Programme Manager

Background Information – Myanmar

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Myanmar is one of UNOPS leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS Myanmar is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Myanmar and Cambodia, and for the Global Fund’s Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. Additionally, UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

** Background Information – Job-specific

The European Union Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) is an EU-funded programme designed to operationalize what has largely been a theoretical concept through the funding and implementation of innovative, tailor-made, flexible, and rights-based activities along the humanitarian-development- peace (H-D-P) spectrum in Myanmar. The NRM’s overall objective is to contribute to lasting peace and national reconciliation, security, stability and sustainable development in Myanmar by reducing vulnerabilities and building the resilience of communities affected by conflict or natural disasters.

NRM’s interventions are designed to pilot new ways of working and are aimed at contributing to systemic change. Both its short-term and long-term interventions incorporate rights objectives and pathways for advocacy and policy dialogue, ensuring that programming is accompanied by substantive efforts to address rights and structural challenges in Myanmar. To ensure its projects are holistically designed, the NRM utilizes a three-pillared approach focused on the integration of H-D-P sectors and the incorporation of a rights-based approach, the transformation of power dynamics and imbalances through greater localization and inclusion, and accountability to both donors and communities through adaptive project design and a robust learning agenda.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Programme Manager’s (PM) role is to support the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) by overseeing the day-to-day administration and implementation of the NRM’s area-based and thematic projects and programmes. The PM will play a critical role in all stages of the cycle of the NRM’s programmes and projects. This responsibility requires a thorough grounding in the key principles that underpin the NRM’s approach, including an understanding of power, gender and conflict analysis, agreement with the NRM’s localization agenda, and experience with developing participatory approaches and downward accountability. This principled foundation must be accompanied by sharp programme management skills, an eye for detail and planning, and solid experience in managing contractual and programmatic processes, including budgeting, activity planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), and relationship management.

The PM will report to, and work closely with, the SPM. She/he will directly manage three team members: the Programme Management Specialist, who will support the PM on programme management, the MEAL Specialist, who will carry out day-to-day functions on MEAL, and a Programme Management Officer – Nexus, who will support thematic programming. In addition, the PM will work closely with the UNOPS Programme Management Office’s Grants team. The PM will also work closely with the NRM Conflict Analysis and Research Facility and may be required to manage short-term consultants and interns providing services to the NRM.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager and in accordance w…

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in law/human rights, social science, international development, business administration, gender analysis, public administration, international relations or related areas is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree with Additional 2 years of relevant work experience to the above duties and responsibilities may be accepted in lieu of Master Degree.

• PM Certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset.
  Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively relevant working experience is required and out of this at least 3 years in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian response or humanitarian-development- peace nexus or related areas is required.

• Solid experience managing programmes at a programmatic level with financial oversight is required.

• Significant experience in designing, implementing and maintaining innovative MEAL systems is required.

• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, Non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.

• A background in power and/or gender analysis, conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity and do no harm, and localization is a strong asset.

• Working experience in and knowledge of Myanmar’s conflict affected areas will be a strong asset.

• Knowledge of aid architecture is essential with previous experience working in Grants Management is desirable.

• Solid experience of managing, or having worked in a senior position with large national or international NGOs, especially at field level, is an asset. Language

• Fluency in English is required.

• Knowledge of an additional UN language is desirable.

• Knowledge of Myanmar language is desirable.

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: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA 2/ICS10
Contract duration: 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

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.

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.