Head of Programme (Internal candidates only)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.  

The Head of Programme reports directly to the Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC) Director who provides direction and general supervision.  The Head of Programme is responsible for programme development planning and preparation and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility.  The role contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners.

Please note this vacancy is only open to personnel on a UNOPS regular contract.

Summary of key results:

• Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

• Programme development and planning

• Manage programme resources

• Partnership networking and advocacy 

• Knowledge management and innovation 

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

• Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Kenya Multi Country Office Director and through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.

• Establish and execute the programme implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and client-oriented services. 

• Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery. 

• Supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) to ensure that project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.

• Mentor and assist Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

• Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

• Develop and implement the programme governance framework.

Programme development and planning

• Support the KEMC Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

• Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the KEMC Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.

• Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the KEMC Director areas for UNOPS engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.

• Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the KEMC Director.

• Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

• As the Gender Focal Point for the KEMC Office, ensure that the Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan is actioned and timely implemented, that the office has required gender mainstreaming capacity and knowledge, and that gender is mainstreamed into relevant projects, programs, and processes.

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

Manage programme resources

• Plan and propose to the KEMC Director, required programme resources (human and financial).

• Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and KEMC financial goals.

• Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.

• Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability. 

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams in terms of gender and geography.

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance 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.

• Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys. 

Partnership, networking and advocacy 

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.

• Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities. 

• Collaborate with the Partnerships Manager to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.

• Contribute to current and future growth plans for the KEMC, ensuring alignment with the UNOP Strategic Plan.

• Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of UNOPS goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results.

• At the request of the KEMC Director participate and/or represent the KEMC Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered. 

Knowledge management and innovation 

• Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results. 

• Institutionalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

• Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environment.

• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.

Impact of Results 

The effective and successful performance by the Head of Programme directly impacts on achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

A minimum of 7 years of experience in managing projects or that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization is required. 

Experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable. 

One (1) year of UNOPS experience is required.

Full working knowledge of English language is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner an asset, but required completion within first 6 months of onboarding.

Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) an asset.

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)

• 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.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• 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 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.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

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.

Diversity

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.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC/East and Southern Africa sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, other UN partners, development banks and funds. The multi-country office also supports multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Eritrea. The Nairobi based Technical Services Unit provides UN/OPS and external partners infrastructure assessment, planning, design, feasibility and safeguards services.