Programme Management Senior Officer (Energy Transition Partnership), IICA-1, Bangkok, Thailand

East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia – 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2023, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 75 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background Information – ETP

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments and philanthropies to work with partner countries in the region. We support the transition towards modern energy systems that can simultaneously ensure economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Enabling the transition toward greener energy systems will greatly contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement objectives.

ETP focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which are the countries in the region with the highest energy demand, a substantial pipeline for fossil fuel-based projects, and a significant and cost-effective potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides high-level technical advisory support, holistic support to Governments on financing and technical needs, capacity and skill development, and facilitation of dialogues in all related areas. One of the upcoming interventions by the ETP in the Philippines is on carbon pricing instruments and the wider topic of climate finance.

Functional Responsibilities

The Programme Management Senior Officer will be responsible for operations management and coordinating financial management of the multi-donor trust fund and its programs, adhering to fund management and project management methods and strategies, reducing risks and improving success rates.

The Programme Management Senior Officer works under the general guidance and supervision of the Senior Fund Manager, and in collaboration with the Senior Programme Managers and their teams. S/he also works in close collaboration with relevant colleagues in HQ and Regional offices in the support services.

The Programme Management Senior Officer is responsible for:

1. Administration and implementation of operational strategies:

• Coordinate the revision of ETP Operational Manual (OM) to reflect ETP new strategy 2026-2030
• Ensure full compliance with the provisions of UNOPS Operations guidelines, Financial Rules and Regulations (FRRs), Organization Directives, Administrative Instructions, etc.
• Manage Engagement Approval Committee (EAC) submissions and other HQ policy and compliance related requests
• Ensure the required information in UNOPS systems is timely updated, including donor agreements, project budgets, quarterly assurance reporting, purchase orders, requisitions, payments, etc.
• Contribute to the identification of programme risks, participate in the preparation of assurance activities, and support audit activities including implementation of the recommendations
• Support budgetary activities and financial reporting for the planning and management of the programme
• Review and confirm the appropriateness of operational transactions; oversee and manage operational advances ensuring timely reconciliation, replenishment and closure
• Review proposals and implement cost-saving and reduction strategies decided by the management team
• Implement other operational activities as required

2. Procurements and recruitments management

• Prepare and/or review Terms of Reference (ToRs) in coordination with the Programme team
• Ensure effective coordination regarding ETP procurement and recruitment processes through liaising with relevant colleagues in the Support Service Unit or at HQ; monitor compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies
• Coordinate the drafting of contract documents and the administration of contracts and agreements; identify and address risks related to active contracts
• Review and oversee payment requests from implementing partners, consultants, service providers; verify and confirm the validity of charges; maintain up-to-date records and documentation
• Conduct monthly reviews with the Programme team to discuss project progress and solutions to address problems
• Maintain tracking sheets for retainers and contracts, and all necessary documentations and records for audit purposes
• Identify best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to Fund Management team

3. Funder and stakeholder engagement

• Support the coordination with Steering Committee (SC) composed of ETP funders, on matters related to contribution agreements, project approval, technical working group discussion, reporting and information-sharing, etc.
• Monitor adherence to the Joint Cooperation Agreement, funders’ bilateral agreements, and other relevant governance documents
• Support the organization of SC meetings and preparation of documents, official correspondence, decision memos, meeting summaries
• Work with other teams for the performance review, thematic review, mid-term and annual review as relevant for the programme context
• Coordinate with the M&E Specialist to ensure project results (from the deliverables) are captured and periodically updated in the M&E systems and documents
• Contribute the preparation of the annual work plan, annual report, and other ad hoc reports

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business or Public Administration, Climate Change, Environment, International Studies, or related field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in the abovementioned fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree.

Work Experience

Required:

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience preferably in fund management, project implementation, budget preparation, and monitoring or related fields.
• Experience working with international and multi-donor development organizations.
• Knowledge of UN rules and procedures in Procurement, Finance, HR Management, and administrative rules and regulations.
• Experience in providing coordination, logistics, and other operational support to high-level events.

Desirable:

• Experience in liaison with funders.
• Experience in budgetary analysis and/or reporting.
• Ability to compile and present data or information to various audiences.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: InternationalICA
• Contract level: ICS 9 / IICA-1
• 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

Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual contractor Agreement will be issued.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.