Overview
The Programme Support Specialist plays a vital role in linking field and HQ deliverables within the Peace and Security Cluster of the New York Portfolios Office. The role supports the Head of Project Unit and Head of Programme in managing projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the HPU in developing and reviewing programme strategies, work-plans and budgets.
- Contribute to project proposals from a project implementability perspective.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders as part of standard project acceptance processes.
- Research and identify potential project opportunities for UNOPS.
- Provide inputs to the HPU for developing, completing and updating Implementation Plan(s).
- Implement assigned tasks within approved plan(s).
- Collaborate with HPUs to ensure that deliverables comply with quality requirements.
- Monitor project progress.
- Highlight issues and risks for the attention of HPUs.
- Advise HoP on mitigating measures / actions against identified risks and issues.
- Assist the HPU in managing changes to projects.
- Ensure systematic integration of PSEAH and DEDSI into project implementation.
- Support the HPU in drafting requirements definitions for procurement activities.
- Assist the HPU in procurement and contract management of contractors.
- Serve as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts (if applicable).
- Assist the HPU in recruitment and administration of project personnel.
- Assist the HPU in the engagement and management of NGOs.
- Assist the HPU in all financial management activities.
- Understand and apply UNOPS indirect costs, direct costs, and related corporate charges to projects.
- Support the HPU in the project operational and financial closure process.
- Maintain project files and record lessons learned.
- Foster and role-model a safe and inclusive work environment.
- Use and improve approved monitoring tools.
- Manage reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and Implementation Plan(s).
- Assist the HPU in preparing and issuing regular project and/ or financial reports.
- Review project status and evaluate performance criteria.
- Maintain progress reports as required by UNOPS standard operating procedures.
- Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
- Assist the HPU in ensuring all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets.
- Engage with partners and other programme/ project stakeholders.
- Develop, implement, track and report on overall effectiveness of project stakeholder communication plans.
- Support the HoP in conducting programme and project assurance.
- Support the HPU and HoP on project audit activities.
- Support the HoP in managing escalated programme and project-level risks and issues.
- Assist the HoP in providing quality control for management outputs.
- Demonstrate visible and accountable leadership on PSEAH and ethical conduct.
- Develop and/or facilitate training and orientation packages for HPUs and other country-based personnel.
- Develop/draft tools, systems, guidance to improve project development, management and closure.
- Continuously research, disseminate and apply fit-for-purpose standards and methodologies in project and programme support at UNOPS.
- Initiate and undertake lessons learned, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans.
Required Experience
Relevant experience is defined as experience in portfolio management, programme management, project development, or project management. Experience implementing development or humanitarian projects in conflict or post-conflict environments is desired. Experience advancing workforce inclusion and integrating gender, social inclusion, and PSEAH/safeguarding into project implementation and implementing partner oversight is desired.
Qualifications
Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience; OR A First-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience is required.
