or potential corruption within the projects in his/her portfolio.

 Participate in the establishment and harmonization of assessment, supervision, monitoring, evaluation and reporting documents and methods and make use of these documents once they are in place and approved by EO.

 Ensure a permanent cooperation and coordination with the TFM office in Geneva, and through the TFM Office, with the EIF Executive Secretariat as required.

 Manage the TFM office in the (sub) region including the human, technical and financial resources made available to the concerned office, its effectiveness and timeliness of work.

 Ensure that the Independence and Neutrality of the UN and the regulations, rules and procedures applicable to UNOPS operations are adhered to and implemented.

 Facilitate team work and a smooth circulation of information among all the staff involved in the TFM functions in other sub-regions and in Geneva.

 Other duties as directed or as may be necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the EIF Trust Fund Manager's full fiduciary responsibilities.

Impact of Results:
The work of the RPM will enhance the outputs of the EIF program and specifically improve the result of TFM mandate and the image of UNOPS. His/her work results will contribute to enhance the involvement of high level decisions makers in the planning and orientation of the program at global and field levels, the delivery of TFM full fiduciary responsibilities as well as the improvement of projects technical formulation and fiduciary packaging. This will facilitate the review and approval process of the EIF board. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Projects approved by the EIF board will greatly contribute to strengthen the capacities of LDCs and to reduce poverty by better mainstreaming trade into government priorities and development agenda and contributing to mobilize additional resources for LDCs. The orientation and supervision of the operations will certainly contribute to improve UNOPS management of the EIF project. Effective and continuous development of professional working relationship with government senior officials and partners in the UN agencies, private sector and civil society will improve UNOPS image at LDCs and partners’ level.

Education

Advanced university degree required, preferably in one or more of the following disciplines: international affairs, economics, business administration, social or political sciences, development studies or any other field relevant to international development assistance.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience is required in public sector management and development projects in international cooperation. Significant international exposure to project design, formulation and management and demonstrated managerial performance.
Proven ability to handle a complex, multi-dimensional portfolio, particularly in challenging and complex socio-political environments. Ability to handle politically sensitive issues and experience in dealing with governmental institutions.
Sound knowledge of relevant financial rules, contracting and procurement modalities and procedures, as well as UNOPS policies.
Proven track record in monitoring, evaluation and supervision of projects at country levels.
Experience in managing multi-donor and multi-agency programs. Knowledge of donors and resource mobilization.

Languages

Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Knowledge of languages of the least developed countries in the region, 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

[Instructions: Please delete this paragraph and insert relevant information below:

Contract type: International Professional Staff Fixed Term
Contract level: ICS11/P4
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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.
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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