UNTIL Programme management Officer

In adapting to the growing complexity of the 21st century, the United Nations need to respond dynamically to ensure it remains instrumental in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and targets for the 2030 agenda. Technological innovation and the role of partnerships across sectors have become increasingly important to accelerate progress in addressing the problems that humanity face.

In close partnership with the Government of Egypt, the UN is establishing and operationalizing the United Nations Technology Innovation Lab (UNTIL) located in Smart Village, Cairo.

The priority focus of the UNTIL Egypt Lab will be establishing partnerships with UN Funds and Programmes as well as Governments, Academia, NGOs and private sector leveraging technology to address SDGs challenges in the areas of education for special-needs students, health, industry and agriculture.

This position is located in the United Nations Technology Innovation Labs (UNTIL) Egypt under the Global Services Division (GSD) of OICT. The UNTIL Programme management Officer reports to the Chief Strategic Solutions/UNTIL programme.

Within delegated authority, the UNTIL Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Oversees the design and implementation of UNTIL Egypt lab’s objective; manages/oversees multiple, concurrent and often disparate tasks for projects that involve cutting-edge innovative applications

• Reviews project plans, schedules, and budgets on the UNTIL programmes. Identifies appropriate human and technical resources to complete the project. Evaluates project risk factors, escalating project issues, and develops solutions to projects issues.

• Conducts activities around setting up the lab and preparing project briefs and other programme documentation around programme initiation.

• Submits regular reports to the Advisory Panel and UNTIL Egypt Lab Board and liaises with panel members on the strategy of the Lab. Takes the lead regarding advice and strategic direction received from the Advisory Panel and UNTIL Country Board.

• Works on the establishment of new partnerships and enhances existing partnerships between UNTIL and other stakeholders to strengthen effectiveness and efficiency of the programme deliverables.

• Oversees activities for the UNTIL Egypt team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs.

• Oversees UNTIL’s communication strategy. Prepares, updates and develops communication material.

• Oversees  the research and analysis on potential private sector or public sector entities which could support the work of UNTIL labs in terms of core expertise and/or funding.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international business administration, engineering, computer science, information systems, innovation management, partnership management, or related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Required

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme management in technology innovation or related area.

Desirable

• A minimum of two years experience in setting up offices away from headquarters in intergovernmental organizations with responsibilities to implement programmes with local and global scope is an advantage.
• A minimum of two years experience in planning, designing and facilitating promotion of innovative technology solutions in the areas of Education, Health, Industry, Agriculture or Capacity development in the area of technology innovations an advantage.
• Experience in running partnership programmes with Member States.

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage. 

• 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.
• 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
• 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.

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.

Background Information – Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.