Knowledge Management Specialist (Internal Vacancy)

This is an Internal Vacancy for UNOPS personnel only  


South Asia Multi County Office:

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) oversees the development and implementation of projects in 7 countries in South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO offers expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. All the project offices have local technical experts and strong partnerships with the governments in each country.

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability, and accountability of Projects. 

UNOPS Sri Lanka facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Currently, UNOPS is conducting about $5 million pharmaceutical procurement to strengthen the  Sri Lanka health system and support the people in need

Project Information: In June 2022, UNOPS signed a legal agreement with the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP), an intergovernmental organization in South Asia, to support its implementation of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project that is funded by the World Bank. The PLEASE project encompasses three components: 

• Component 1: Supporting Competitive Block Grant Investments to Reduce Plastic Waste;

• Component 2: Leveraging Public and Private Sector Engagement and Solutions; and

• Component 3: Strengthening Regional Integration Institutions.

UNOPS is expected to provide advisory services and implementation support, which entails project management, grant management, procurement, logistics, infrastructure, institutional capacity building, and communications and public advocacy, to the SACEP Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

The Knowledge Management Specialist will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust knowledge management system, facilitating knowledge sharing, producing high-quality knowledge products that effectively communicate project progress, impact, and lessons learned, and overseeing events management to showcase project impact regionally and globally. This role will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of UNOPS operations under the PLEASE project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Knowledge Management:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive knowledge management strategy for PLEASE, aligned with UNOPS global guidelines and best practices.

  • Establish and maintain a centralized knowledge repository, including project documents, reports, case studies, lessons learned, and best practices.

  • Facilitate knowledge sharing through workshops, webinars, and online platforms, promoting collaboration and learning among project teams.

  • Identify and document key project successes, challenges, and lessons learned for future project planning and implementation.

• Reporting:

  • Collaborate closely with the M&E team to ensure consistent and high-quality reporting on project progress, impact, and achievements.

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of a standardized reporting framework for PLEASE, ensuring consistency and alignment with UNOPS reporting requirements.

  • Work closely with the M&E team in collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data from various sources to prepare comprehensive and timely reports.

  • Contribute to the preparation of high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and partners.

  • Ensure that reports are accurate, clear, concise, and visually appealing, effectively communicating key findings and insights.

• Events Management:

  • Oversee the implementation of PLEASE events, including procurement and logistical arrangements.

  • Coordinate the events organization process for smooth implementation in close discussion with different teams.

  • List public information and communication materials requirements for events, in communication with the public awareness team.

  • Coordinate with country teams to ensure effective organization of project events and communicating project highlights and achievements to relevant stakeholders through events.

  • Develop and maintain an events calendar for PLEASE, ensuring alignment with the overall UNOPS strategy.

• Collaboration and Coordination:

  • Collaborate closely with project country teams, program managers, and other stakeholders to gather information, identify knowledge gaps, and ensure effective knowledge sharing and communication.

  • Proactively communicate with stakeholders on knowledge management initiatives, reporting activities, and communication initiatives.

  • Foster a culture of knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and effective communication within the PLEASE project team and UNOPS.

• Other Responsibilities:

  • Stay abreast of latest developments in knowledge management, reporting, and communication best practices.

• Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) with five years of relevant experience is required.

• A combination of Bachelor’s Degree with an additional 7 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in knowledge management, reporting, communications, or a related field, preferably within the development sector. 

• Experience in leading a team is required.

• Experience in writing and reviewing programme reports is required.

• Experience in working with grantees is required.

• Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable.

• Experience in coordinating information and content development across offices of diverse geographic locations is highly desirable.

• Professional experience in South Asia is desired.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.