Programme Management Specialist

Myanmar continues to have significant Internally Displaced Person (IDP) populations, some of which result from long-term displacement and escalation of conflict. The current conflict situation is triggering dire needs that are multi-sectoral and spanning geographically throughout Southern Shan, Kayah and Kayin States of Myanmar and in border areas in Thailand. The EU-funded programme, Support to displaced Myanmar populations along the Thai-Myanmar Border, aims to provide support to displaced Myanmar populations in these regions. The key objectives of the programme are to increase the resilience and self-reliance of both displaced populations and host communities in the areas bordering Thailand and, if conditions allow, to prepare for the IDPs to return or relocate. 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Management Specialist will work to support the delivery of MTBA programme and will be responsible for:

Programme Development 

• Organizing and participating in scoping missions to support the development of new calls for proposals for Thailand

•  Supporting the appraisal of project proposals submitted by applicants to assess their compliance with programme’s policies and strategic priorities

• Following up to ensure timely contracting of projects selected for funding 

Programme Management 

• Reviewing work plans, progress and financial reports, budget revisions, no-cost extensions and other documentation submitted by implementing partners (IPs) in Thailand to ensure they follow the programme’s  guidelines and meet contractual obligations

• Monitoring of progress on implementation of activities and budget expenditures, including through conducting regular field visits. Providing technical support to IPs through recommendations for strategic adjustments to improve results

• Planning and organizing independent mid-term reviews and final evaluations of projects

• Reviewing audit report findings for IPs and ensuring recommendations are addressed and implemented

• Organizing donor field visits and preparing briefing materials on project activities and progress achieved

• Building good relations with relevant stakeholders,  including government agencies, trade unions, civil society organizations, private sector companies, UN agencies, INGOs, research institutes and media.

• Participating and/or representing the programme at events and technical meetings as required

• Supporting the implementation of the programme’s annual work plan

Learning and knowledge management

• Supporting implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation for Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework by ensuring that robust MEAL plans are developed and implemented by IPs.

• Contributing to the preparation of the annual and semi-annual reports by analyzing narrative reports and MEAL data submitted by IPs

• Support the development and implementation of the Learning Strategy for the programme

• Coordinate  development of knowledge products to effectively share lessons learned and best practices and ensure adequate dissemination 

• Lead on maintaining detailed knowledge of the context and situational developments that may affect programming and share with team members

  Other duties

• Drafting terms of reference for procurement of services as necessary

• Assisting with the interpretation and translation of documents  when needed

• Other duties relevant to the implementation of the programme

Education 

• A Master’s degree preferably in international development, law/human rights, business management, peace studies, sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required

• A Bachelor’s degree preferably in the above fields with an additional two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree               

 Work Experience 

• A minimum 5 years of experience in in one or several of the following areas: project/programme development, management and monitoring or  evaluation is required

• Technical expertise in conflict analysis, peacebuilding and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, and humanitarian response is considered a strong asset

• Experience of working with displaced populations in the Myanmar-Thai border area is considered an asset.

• Proven ability to write analytical and summative reports in English is considered an asset.

• Experience working with government officials, international organizations, civil society and other development stakeholders in Thailand is considered an asset.

• Computer literacy is required

Language Requirements

• Full working knowledge in written and oral English and fluency in Thai languages is required

• Knowledge of an additional UN language is desirable

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist-10 / LICA-10 / ICS-10
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

• 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.