Portfolio Specialist

Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. It does this by providing sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.  

Background Information – Global Portfolios Office (GPO)

UNOPS GPO is a specialized unit that provides strategic oversight, operational guidance, and portfolio management for UNOPS' global projects. GPO works across the globe and comprises: 

• The New York Portfolios Office, including the Sustainable Development cluster and the Peace and Security cluster;

• The Geneva Office, including hosted engagements, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) team based in Vienna, and other global programmes.

By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and networks of our Geneva and New York offices, and of the WEC team, GPO amplifies UNOPS impact in support of its strategic priorities and SDGs on a global scale. 

The Role

The Portfolio and Management Specialist serves as a critical position in support of the GPO RMOA, aligning organizational objectives with operational excellence and oversight. This role supports the RMOA in ensuring that compliance to UNOPS policies and processes. The incumbent will act as a member of the regional office who helps coordination and communication with GPO Offices/Portfolios.

1. Regional Delivery and Performance
2. Monitoring and reporting
3. Financial Oversight and Monitoring
4. Quality Assurance

• Support the Business Planning process in meeting GPO delivery and engagement addition targets.

• Collaborate with GPO teams to monitor GPO performance in various areas ( Procurement, Project Management etc.)

• Support the analysis of GPO risks and actions to be taken in various Engagements and Projects.

• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned leading to an improved Internal Control environment.

• Support in development of various reports, presentations and analysis.

• Develop innovative solutions and dashboards to optimize oversight and reduce manual work of GPO portfolios.

• Exercise periodic monitoring of GPO Management Budgets

• Prepare reports, budget analysis and revisions of GPO RO managed budgets

• Identify issues related to data quality and liaise with related parties in GPO to ensure timely and necessary corrections.

• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned.

• Coordinate quality reviews of various documents (Agreement, Request for awards etc.) submitted to the GPO RO for approval are in line with UNOPS Policy and Procedures

• Review and monitor GPO Engagements and Projects as requested to manage high risks and high stakes.  

• Track Engagements and Projects classified as High stake to ensure timely follow up and escalation

• Provide oversight on audit recommendations and support quality control of audit responses. 

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail to effectively convey messages to both internal and external audiences.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while managing day-to-day operations and communications.
• Crisis Management: Calm under pressure, with the ability to manage complex situations and communicate clearly.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

• An advanced University Degree preferably in Business Administration, Finance, Project Management or a related field with five (5) of relevant experience is required; OR
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration, Finance and  Project Management, or a related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable. 

• Relevant required experience is defined as experience in  finance, risk management, internal controls, project management, operations etc.  
• Knowledge of Google Suite applications and working with Big query is required.

• Prior experience working in international organizations, particularly within the UN system, is an advantage.
• Prior experience in preparation of reports, dashboards and tools related to financial data and risk analysis is an asset.
• Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset.

• Certification in Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) is an asset.

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN languages is an asset.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) 
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2 / ICSC10)
Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance). * The initial contract duration for this position is set for a duration of one year. Any need for services beyond this initial period will be communicated to the incumbent accordingly. 

• 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 

• 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.