Head of Programme

UNOPS in Ukraine

Summary of key results:

1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

2. Programme development and planning

3. Manage programme resources

4. Partnership networking and advocacy 

5. Knowledge management and innovation

• Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the MCO 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.

• Support the MCO 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 MCO 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 MCO 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 Country Office/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 MCO, assume accountability for the Gender Mainstreaming in the MCO, 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.

• Plan and propose to the MCO Director, required programme resources (human and financial).

• Compile from the Project Managers, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and MCO 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. 

• A Master’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Public Administration, Social Science or other relevant related field is required.

• A combination of Bachelor’s Degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements required above.

• PRINCE2® Foundation is desirable. Candidates who do not have a PRINCE2® Foundation will be required to complete the certification within the first year of appointment.
• Programme/Project Management Professional Certification (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP or similar is desirable.
  
  

• A minimum of ten (10) years of cumulative experience in project management, including managing diverse portfolios including engineering, or humanitarian or development projects is required; 
• Strategic and managerial leadership experience in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization is required. 
• At least three (3) years progressive leadership experience including supervising teams and managing budgets is required. 

Desirable:

• Experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
• Experience in fragile and/or complex operational environments is desired.
• Programme/Project Management Professional Certification (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP or similar).

• Fluency in English is essential. 
• Working knowledge of French, Spanish or another UN language is an asset.

• 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.

• All duty stations in Ukraine, including Kyiv, are currently designated non-family duty stations. Relocation of family members is not permitted under this designation. 

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.