Overview
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-profile, EU-funded programme focused on innovative solutions for the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in Myanmar. The position provides significant leadership experience, strategic engagement with key stakeholders, and the chance to contribute to systemic change in a complex and dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish solid working relationship with the Steering Committee, current and potential partners and key stakeholders
- Represent UNOPS and the NRM Secretariat at the NRM Steering Committee and manage key relations with EU stakeholders
- Organize Steering Committee meetings on a quarterly basis or as needed
- Advise the Steering Committee and UNOPS Director and Representative of deviations that have or will exceed set tolerances
- Manage the Secretariat communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of the Programme activities, progress, and exceptions
- Advise the partners on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes
- Manage the information flows between the Steering Committee, the UNOPS Director and Representative and the UNOPS team dedicated to the Programme
- Represent NRM in the UNOPS Management Group (MG)
- Act as UNOPS Myanmar focal person for Nexus-related matters
- Oversee the effective implementation of the NRM programme
- Lead and oversee the development and subsequent revisions of key programme documents
- Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight
- Establish and execute the programme implementation plans
- Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme
- Mentor and assist project staff in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects
- Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends
- Lead and manage the preparation of supporting programme documents
- Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations
- Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners
- Ensure the financial sustainability of the programme through fund-raising, business development, relationship building with client building, and contractual amendments
- Implement approved programme plans
- Advise the Steering Committee on issues such as project selection and financial operations
- Support design and formulation of bankable projects
- Ensuring principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘doing no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities
- Manage delivery of the programme’s outputs
- Manage the programme to ensure performance in the areas of finance, work planning and resource mobilization, M&E, programmatic/administrative and procurement operations
- Authorize, monitor and control work packages
- Identify and manage risks
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers
- Control risks to UNOPS internal business case
- Monitor progress of the programme at a strategic level
- Plan and propose to the MMCO Director any required programme resources
- Oversee the setup of NRM and oversee development firewalling and security measures
- Compile from the NRM programme and finance staff, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts
- Determine pricing strategies
- Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards
- Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy
- Develop the Annual Work Plan for approval by the Steering Committee
- Lead and oversee all reporting processes
- Maintain critical programme records / documents
- Ensure that all Programme activities comply with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules (FRR)
- Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations
- Understand and manage UNOPS pricing policy and related corporate charges
- 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
- Ensure appropriate measures have been documented in a Closure Plan
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships
- Support the business development function
- Work closely with the partnership unit
- Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Country Office/Multi Country Office
- Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies
- Participate and/or represent UNOPS in diplomatic, donor and inter-agency discussions and planning
- Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology
- Operationalise and share best practices and lessons learned
- Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes
- Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders
- Participate in relevant UNOPS Communities of Practice
- Actively interact with the PM community
- Provide feedback to HQ Groups Leads on policy
- Contribute to EU’s knowledge management initiatives
- Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts
- Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity
- Foster a positive work environment
- Managing personnel and ensuring behavior consistent with UN values
- Ensure that performance reviews are conducted efficiently and effectively
- Ensure safety and security for all personnel
Required Experience
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively relevant working experience is required
- Out of this, at least 5 years in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, recovery and livelihoods, humanitarian response or humanitarian-development- peace nexus or related areas is required
- A minimum of 5 years experience managing programmes 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 is required
- Strong writing skills including the ability to synthesize information and translate it into analytical reports and actionable plans is required
- Experience in managing teams is required
- Knowledge of ODA and international assistance/aid architecture is essential
- Proven track record of incorporating human rights in programming and/or context analysis in a fragile state(s) and complex/protracted crisis is desirable
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in developing countries or post conflict environments is an asset
- Working experience and knowledge in Myanmar conflict affected areas will be a strong asset
- Previous experience in South and/or South-east Asia will, or in different fragile and conflict settings, is also an advantage
- 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 programme is desirable
- Vast experience in writing reports, developing action plans, performing data analyses, and drafting documents is an asset
- Solid experience in risk management is an asset
- Strong problem-solving skills are an asset
- Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset
Qualifications
- 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 lieu of a Master's Degree
- Project Management Certification such as PRINCE2® or MSP® or PMP® is an asset
