Senior Programme Officer

Job categoriesProgramme Management
Vacancy codeVA/2018/B5001/16425
LevelICS-11
Department/officeNYSC, Peace and Security Cluster
Duty stationTunis, Tunisia
Contract typeFixed Term
Contract levelP4
Duration12 months, with possibility of extension, pending funds availability and satisfactory performance
Application period14-Sep-2018 to 30-Sep-2018

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. 

It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

 Functional Responsibilities

**The purpose of this post is to support the PSC Libya programme.  The duty station may change to Tripoli, Libya, as of 01 January 2019.**

The Senior Programme Officer is responsible for the management of the PSC Programme Department. The Programme Department is responsible for the oversight of the funding cycle for all mine action related projects, regardless of whether they are supported through UN or bilateral funding channels. For the UN funded mine-action activities, this includes oversight of the financial side of proposal formulations, implementation (including contracts management), and reporting. The Senior Programme Officer has the responsibility to ensure the appropriate tasking of assets in accordance with multiple UN and Non-UN contract and funding agreement modalities, within a complex, highly demanding and constantly changing operational environment. 

Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, the Senior Programme Officer is responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities:

Manage the PSC Programme Department
Manage the programme systems and procedures to enable accountable control of all mine action projects/contracts funded by numerous modalities for the Mine Action Programme
Manage the overall programme budget, which may consist of several funding sources and financial agreements
Oversee the costing of the annual work plan portfolio and/or specific formulation
Prepare the VTF (Voluntary Trust Fund) Annualized Budget submission for implementing partners activities
Prepare of the RBB (results-based budget) submission for peacekeeping missions
Liaise with implementing partners for VTF versus activities tracking purposes, ensuring that donor contributions appropriately match activities on the ground; identify/communicate gaps/shortfalls for additional resource mobilization
Liaise with senior management and budget sections of peacekeeping missions regarding the implementation of assessed budgets
Monitor the funding and financial information of the programme (UN and bilateral)
Oversee the preparation of financial reports to the local government and UN with regard to the implementation of the mine action programme
Oversee the appraisal and review of sub-project proposals and subcontract documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and conformity with programme criteria, procedures and the appropriate regulations and rules
Oversee that implementing partners’ reports comply with the contractual and financial requirements
Ensure high professional standards of project design, proposal writing, monitoring and reporting
Oversee the preparation of project reports and briefs, in particular financial aspects including, monthly and annual reports, semi-annual progress reports, project proposals and monthly summary of the programme financial status
Develop strategies for public information campaigns on mines, ERW, and UN Mine Action activities, ensuring that these strategies are transferred into action plans and continue to support the Programme’s overall strategies
Depending on the role this position will be assigned to within the project administration setup in a specific country/programme (i.e. office structure, DOAs, oneUNOPS functions, segregation of duties, etc.), the incumbent will have responsibilities determined by UNOPS rules and regulations embodied in its regulatory framework – Organizational Directives, Administrative Instructions and other documents as periodically issued and updated by UNOPS. Reporting lines regarding compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations are ultimately to UNOPS Peace and Security Centre through the portfolio manager. In addition, division of responsibilities when it comes to administrative processes in support of the programme objectives will be as determined for each country office and confirmed in writing by UNOPS Head of Peace and Security Centre

Train project national and international staff concerning media relations
Oversee capacity building of national staff within the Programme Section
Participate in relevant coordination meetings
Act as Officer-in_Charge when the Senior Programme Manager is absent
Carry out other tasks as requested by the Senior Programme Manager.

Education and Relevant Years of Experience:
Advanced University Degree (Master Degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management, social science or other related fields with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience OR;
First level University degree (Bachelor Degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management, social science or other related fields with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

Work Experience:

Relevant experience is defined as experience in  programme management, project management or business administration
Within relevant experience, a minimum of 2 years working in complex humanitarian or development programmes, in one or more countries, at an operational level is required
Experience in report and proposal writing is required
Computer literacy is required

Language:
Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required
Knowledge of another UN official language is desired

 Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

**The purpose of this post is to support the PSC Libya programme.  The duty station may change to Tripoli, Libya, as of 01 January 2019.**

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

•  Contract type, level and duration
• Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
• Contract level: P4 (ICS-11)
• Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

 Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands