Senior Programme Manager

The World Bank (WB) has established the Myanmar Strengthening Community Resilience (SCORE) Project with a project duration of 3.5 years, starting in the latter half of 2025. The SCORE project has three components and will be implemented by UNOPS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). UNOPS will implement components 1 and 2 of SCORE while ICRC will implement component 3. Components 1 and 2 aim to help targeted communities in 5-6 states to cope with and recover from the various on-going crises in the country, and to prepare for and strengthen their ability to withstand future shocks. The project will strengthen the capacity of vulnerable communities to address short- to medium-term development priorities through training, facilitation support, community-based infrastructure, and livelihoods assistance provided through block grants.

Components 1 and 2 of SCORE will be managed by UNOPS and delivered through a network of experienced Implementing Partners (IPs), through two components. The first component will finance the repair or renovation of small-scale, climate-resilient social and economic infrastructure (roads or irrigation canals, water and sanitation structures, schools or health clinics) and basic livelihoods support (seeds and tools for agriculture production, community revolving funds, and basic training). All needs will be identified through a participatory process. It also includes emergency top-up grants to the targeted townships in the event of a natural disaster or human-made crisis. Second component will support capacity strengthening of the communities, which includes training and assistance in participatory problem analysis and planning, household and community vulnerability mapping (including climate change and disaster risks), simple financial management and procurement procedures, application of simplified environmental and social risk standards, inclusion of women and marginalized groups, and technical training and guidance.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Senior Programme Manager will provide leadership, strategic direction and promote best practice in the performance and delivery of this innovative and challenging project. The Senior Programme Manager is the head of the project team which includes professionals in M&E, grants, project management and support. S/he will be responsible for managing the project in line with the SCORE endorsed package, including the Financing Agreement, the Project Appraisal Document, the Project Operations Manual, the Disbursement and Financial Information Letter, the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan and other World Bank-UNOPS project documents and guidelines developed under the SCORE project and as per UNOPS’ project management standards and rules.

• Establish solid working relationships with the World Bank (WB), current and potential partners and key stakeholders.

• Represent UNOPS and the SCORE Secretariat at the WB Implementation Support Mission (ISM) and manage key relations with WB stakeholders.

• Organize ISMs with the World Bank on a quarterly basis or as needed, providing background material, supporting documents, clear options for decision-making, and any other relevant support. Advise the World Bank and UNOPS CD of deviations that have or will exceed set tolerances as approved in the project plan.

• Manage project communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of the project activities, progress, and exceptions.

• Advise the partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes.

• Manage the information flows between the World Bank, the UNOPS Senior Management Group (SMG) and the UNOPS team dedicated to the project.

• Represent SCORE in the UNOPS Senior Management Group (SMG) to ensure coordination, effective delivery and information sharing.

• Oversee the effective implementation of the SCORE project, including management of country offices and teams, development of new projects and portfolios, management of existing grants, results monitoring and evaluation, and client relationship management.

• Lead and oversee the development and subsequent revisions of key project documents, including the Project Operations Manual (POM), Annual Workplan and Budget (AWPB), Quarterly Progress Report (QPR), Interim Financial Reports (IFRs), MEAL Strategy, Gender Strategy, Communication Strategy, Governance documents, and other project documents as needed.

• Accept responsibility for project oversight as delegated by the UNOPS Myanmar Country Office (MMCO) CD.

• Establish and execute the project implementation plans in collaboration with the team and implementing 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 project according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with signed Legal Agreements

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

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

• Lead and manage the preparation of supporting project documents (including business cases, knowledge/policy briefs, project plans and risk assessments).

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of project/business recommendations for the review and approval of the World Bank, the MMCO CD, and the Asia Regional Office.

• 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.

• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances agreed to with the World Bank.

• Advise the World Bank on issues such as project selection and financial operations such as budgets, cash flow and expenditure.

• Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘doing no harm’, mainstreaming localization, and aid effectiveness in all activities associated with the project.

• Manage delivery of the project’s outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.

• Manage the project to ensure performance in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations.

• Authorize, monitor and control work packages to be delivered by the UNOPS team or grants by implementing partners.

• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers from a fiduciary and contract management perspective.

• Report on any incidences or cases that took place in the project areas, related to environmental and social risks, according to the agreed procedures with the World Bank. 

• Control risks to UNOPS internal business case and take corrective action.

• Monitor progress of the project at a strategic level and ensure periodic progress and updates are made to the World Bank.

• Plan and propose to the MMCO CD and World Bank TTL any required project resources (human and financial) to ensure effective management of the SCORE.

• Oversee the setup of SCORE and oversee development firewalling and security measures to enable optimal security for UNOPS and the project.

• Compile data from the SCORE project and finance staff, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and MMCO financial goals.

• Manage project resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability, and any additional requirements of the World Bank.

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy and pertinent environmental and social framework of the funding source as per legal agreement, with particular emphasis on the requirements of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan, the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and the Environmental and Social Management Framework.

• Develop the Annual Work Plan and Budget for approval by the World Bank.

• Lead and oversee all reporting processes including annual and financial reports. Ensure all reporting requirements as per legal agreement as well as internal UNOPS rules are met.

• Maintain critical project records / documents on the UNOPS Google Shared Drive (online audit / record retention folder).

• Ensure that all project activities comply with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules (FRR)

• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors, grantees/ implementing partners and personnel are received on time.

• Understand and manage UNOPS pricing policy and related corporate charges as they apply to the Programme.

• Ensure implementing partner capacity is commensurate with funding requirements.

• Understand the structure and approaches of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel.

• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).

• Ensure appropriate measures have been documented in a Closure Plan to facilitate the transition of operations in the final stage of delivery.

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication.

• Work closely with the partnership unit to ensure and facilitate the capture of lessons learnt from project and project implementation into new opportunities and engagement development, as well as the adequate identification of risks and mitigation measures.

• Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of SCORE goals and competencies, in close coordination and agreement with the World Bank.

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project 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 project.

• Participate in relevant Communities of Practice.

• Actively interact with the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice

• Provide feedback to HQ Groups Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies complete lessons learned as per reporting format

• Contribute to WB’s knowledge management initiatives to document the SCORE project  in Myanmar.

• Further duties may be identified throughout the implementation period.

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop project 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 project 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.

• Managing personnel and ensuring behaviour consistent with UN values.

• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted efficiently and effectively.

• Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in law/human rights, social science, international development, business administration, public administration, international relations or related areas is required.

• Bachelor’s Degree with Additional 2 years of relevant work experience to the above duties and responsibilities may be accepted in liWB of Master Degree.

• PM Certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively relevant working experience is required and out of this at least 5 years in livelihoods and/or community driven development or related areas is required.

• A minimum of 7years work experience in fragile, conflict or violence affected contexts or countries is required.

• A minimum of 5 years experience managing projects at a strategic level with financial oversight is required.

• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society/community groups, and local organisations is required.

• A minimum of 7 years' experience in developing countries or post conflict environments especially in Myanmar, Asia is an asset. 

• Previous experience with the World Bank would be an asset.

• Knowledge of aid architecture is essential with previous experience working in Grants Management is desirable.

• Solid experience of managing, or having worked in a senior position with a large multi-donor fund or project is desirable.

• Strong writing skills including the ability to synthesize information and translate it into analytical reports and actionable plans is required.

• Vast experience in writing reports, developing action plans, performing data analyses, and drafting documents is an asset.

• Experience in managing projects in Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) context required.

• Solid experience in risk management is required.

• Strong problem-solving skills are an asset.

• Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset.

• Experience in managing teams is required.

• Fluency in English required.

• Knowledge of a second UN 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. 

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.