Programme Management Advisor

Peace and Security Cluster

Mali is facing a problem of weapons and explosive hazard contamination as a result of protracted and recent armed conflicts. The presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW), improvised explosive devices (IED) and insecure stockpiles of weapons and ammunition (obsolete, abandoned or neglected), poses a serious threat to civilians as well as to United Nations and humanitarian personnel operating in the country.

UNMAS deployed to Mali in January 2013 to conduct an emergency assessment of the situation with regard to explosive threats. In July 2013, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established under Security Council resolution 2100 and is currently operating under Security Council Resolution 2480 (2019)). In accordance with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS PSC to implement a mine action programme in Mali to:

• Improve the protection of civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance;
• Enhance national capacity to mitigate explosive threats and enable compliance with international treaty obligations;
• Reduce the explosive threat to MINUSMA and United Nations personnel.

• Participate in the development, management, and coordination of the Programme strategic initiatives.
• Provide strategic support to the Senior Programme Manager and the management team on the programme implementation in conjunction with UN and National strategies.
• Provide the management team with advice on regional and national dynamics including on the strategies of UN entities and international stakeholders.
• Communicate and lead the implementation of strategic initiatives with project managers and heads of sections.
• Provide advice on local and regional political and security trends which might affect the delivery of the activities.
• Provide advice on the design and production of communications products in support of Programme initiatives.
• Draft various strategic reports and notes highlighting the contribution of the Programme to the mandate of the mission and to various initiatives of the Secretary General, the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS, and UNOPS PSC.

• Facilitate the application of standard management processes within the Mali programme, including the management of reviews and progress updates, risk and issue management, and long-term planning in line with UNOPS PSC rules and regulations.
• Conduct internal reviews with staff and stakeholders to discuss programme implementation aimed at identifying strengths and areas for possible improvement.
• Promote continuous improvements in the way the Programme delivers through the execution of lessons learned exercises, development and implementation of standard operating procedures, facilitation of information exchange with other programmes, and by leading the reflection and review of processes aiming to optimize internal quality management of business processes.
• On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, oversee progress toward the implementation of strategic, annual, and quarterly plans, and engage in risk mitigation when escalated by project managers.

• Lead the design and implementation of the gender work plan in line with UN and UNMAS-UNOPS PSC Gender & Diversity strategies.
• Lead the design, implementation and reporting on Health, Safety, Security & Environment strategies.
• Provide section heads and project managers with strategic support on project management and efficient business practices.
• Reinforce the principles of capacity building and sustainability across the programme’s work, in all areas.
• On behalf of the Senior Programme Manager, periodically review the programme’s activities and operations, with focus on value for money and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the creation and oversight of a strategic communication strategy.
• Provide advice on Programme initiatives in the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy

• Manage stakeholder engagement at the request of the Senior Programme Manager.
• Act, if required, as Officer in Charge of the programme in the absence of the Senior Programme Manager.
• Other duties as required by the Senior Programme Manager.

a.  Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; or
• First level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience 

b.  Work Experience

Relevant work experience is defined as progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, strategic planning, or related area.

• Within relevant experience at least five years’ experience working in an international organization is required;
• Within relevant experience at least two years’ experience in a senior management or advisory role is required;
• Experience in the promotion of gender parity and mainstreaming in a large organization is desired;
• Experience implementing strategic guidance on behalf of high-level officials is desired.
• Experience in Mine Action is desired.

Contract type: Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract level: P4
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.


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https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

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UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

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With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

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