Programme Management Advisor (Heritage Programme) – Retainer

Background Information – Job-specific

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. New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) 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.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. 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.

UNOPS is the implementation arm of the Global Center for Climate Mobility (GCCM), which advances the implementation of the Rising Nations Initiative (RNI). The Rising Nations Initiative (RNI) is a Member States-led initiative, guided by a core group of champions, including the Pacific atoll countries. Officially launched on 28 September 2022 Its objective is to press forward efforts towards protecting the statehood of Pacific atoll countries, preserving their sovereignty and safeguarding the rights and heritage of affected populations. In this regard, the RNI aims to mobilize the needed political momentum for prompt action at all levels to highlight the climate emergency facing the Pacific atoll countries and inspire global and local action, including through intergovernmental processes of the United Nations.

The RNI periodically needs the services of a Programme Management Officer. The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will carry out the following activities: Develop a strategy for and manage the work of dedicated consultants and subject matter experts toward supporting Tuvalu’s submission as a UNESCO World Heritage;

1. Manage the political and consultative process to engage with the Tuvalu Government and other key stakeholders to support their compilation of and preparation for submission a Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage;
2. Lead the field and desk research, including traditional literature and documents on Tuvalu, for the purpose of comparative analysis and the Tentative List preparation;
3. Manage the work performed by subject matter experts supporting the preparation of the Tentative List submission, including on matters of culture, heritage, law, and other related issues;
4. Organize workshops and events with relevant stakeholders as necessary to ensure inclusive and participatory approach to the preparation of the Tentative List;
5. Review and support RNI’s external communications on significant developments and milestones reached on the project;
6. Contribute to the GCCM’s engagements on international fora, including UNGA and COP, to present significant developments and outcomes with an aim to raise global awareness and mobilize support and resources;
7. Coordinate with other RNI projects related to safeguarding of culture and heritage of Tuvalu and other Pacific island countries.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in public administration, comparative literature, law or other related discipline is required.
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, comparative literature, culture & heritage preservation, law and or a relevant field is required.

Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

• Familiarity with Tuvalu’s culture and heritage would be an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

Competencies

Strategic Perspective

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)

Integrity and Inclusion

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.

Leading Self and Others

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.

Partnering

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).

Results Orientation

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.

Agility

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.

Solution Focused

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.

Effective Communication

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.