UNOPS
Background Information – Job-specific
THMCO
The Thailand Multi Country Office (THMCO), established in 2017 oversees UNOPS’ portfolio of projects in North East Asia, 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.
SEA MAP
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was invited by the World Bank and the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), to extend its operational management services to serve as the Implementation Support Entity (ISE) to establish and run a Regional Implementation Support Unit (RISU) supporting ASEAN in the ‘Southeast Asia Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics (SEA-MaP)’ program. Through the management of RISU, UNOPS aims to supplement ASEAN’s capacity in reducing plastic consumption, increase recycling and minimize leakage, prevent land and sea based marine plastic pollution in South East Asia, while alleviating poverty, boosting shared prosperity, and decrease marine litter impacting fisheries, tourism, shipping and drainage. UNOPS management services will assist ASEAN in strengthening plastics policies and regulatory frameworks and promote innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution in South East Asia. UNOPS will also effectively complement the World Bank’s strategic investments in assisting countries in the areas of freshwater, coastal, ocean, and marine ecosystems with a focus on marine plastic pollution.
A program management team will be embedded in RISU, to oversee all programme management activities, ensure compliance with World Bank operational policies, and perform project monitoring and reporting, while drawing on subject matter experts on marine plastics from relevant technical institutions.
The RISU primary task is to strengthen the PMU in the implementation of project activities, reporting, compliance with Environmental and Social standards, procurement, financial management, M&E, HR recruitment, communication facilitation and knowledge management. A “Technical Organization” will support the RISU and the PMU. Such services will be procured by UNOPS through competitive processes, in compliance with World Bank rules. RISU Technical Organizations could include: UNEP, UNWTO, WWF, GIZ, Ocean Conservancy, the Ocean Cleanup, IUCN, IWMI, Plastics Oceans International, World Plastics Council etc which all have the needed expertise to advise the PMU, through UNOPS RISU, on a range of issues including: the provision of quality assurance and technical oversight on programmatic marine plastics issues; supporting policy components of SEA MaP; carrying out background research to support informed decision making for the PMU; development of Terms of Reference (ToRs) to identify any additional expertise required for the effective execution of the program; and assist in following up with technical implementing partners in collaboration with the RISU team. The proposed implementation arrangements will work in sync with the SEA-MaP program design, and in alignment with ASECs institutional structure, sectoral bodies and working groups.
UNOPS overall assistance to SEA-MaP is summarized as follows:
- Provision of targeted guidance to the ASEC PMU on best practice sharing in the area of marine plastics, drawing on the RISU Technical Organization, and a network of UN and other technical partners (organizations and individuals) which can be procured by UNOPS, to assist the improvement of regional policies and standards related to Single Use Plastics (SUPs) and plastic recycling.
- Through a combination of effective operational assistance and drawing on the RISU Technical Organization, support the PMU in advancing dialogues with relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Member States, on regional policy harmonization to coordinate marine plastic best practices and knowledge sharing.
- Assist ASEC in the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (2021) and identify capacity gaps with national institutions supporting marine pollution and waste management efforts. This will be undertaken through a combination of technical policy support and operational systems strengthening to effectively inform, disseminate, and advise ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Member States in the implementation of best practices and frameworks.
- Incubate, disseminate and share knowledge, by supporting the PMU in benchmarking against best international practices and relevant examples, to support regional platforms of SEA-MaP
- Support in investment and innovation by leveraging on both the RISU Technical Organization and UNOPS Global Innovation Center network
Scope of assignment:
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project. The Senior Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Steering Committee to manage the project on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage. The main responsibility of the Senior Project Manager is to ensure that the SEA MAP project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. S/he is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.
The RISU Senior Project Manager, will lead all capacity development activities of the SEA MAP project working in collaboration with the ASEC PMU for a duration of 5 years. The individual will work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat Project Implementation team, World Bank and UNOPS personnel.
The Senior Project Manager will also be responsible for establishing Implementation Plans. He/she will have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure that the project outputs are capable of meeting the SEA MAP project objectives for both UNOPS and ASEAN. Success of the SEA MAP and hence of the Senior Project Manager will be based on the defined project Success Criteria.
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Head of Programme, the key functions of the Senior Project Manager, includes the following:
Project Delivery and Performance
- Act as the key focal point for ASEAN in the context of SEA MAP, for the PMU Project Director, and Project Officers;
- Develop, complete and update of the RISU implementation plans
- Implement SEA MAP approved plans within tolerances set by the Project Steering committee.
- Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span
- Ensure alignment of the Project Operations Manual and its implementation with World Bank Environmental And Social Safeguards
- Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
- Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan
- Liaise with any external suppliers, implementing partners or account managers
- Oversight on program deliverables and quality
- Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages
- Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly
- Control project and work packages changes
- Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Steering Committee so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved
- Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS
- Support in monitoring project activities, compliance with various operational policies and procedures including environmental and social standards, procurement, financial management and addressing potential non compliance issues;
- Support the PMU in coordinating and working with other ASEC departments and divisions and various ASEAN bodies, and provide support and advice as required to effectively streamline collaborations, communications and best practice sharing
Capacity building
- Lead the provision of capacity building for ASEAN PMU personnel in the areas of environmental processes and safety, financial management, procurement systems strengthening, and broader management advisory service
- Closely collaborate on capacity building activities with the RISU Technical Organization
- Provide capacity building to PMU personnel in ASEC, in various programmatic areas including project implementation oversight, M&E and reporting
- Support and build capacity of the PMU in communication among stakeholders including as needed the PSC, the World Bank, parallel financing and other partners
Procedures
- Comply with UNOPS organizational policies and specifically with the UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM) across the implementation of all activities
- Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Steering Committee.
- Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement and in the Implementation Plan
- Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes in collaboration with ASEC and technical counterparts. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team.
- Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded
- Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
- Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
- Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project
- Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
- Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
- For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager
- Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations
Monitoring and reporting
- Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
- Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
- Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures and comply with World Bank and ASEC reporting requirements
- Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within a project dashboard system.
- Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects’ life span.
Stakeholder engagement
- Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
- Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders
- Enable the formulation of project communications plans as required by ASEC and World Bank within the scope of the project
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs
Quality assurance
- Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements
- Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers’ quality systems
- Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables
- Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)
Knowledge management and innovation
- Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
- Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices
- Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
- Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.
- Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
Personnel Management
- Lead and motivate the project management team
- Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established
- Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely
- Select, recruit and train a team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
- Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards
- Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
Impact of results:
Senior Project Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.
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) preferably in Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, Political Sciences, Environmental Studies or related subjects
- Bachelor’s degree in these areas with additional two (2) years of relevant experience is considered equivalent.
Experience:
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in programme/project development, research, implementation, coordination, and/or management of development programme/projects, or related field is required.
- Relevant professional experience must include two (2) years of experience at the international level.
- Experience in providing, managing or capacity building initiatives to government or similar counterparts is an asset.
- Experience of managing stakeholder relations while working for an international organization or related experience is required
- Experience and knowledge of ASEAN is desirable
- Experience in working with the World Bank and managing WB Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) is desirable
- Experience in marine plastics related project/programme is a strong asset
- Regional experience in Asia Pacific, particularly in Indonesia would be an asset.
- Prior experience in developing, supporting or managing multi-donor supported projects would be a strong asset.
- Prior related experience in the UN system is highly desirable.
Language:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of any ASEAN language is an asset
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: ICS-11/IICA 3 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
The position is based in a family duty station.
Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) will be issued.
The hiring of the incumbent will be subject to project approval by the donor, expected in the first week of September 2022. The successful incumbent is expected to join by early November 2022.
- 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.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
- 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.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- 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 – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.
Working with us
We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.
Diversity
With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
How to apply
Interested candidate to submit application via https://jobs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=24480