Programme Management Advisor (Internal Candidates Only)

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

UNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called  SACEP (South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the World Bank-funded PLEASE Project in South Asia. In accordance with the Agreement, UNOPS should provide implementation support and advice to SACEP in implementing the Plastic free Rivers & Seas for South Asia Project (PLEASE). UNOPS is expected to assist the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in implementing the RBGs (Regional Competitive Block Grants) under Component 1, Component 2 and Component 3 of the PLEASE Project.

1. Project implementation planning 

• From the standpoint of being accountable and responsible provide input to the -SACEP on programme and project design documents such as: 

  • Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.) 

  • Programme Workplan and Budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.)

  • Resource mobilization Strategy (e.g. monitor trends humanitarian and development needs to identify potential areas of intervention within UN mandates and existing capacity; 

  • Project proposals to donors

• Support the PLEASE Project in applications of policies, practices and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms, where relevant, in collaboration with the donor and other stakeholder.

• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include: 

  • UNOPS Project Agreements

  • Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees)

  • Human resources plans.

2. Project implementation delivery 

• In accordance with project agreements with the World Bank, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.

• Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Senior Programme Manager (SPM), for action and/or intervention.

• Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

  • Financial and procurement rules

  • Contract and grant management policies

  • Project management standards

  • Health, safety, social and environmental standards

  • Gender parity and mainstreaming policies

  • Information management systems and standards

  • Organizational design standards and human resources policies

• Depending on the circumstance, either in support of SACEP or as part of UNOPS obligations, draft high quality reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents.

• Advise the SPM on financial decisions to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the project.

3. Project Unit leadership and management 

• Build and strengthen strategic partnership with SACEP  through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements. 

• Keep the SPM informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management. 

• Support the SPM to plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity. 

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently. 

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. 

• Create, foster and role-model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasment, sexual harrassment 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.

• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility. 

• In support of the Senior Programme Manager (SPM), support design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms. 

• Support Senior Programme Manager (SPM) preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials. 

• Act as Senior Programmer Manager OIC upon request from MCO Director or Head of Programme.

4. Stakeholder management

• Support the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) in managing relationships with:National authorities, UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget / programme performance and programmatic / substantive issues.

• Participate in any UN mission / country team meetings to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.

• Support the SPM to keep the UN Mission leadership / Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities.

• Manage relationships with the Senior Programme Manager (SPM) and other direct UNOPS stakeholders.

5. Knowledge management and innovation 

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones. 

• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

Education:

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

• First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience.

Experience: 

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in development contexts, such as international development, humanitarian aid, capacity-building initiatives.

• A minimum of two years of leadership experience, including supervising teams, managing complex projects,and budgets is required.

• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.

• Experience working in a developing country is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required (read, write, speak).

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.