Senior Programme Manager (Fund Management)

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.

​​​​​​A Secretariat incorporated into UNOPS will support the Steering Committee (SC) and facilitate the implementation of SC’s decisions. The Secretariat will operate as per defined Terms of Reference approved by the SC. The Secretariat will undertake day-to-day management and operation of the ETP Fund: (1) it launches Calls for Proposal and carries out proposals assessments; (2) it provides assistance and support to projects; (3) facilitates the design, development and implementation of an overall M&E strategy; (4) monitors progress made by each project during the implementation phase.

The Secretariat will work in close cooperation with the SC, the Advisory Committee and the Senior Programme Manager, as well as UNOPS Services. The members of the secretariat will be selected following UNOPS rules and regulations.

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following duties which are performed according to organizational needs and structure:

Reporting to the ETP Director, the incumbent will be responsible for effective, transparent and efficient management of the Fund in concert with the ETP Secretariat, and will have delegated authority for the management of the Fund under the Rules and Regulations of UNOPS, and in accordance with the strategy approved by the ETP Steering Committee.

Under the general guidance and supervision of the ETP Director, THMCO, the Senior Programme Manager’s responsibilities include the following:

1.      Strategy development and implementation

a.  Support the Secretariat and Steering Committee to develop a strategy that articulates the Steering Committee’s vision, direction and underlying principles for funding decisions, its relationship with partners, and its role in policy advocacy for the rural poor in the country. 

b.  Develop an implementation plan for the operational component of the strategy that is sufficiently detailed to guide operational decisions of the Secretariat and the Steering Committee.

c.  Lead the operational development of new components to the ETP, ensuring that they are in line with the overall ETP strategy. 

d.  Develop and implement an appropriate risk management process for the Fund, including associated procedures for effective identification and management of financial and business risks, including fraud and corruption.

e.  Develop, publicise and update as necessary essential operational documents and policies, including: Operational Guidelines that articulate the role and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Manager and implementing partners; a communications strategy; and, implementation guidelines for important cross-cutting themes, including gender,  accountability etc.

f.   Ensure compliance with relevant operational documents and policies.

2.      Operations

a.  Establish and maintain a functional office with all appropriate support functions. 

b.  Employ, manage and motivate the staff needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the Senior Programme Manager. Staffing levels will be approved by the Steering Committee through approval of an annual budget for the Senior Programme Manager.

c.  Establish systems for identification and selection of implementing partners  in line with UNOPS’ Rules and Regulations. 

d.  Establish financial systems to ensure that funds are held, disbursed and accounted for in a timely, transparent and efficient manner.

e.  Establish and ensure compliance with the relevant policy to address fiduciary risk and fraud.

f.  In coordination with the ETP Secretariat, submit an annual budget to the Steering Committee

g.  Develop an appropriate donor reporting system and ensure timely and accurate annual reporting 

3.      Monitoring, evaluation and learning

a.  In concert with the ETP Secretariat, develop and implement an M&E strategy that is capable of: monitoring and reporting the utilization of the funds; monitoring the performance of implementing partners - in particular financial reporting; and ensuring that Fund resources are used effectively. 

b.  Ensure that implementing partners fulfill their reporting obligations, including enabling the participation of beneficiaries, and that recording and reporting systems are harmonized both among implementing partners and with national systems where possible.

c.  Ensure that all projects are visited at least once every twelve months for monitoring purposes, more often if the project requires additional attention in terms of implementation.  

4.  Dialogue and communication

a.      In coordination with the ETP Secretariat, ensure regular consultative meetings with implementing partners to ensure dialogue and information exchange.

b.      Support the Director of the ETP Secretariat in maintaining a dialogue with national authorities and coordination mechanisms

c.      Ensure appropriate visibility for the Steering Committee members. 

5.      Steering Committee / Donor Consortium support

a.     Support the Steering Committee and the Secretariat in their visibility efforts and logistics where   appropriate

b.     Provide appropriate inductions for new members of the Steering Committee and the Donor Consortium to assist them to meet their responsibilities.

Education:

●   Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) is required preferably in International Relations, Political / Development Studies, Business / Public Administration or other relevant discipline is required

●    A Bachelor's degree in these areas with additional 2 years of relevant experience is considered as equivalent. A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education

Experience:

●       Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive and responsible experience in programme/project implementation and management or related fields is required.

●     Relevant professional experience must include  five (5) years of experience at the international level, including experience at a senior management level.

●    Experience of managing stakeholder relations while working for an international organization or related experience is required

●        Experience in fund management and/or grant management is required.

●   Regional experience in South East Asia is an advantage; experience in Indonesia and/or The Philippines and/or Viet Nam would be considered an asset.

●       Leadership experience with strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.

●   Prior experience in supporting or managing implementation of multi-donor supported projects would be a strong asset.

●       Prior related experience in the UN system is highly desirable.

 Language:

●       Fluency in English is required.

●       Working knowledge of another, official UN language is desirable.

• 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.