Senior Programme Manager (Head of Rising Nations Initiative Secretariat)

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.

The Rising Nations Initiative (RNI) is a Member States-led initiative supported by DSIP, guided by a core group of champions, including the Pacific atoll countries. Officially launched on 28 September 2022 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.  

The Head of the secretariat of the RNI has primary responsibility to strategically mobilize and advance political momentum toward a political declaration by a wide group of UN Member States in support of the Pacific atoll countries. The Head of Secretariat is also responsible to manage the RNI Fund and connect the strategy to the implementation of other project areas that would benefit from the political momentum generated by this effort.

1. Strategy development & coordination 

• Designs and advances a strategy for broadening the support of the UN Member States toward the RNI’s objectives, demonstrating wide support of the international community to the Pacific atoll countries in the context of addressing the existential threat of climate change
• Holds talks with senior officials representing major stakeholders such as governments, international and regional organizations, relevant academic and research institutions, as well as potential donors and corporate sponsors for the purposes of facilitating and forming implementing 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 RNI at the regional and global levels
• Raises the profile of the RNI by making public appearances and taking part in international conferences, high-level meetings, senior management meetings, and working groups within the UN System. 

2. Team Management

• Provides clear and effective leadership to the RNI secretariat, being responsible and accountable for the administration and direction of its work.
• 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 secretariat staff, including staff recruitment, development, and evaluation.

3. Expert approach

• Provides expert advice on achieving project outputs 
• Ensures the appropriate technical and subject-matter expertise is incorporated in project activities
• Identifies emerging policy issues pertaining to the RNI and analyzes implications on the work of the RNI and makes recommendations on possible strategies
• Oversees the preparation of reports on RNI activities

4. Project management 

• Provides strategic guidance and oversees the management of project activities under purview, including managing the RNI Fund and processes for personnel recruitment, procurement, budget management, and stakeholder communications – ensuring adherence to UNOPS policies and procedures
• Establishes annual work plans and sets objectives, supports performance management, defines standards, and expected results in collaboration with other project teams
• Directs and oversees the organizing and planning of RNI activities, including the COP, and other conferences, meetings, and activities. 

5. Communications

• Advises and leads on relevant communication efforts that bring clarity to the purpose of the political declaration as a basis to advance RNI objectives
• Oversees website content, social media activities, and publication activities, including outreach materials, to raise global awareness and build global momentum for the RNI
• Drafts speeches and statements for RNI’s high-level public appearances, media engagements, and publications

The effective and successful performance by the Head of Secretariat directly impacts the positioning of the RNI in securing the support of the international community toward a new precedence of protection for the statehood of Pacific atoll countries, preservation of their sovereignty, and safeguarding of the culture and heritage of affected populations in the face of the existential threat of rising sea level.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) preferably in International Relations 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 programme/project management and/or strategy is required. 
• Experience in identifying, strengthening, and leveraging relationships with Member States, UN System, and non-State actors to help advance policy objectives 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 and communicating 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 briefing and providing strategic advice to senior principals is desired.

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another official 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. 
• 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.