Program Management Officer - Specialist

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS 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. 

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner 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 we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information - Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners.

The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered nearly two decades of turmoil, particularly in the eastern provinces. The use of landmines was a feature during the conflict and Explosive Remnants of War from the fighting remain a hazard.

UNMAS established its presence in the DRC in 2002 to provide support to the Peacekeeping Mission (MONUSCO) and to conduct humanitarian mine action. It continues to work with all actors involved in mine action, and weapons and ammunition management and safety issues.

1. Support the development and coordination of Mine Action programs including explosive ordnance, humanitarian mine action, and weapons and ammunition management (WAM) as required; this includes the development of program strategies, resource mobilization strategies, Work Plans, and budgets;
2. Monitor, evaluate, and analyze Mine Action program/project development and implementation in alignment with strategic direction when on assignment; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up actions.
3. Research, analyze, and present information gathered from diverse sources.
4. Support policy development, including ensuring the program is gender responsive and employs gender mainstreaming approaches. 
5. Review and analyze issues and trends, prepares evaluations or other research activities and studies;
6. Coordinate quality reviews of Mine Action program documents and deliverables.
7. Draft budgets and project proposals for new projects and extensions of ongoing projects as required by the HPU; 
8. Draft Program Quarterly and Annual reports;
9. Prepare donor reports and funding proposals, including ad-hoc reports as required;
10. Prepare periodic substantive reports for implementing partners against donor contributions, projects, and activities;
11. Prepare periodic Financial reports to local authorities as required;
12. Provide logistical and substantive support for visits of donors and other delegations; 
13. Assist the HPU during donor visits, visits to embassies, and presentations and visits to/by Mine Action stakeholders in country;
14. Liaise with UN partner agencies and donors in mine action in obtaining up-to-date information on potential funding and projects;
15. Attend inter-agency meetings and assist with any program issues;
16. Provide program information to partner agencies, non-governmental organizations and contractors, and UN agencies;
17. Maintain documentation of decisions and actions taken on program issues; 
18. Actively engage in public information initiatives and maintain close working relationships with UN partner agencies on public information activities;
19. Provide quality control for management products (program documents, reports, etc.).
20. Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learned are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.
21. Any other duties as requested and tasked by the HPU and/or Senior Program Officer.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management, social science or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience                                                                                                                                                                             OR

• First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in program management, project management or business administration
• Experience in humanitarian affairs and mine action is desired.
• Experience in donor reporting and preparing project proposals is desired.

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
• Fluency in French (spoken and written) is required.
• Knowledge of other UN official languages is desired.

Contract type: IICA (International Individual Contract Agreement)

• 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. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• 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.