Programme Management Senior Officer , Multiple positions

Functional Responsibilities

Programme Management Senior Officers work under the overall oversight of the LIFT Fund Director and supervision by the LIFT Senior Programme Manager. The Programme Management Senior Officer will work in the LIFT Programme Department reporting directly to the LIFT Senior Programme Manager for their team in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures, and practices. This position will take a leading role in working with projects in a specific geographic regions and liaising with assigned partners and projects working in those contexts.

Programme Management Senior Officer’s responsibilities include the following:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures, and practices, the Programme Officer will be responsible for:

I. Supporting programme design and managing projects funded by LIFT:

• Evaluating proposals, including work plans and budgets, submitted by applicants and ensuring that proposals are in compliance with LIFT policy and priorities and that proposals take into account work undertaken or planned by other donors.
• Reviewing work plans and reports submitted by LIFT implementing partners and ensuring they are sound, in line with contractual obligations, and with LIFT policy and priorities.
• Contributing to the preparation of the Fund Manager’s work plans and reporting through analyzing information from implementing partners (IPs), drafting, and developing visual aids for presentational purposes as deemed necessary;
• Routine monitoring of funded project implementation progress (including regular field visits), activity results and impact, and project budgets. Support IPs by providing recommendations for adjustments to projects that reflect changing circumstances, and learn lessons for wider application.
• Ensuring relevant and timely feedback to/from IPs and beneficiaries that contributes to the wider monitoring and evaluation, and learning function of LIFT. Synthesize lessons and communicate to ensure project learning is translated into improved project design and implementation.
• Preparing briefing material as required for missions and/or discussions on project activities and status.
• Interacting with colleagues, clients, and partners to exchange information on operational activity, ensure optimal cooperation, resolve routine operational issues, identify good practices and increase effectiveness.
• Building effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders at the sub-national level, with a focus on civil society organizations, associated with LIFT projects.
• Maintaining excellent contact and working relationships with all implementation partners and other LIFT stakeholders whether in Yangon or in the field.
• Supporting implementing partners with capacity building and coordination initiatives.
• Ensure LIFT reset strategic priorities (Conflict Sensitivity, Gender, Localization, Risk Management) are taken into account in partner interventions and that partners are supported with FMO available resources.

II. Contribute to effective knowledge management within LIFT.

The main tasks include:

• Supporting LIFT’s M&E team to (a) develop and implement the Fund’s M&E system, (b) ensure adequate feedback to/from LIFT implementing partners and beneficiaries, and (c) advise implementing partners on their own internal M&E systems.
• Identifying and documenting key lessons of LIFT-funded projects. This includes identifying topics for special studies and conducting cost comparisons and value-for-money reviews where possible and relevant.
• Attending, and where required, leading relevant technical meetings and community of practice for partners.
• Contributing to the preparation of the LIFT work plans and reports.
• Undertaking needs and resource assessments and recommending additional actions that may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of LIFT and contribute to growing the livelihoods knowledge base in Myanmar.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of relevant issues in relation to the livelihoods, and promote information sharing among stakeholders.
• Support the senior programme manager in capturing and managing risks in the FMO risk register.

III. Other

• Draft terms of reference for contracted services on behalf of LIFT;
• Assist the Fund Manager with the translation of documents written in the Myanmar language;
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Programme manager and Fund Director.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

A Master’s degree in rural development, economics, social science, development studies, or related fields is required. Additional 2 years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered equivalent.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of experience in project development and implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of humanitarian and development projects in Myanmar is required.

Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of UN, NGOs, and civil society would be a major asset.

Familiarity with operational contexts and conflicts in Myanmar is a major asset.

Knowledge of the political, economic, and social situation of Myanmar Is desirable.

Computer literacy in Microsoft packages (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access) is required. Experience with Google Suite is highly preferred.

Language

Fluency in both written and spoken Myanmar language and English is required.

Knowledge of other languages spoken in Myanmar, other than the Burmese language would be an asset.