Senior Programme Manager (Head of Policy & Partnerships RNI)

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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.

New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS hosts the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), a global entity advancing regional Climate Mobility Initiatives (CMIs) and the Rising Nations Initiative (RNI):

The CMIs currently consist of the Africa Climate Mobility Initiative (ACMI) and the Greater Caribbean Climate Mobility Initiative (GCCMI).  The ACMI is a joint undertaking of the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations, and the World Bank to support the African continent in addressing climate-forced displacement and migration while harnessing climate mobility to advance its development agenda and political & economic integration. The ACMI’s people-centered & evidence-based approach aims to generate political momentum, a common policy agenda, and resources to advance comprehensive and locally anchored solutions for climate mobility. The GCCMI pursues similar objectives and is a joint undertaking of the Association of Caribbean States, the United Nations and the World Bank. 

The RNI is a Member States-led initiative, guided by a core group of champions, including the Pacific atoll countries. Its objective is to press forward efforts towards protecting the statehood of Pacific atoll countries, preserving their sovereignty and safeguarding the rights and heritage of affected populations. In this regard, the RNI aims to mobilize the needed political momentum for prompt action at all levels to highlight the climate emergency facing the Pacific atoll countries and inspire global and local action, including through intergovernmental processes of the United Nations. This includes the Coalition on Addressing Sea Level Rise & Existential Threat (C-SET) advanced as an informal coalition of like-minded and supportive countries on the issues addressed by the RNI, including matters of international law and conventions on the laws of the sea. 

The Senior Programme Manager (Head of Policy & Partnerships CMI & RNI has the primary responsibility to identify and build strategic partnerships, aiming to align their agendas with the objectives of the RNI and mobilizing support to ensure successful coordination and long-range programming for these initiatives. The Senior Programme Manager (Head of Policy & Partnerships RNI) will prioritize maintaining and expanding the existing vital base of support in Europe, while exploring opportunities in other regions.

Under the supervision of the Head of the Sustainable Development Cluster the incumbent will carry out the following activities

1. Strategy development & coordination 

• Designs and advances a strategy for broadening the support of the UN Member States, international and regional organizations, and philanthropies toward the objectives of the the RNI, demonstrating wide support of the international community to the beneficiary Member States 
• Establishes contacts, holds talks and liaises with senior officials representing major stakeholders such as governments, international and regional organizations, philanthropies, relevant academic and research institutions, as well as non-governmental donors and corporate sponsors for the purposes of facilitating and forming new partnerships. 
• Coordinates relevant partners’ communications ensuring all stakeholders are aware of the project activities and proactively support and enable project outputs.
• Leads the engagement of UN Member States to identify and grow a group of champions to advocate and facilitate the efforts of the CMIs and the RNI at the regional and global levels, including the secretariat of the Coalition (C-SET). 
• Raises the profile of the CMIs and the RNI by making public appearances and taking part and representing GCCM in international conferences, high-level meetings, senior management meetings, and working groups within the UN System.  

2. Team Management

• Coordinates, advises, and provides clear and effective leadership to the personnel working on the RNI, being responsible and accountable for guiding and aligning their work to the strategic efforts of the Senior Advisor. 
• Ensures all operational structures, systems, and processes are in line with UNOPS policies and procedures. 
• Fosters a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensures that the highest standards of conduct are observed. 
• Manages staff recruitment, development, and evaluation. 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) preferably in International Law or Public Policy or other relevant fields is required.
• Two (2) additional years of relevant experience, in combination with a relevant first-level university (bachelor’s degree or equivalent), may substitute for the requirement of a master’s degree.

• At least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in policy development, international law, political affairs, and/or programme/project management and/or strategy is required. 
• Experience in strategic engagements with relevant multilateral organizations and in European intergovernmental settings, particularly in the migration/mobility context, is required.

• Experience in coalition building and coordination of partnerships and initiatives, preferably in climate, environmental or sustainable development is desired.
• Experience in intergovernmental processes, including at the UN, with a track record of working in multilateral negotiations is desired.
• Familiarity with climate and economic analytical tools as well as major data sources of climate science, environmental, and economic information (e.g. IPCC, World Bank) is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with climate and economic analytical tools as well as major data sources of climate science, environmental, and economic information (e.g. IPCC, World Bank) is considered an asset.
• Experience effectively synthesizing, communicating and presenting technical and policy findings in a clear and concise manner to colleagues internally and to external non-technical audiences, including through producing briefing, speeches and strategy papers for seniors is desired. 
• Experience in briefing and providing strategic advice to senior principals is desired. 
• Experience in the intersections of policy and international law is desired.

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of an additional European language is an advantage.

• 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. 
• 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.