Senior Programme Manager

Background information – UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, Governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background information – Job-specific

The Thailand Multi Country Office (THMCO), established in 2017, supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises five main business units: THMCO Thailand, THMCO Indonesia, THMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, THMCO Papua New Guinea and, THMCO China.

THMCO is hiring for the position of Senior Programme Manager under its Indonesia office. Reporting to the Head of Programme, who provides general guidance and supervision, the incumbent is responsible for programme development planning and preparation, and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility under assigned programme/portfolio. The incumbent manages some projects (playing the role of Project Manager) and coordinates project implementation, including supervising Project Managers for assigned projects.

As the most senior UNOPS manager in Indonesia, the incumbent will be designated to participate in UNCT meetings on behalf of the MCO Director keeping the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities in the Country.

Functional Responsibilities

• Programme implementation and oversight

• Management of the assigned portfolio of projects

• Portfolio development and planning

• People management

• Partnership and networking

• Service delivery and quality assurance

• Knowledge management and innovation

Programme implementation and oversight

• Establish and execute the programme implementation plans for the programme in collaboration with partners, set objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.

• Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.

• Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Country and Fund Manager and through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.

• Mentor and assist Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

• Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

• Develop and implement the programme governance framework.

Management of the assigned portfolio of projects

• Manage and supervise the projects team to ensure effective implementation and achievement of expected results and goals.

• Ensure effective planning, budgeting and implementation of the assigned portfolio of projects.

• Create and nurture relations with donors, implementing partners and clients.

• Support resource mobilisation for expansion and extension of current projects.

Portfolio development and planning

• Support the Head of Programme to ensure the financial sustainability of the country programme and delivery of desired results, ensuring compliance with organizational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

• Coordinate closely with partnerships and business development team to ensure portfolio growth and diversity in Indonesia.

• Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the Head of Programme and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.

• Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the Head of Programme and Partnership and business development team for UNOPS engagement and support based on country priorities, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.

• Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the Multi-Country Office Director.

• Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

• Plan and propose to the HoP required office and programme resources for the assigned portfolio.

• Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.

• Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

People management

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams in term of gender and geography.

• Supervise Project Managers and support personnel for assigned projects

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Partnership and networking

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.

• Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.

• Collaborate with the Partnerships and Business Development Officer to prepare proposals and partnership engagements.

• Contribute to current and future growth plans for THMCO, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS AR and corporate strategic plans.

• Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNDAF/One Program, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.

Service delivery and quality assurance

• Establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for direct operational support for delivery of the programme, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.

• Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Head of Programme for action and/or intervention.

• Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the programme, including submitting financial reports to the Project board and to the Head of Programme.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

• Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Project Management, Social Sciences, Administration, Economics or other related field is required.

• A relevant first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• PRINCE2 Foundation certification is required.

• PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is desired.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in leading/coordinating project implementation in a large international and/or corporate organisation in combination with a relevant advanced degree is required..

• At least two (2) years of experience at an international level is required.

• Experience in project management is required.

• Experience managing people as a direct supervisor is required.

• Experience as a programme manager is a distinctive advantage.

• Experience working in South East Asia is a distinct advantage.

• Some experience in the UN system organisations is desirable.

• Experience managing an office is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: ICS-11/ IICA-3
Contract duration: Open-ended

The position is based in a family duty station.