Senior Programme Manager (Pacific Implementation Coordination)

THMCO

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.

Pacific Cluster

The THMCO Pacific Cluster was established in January 2018 as a separate business unit, having been part of THMCO Thailand in 2017. In line with its 2018-2021 business development strategy, THMCO is expanding operations in the Pacific specifically in Palau and Federated States of Micronesia.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the general guidance and supervision of the MCO Director/Head of Programme, the Senior Programme Manager’s responsibilities include the following:

Programme Development

Contribute to the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussion with partners.

• Collaborate with the Partnerships and Business Development Senior Manager to prepare proposals and partnership engagements.
• In coordination with the MCO Business Development and Partnership team, coordinate donor and partner mapping exercise covering both the development and humanitarian landscape in the Pacific region
• Develop a comprehensive partnership and programme development plan in line with UNOPS Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies, including country context, analysis of the regional and national development and humanitarian landscape, identification of main partners, strategic positioning of UNOPS in the potential operational niches identified, as well as grow a pipeline opportunities for all countries within scope of the Multi-country Office.
• Ensure the plan reflects in-house capacity, typology of projects and the internal tools and knowledge resources.
• Examine risks and opportunities presented by the strategic positioning of the Multi-Country Office and propose appropriate responses to ensure sustainable growth
• Monitor and evaluate humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify areas of collaboration within UNOPS mandate and existing capacity.
• Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities
• Provide advice and feedback to the THMCO Director and Senior Management Team on the development of framework partnership agreements that can increase opportunities at the regional level and on the possibilities for UNOPS strategic positioning vis-à-vis the potential partners.
• Coordinate preparation of substantive briefs on specific partners, UNOPS strategic positioning, and partnership opportunities;
• Establish working relationships with key potential partners and attend relevant meetings in an effort to position UNOPS as a partner of choice;
• Lead, manage and coordinate agreement negotiations, drafting of project proposals, budget and other partnership and programme development communication;
• Coordinate and maintain regular communication with the Corporate Partnership Group (PLG) in UNOPS HQ in Copenhagen;
• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant partnerships and programme personnel at the country, regional and UNOPS HQ level, to ensure aligned and coherent interactions with partners.

Programme Implementation coordination and local liaison

• Work closely with the other project team members located in Thailand to ensure timely and compliant delivery of products.
• Coordinate implementation of ongoing and new projects in the Pacific Region and projects in other countries as assigned.
• Advise the clients on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance)
• Ensure identified engagements go through the required corporate procedures and lead the inception of respective projects.
• Assist in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs, and draft concept notes and project document briefs for discussions with partners.
• Participate in the development, management, and coordination of the Programme strategic initiatives.
• Provide updates to partners and clients for existing projects periodically and as and when required, acting as the in-country liaison for the projects implemented in the Pacific countries.
• Reinforce the principles of capacity building and sustainability across the programme’s work, in all areas.
• Provide advice on Programme initiatives in the development and implementation of a resource mobilisation strategy.
• 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’

Efficient partner relationships and portfolio growth

• Represent UNOPS at meetings and other fora on behalf of the MCO Director
• Meet key donors, UN Agencies, government counterparts and other relevant players to establish partnerships.
• Actively engage with partners to solicit feedback and gauge their satisfaction with UNOPS services;
• Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in collaboration with THMCO Partnerships and Outreach team and PLG, when required.
• On behalf of the THMCO Director, participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings, international conferences, summits, etc;
• Actively engage with internal stakeholders.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management
• Support to the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.
• Contribute to current and future growth plans for THMCO Pacific Countries, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS AR and corporate strategic plans.

Knowledge management, innovation and technical support, including the following responsibilities:

• Advise on the policy-level issues related to partnerships and programme development for UNOPS THMCO Pacific Cluster;
• Assess and keep abreast of the emerging trends in the development and humanitarian spheres in the Pacific sub-region, as related to UNOPS services;
• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learnt as related to partnership and programme development.
• Contribute to UNOPS capacity development as related to partnerships, including promoting learning, coaching and mentoring the team members, field staff on UNOPS policy and practices for effective management of partnerships;
• Participate in and conduct the relevant training for the operations/ projects personnel, and participate in field missions, as required.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

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

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Project Management, Social Sciences, Administration, Humanities, Engineering or related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience; or First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with nine (9) years of relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in project and/or programme management, coordination, development, or administration, strategic planning and management, strategic liaison, donor or partners coordination or related area in combination with an advanced degree is required.
• Within relevant experience, at least three (3) years’ experience working in an international organization is required.
• Within relevant experience at least two (2) years’ experience in a senior management or advisory role is required.
• Experience implementing strategic guidance on behalf of high-level officials is desired.
• Experience in developing countries or post conflict environments is an asset.
• Experience in planning and applying Health & Safety procedures is an asset.
• Experience in risk management for infrastructure implementation projects is an asset.
• Prior experience in the Pacific Region is preferred.
• Prior experience working in UN agencies and/or UNOPS is an asset.

Language

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.