Head of Programme

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS Afghanistan has regional offices in most parts of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law.

• Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the AFOC Director, assuming the role of either Senior Supplier or Project Executive, on Project Boards, as nominated by the AFOC Director.
• Establish and implement programme and project implementation plans in collaboration with the wider AFOC team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, and standards and results expected, to ensure timely and client-orientated services. 
• Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS’ mandate and partner expectations, within approved budgets and achieving full cost recovery.
• Establish, maintain and supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) such that it provides a centre of excellence capacity for the AFOC, and supports strategic planning; ensures project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the organization’s standards and requirements; and engagement assurance of projects is achieved.
• Mentor, assist and oversee Project Managers in the planning, execution and delivery of their projects, ensuring the development, maintenance and application of project stage plans and associated project management documentation. Facilitate timely and accurate tracking of project results, analysis of outputs and outcomes, and effective reporting.
• Act as the AFOC Risk and Issue Registers custodian, advising the AFOC Director on key risks in a timely manner, including recommended risk responses. 
• Develop and implement a robust programme governance framework.

• A Master’s degree in project management, engineering, public administration, social science or another relevant related field is required. 

• A minimum of 10 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management, engineering, and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization.
• Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
• A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of Farsi and/or Dari is an asset.

• 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.
• 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 supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.