Head of Programme

Job categories Leadership, Partnerships, Programme Management

Vacancy code VA/2024/B5414/28701

Level ICS-11

Department/office LCR, ARMCO, Brazil

Duty station Brasilia (Family Duty Station), Brazil

Contract type Fixed Term

Contract level P4

Duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Application period 14-Aug-2024 to 07-Oct-2024

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Argentina Multi Country Office (ARMCO) is recruiting for this position: Head of Programme based in Brasilia, Brazil.

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.

Latin America and Caribbean Region (LCR)

UNOPS LCR works mainly with national public partners across 14 countries. The structure of UNOPS LCR includes four Multi Country Offices (MCOs) and four Country Offices (COs).

Argentina Multi-Country Office (ARMCO)

ARMCO is responsible for developing, delivering, managing and implementing a mid-to-large-sized portfolio of projects and/ or programmes across Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

At UNOPS, office portfolio size is determined by a mix of internal and external drivers, including count and value of engagements, personnel headcount, security- and project-related risks, and prevailing humanitarian and geo-political contexts.

ARMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of organizational processes and quality standards across all of the countries served by the MCO.

The Role

The Head of Programme (HoP) reports directly to the ARMCO Director who provides direction and general supervision.

The HoP 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 HoP's geographic scope is Brazil and Argentina.

The HoP is a leadership role which 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.

Functional Responsibilities

Tha vacancy is only for internal candidates Summary of key results: Progr...

Tha vacancy is only for internal candidates

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 Country Office/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 delivery and client-oriented services.
Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with signed Legal Agreements
Supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) and its set up, to ensure that project management governance, policies, processes and methods are complied with and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.
Ensure proactive programme and project risk identification and assessment and implementation of adequate mitigation measures.
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.

2. Programme development and planning

Support the Multi Country Office 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 Multi Country Office 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 Multi Country Office 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 Multi Country Office 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.
Act as the Gender Focal Point for the Multi Country Office, assume accountability for the Gender Mainstreaming in the Multi Country Office, including Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan being actioned and timely implemented, as well as ensuring that the office has required gender mainstreaming capacity and knowledge, and that gender is mainstreamed into relevant projects, programs, and processes

3. Manage programme resources

Plan and propose to the Multi Country Office Director, required programme resources (human and financial).
Compile from the Project Managers, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Multi Country Office 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.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.

4. 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.
Work closely with the partnership unit to ensure and facilitate the capture of lessons learnt from programme and project implementation into new opportunities and engagement development, as well as the adequate identification of risks and mitigation measures.
Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Multi Country Office, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS 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 Multi Country Office Director participate and/or represent the Multi Country Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered.

5. Knowledge management and innovation

Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.
Operationalise 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 environments.
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

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education A Master’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Publ...

Education

A Master’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Public Administration, Social Science or other relevant related field is required.
A combination of a Bachelor's Degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Certification

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.

Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience 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.
A minimum of 2 years of experience managing large teams including management of senior professional staff is considered as a distinctive advantage.
Experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders in the public sector is a distinctive advantage.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously or a programme is a distinctive advantage.
Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable

Languages

Full working knowledge of English is essential
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language (such as Spanish) is an asset.
Full working knowledge of Portuguese is a distinct advantage

Motivation letter

While your application showcases your skills, experience and education, we are also eager to learn more about your interests and motivations. Therefore, we invite you to upload a motivation letter with your application for the position. Remember to share in the letter your motivation for joining the UNOPS team in the advertised position, your interests and skills. We would also like to know your perspective regarding United Nations values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity. For more information about UN values see this link: https://hr.un.org/sites/hr.un.org/files/Spanish-Values%20and%20Behaviours%20Framework_Final_0.pdf

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA - Staff) Contract level: P4/ICS11 C...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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.

Background information - Argentina

Argentina The UNOPS Argentina office executes national and provincial operation...

This vacancy is closed.

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APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.