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.

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka's development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include development of sustainable infrastructure, procurement and project management in education sector, fisheries sector, roads, health sector, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation facilities; and integrated solid waste management services. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership and sustainability of projects.The UNOPS Maldives has been established to support the development challenges in the Maldives in the areas of climate change, environment, sustainable infrastructure, health, procurement and supply chain management and project management and to ensure that synergies between UN Agencies and Government are effectively developed. UNOPS Maldives plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to its partners that meet stringent requirements of quality, speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS Maldives has signed an MOU with the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Government of Maldives to provide Technical Assistance to the Maldives Agribusiness Program funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development ( IFAD). The agriculture sector is the third sector of the Maldives economy after tourism and fisheries. However, it is lagging behind due to a set of constraints. The country faces complex challenges posed by a fragile ecology and climate change vulnerability. Cultivable land is limited, as is the availability of technology to enhance production and productivity. Logistics and market access are also significant challenges. Farming is mostly practiced in an unorganized manner and on a limited scale. Small farmers in the outer atolls suffer the most in terms of periodic food insecurity and poverty. There is limited public and private investment in the sector; as a result, the country relies heavily on imported agricultural products. In light of the challenges, and in the absence of systematic investment in agriculture, implementation of the national Agricultural Development Master Plan has been limited.

The Maldives Agribusiness Programme (MAP) will help the Government to address these challenges. It will support the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture (MOFMRA) to refine its evolving vision and implement a structured policy and incentive framework for the agriculture sector. It will provide investment resources to capitalise on the opportunities existing for sectoral growth. It will introduce climate-smart technological solutions suitable for the Maldives, which overcome land/soil constraints and mitigate against climate change, and which are available globally. It will capitalise on the significant market for local crop production, considering that local demand is rising rapidly as incomes increase and consumers become more aware of nutrition and food safety considerations, and that the tourism sector imports substantial volumes of agricultural commodities per year.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Country Manager and in close coordination with the Multi Country Office Head of Programmes, the Chief Technical Advisor ( CTA) shall for have a good understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the UNOPS and key stakeholders to ensure the project products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client.

Background Information-Job Specific

The UNOPS Senior Technical Advisor will provide specialised managerial and technical guidance to the Project Implementation Unit ( PIU), and support Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture, Government of Maldives and the PIU to develop programme management systems and capacities as part of its institutional capacity building agenda. S/he will build a strong team of management professionals in the PIU to ensure high quality outputs and achievement of goals and targets. S/he will advise the Project Director ( PD) of Maldives Agribusiness Program ( MAP) to support high quality of implementation and performance, enabling MAP to achieve the expected targets at output, outcome and objective levels. S/he will define and implement a clear roadmap of managerial and technical skill-building for MOFMRA and relevant agencies.

Functional Responsibilities:

  • Lead the Technical Assistance team, taking management responsibility for team activities and outputs, including the selection of short-term consultants and drafting of their ToR for approval by the PSC, and ensuring that all TA team members perform their tasks to the required standard;
  • Advise and assist MOFMRA with the strengthening and operating of the PSC, and act as the member-secretary to the Project Steering Committee;
  • Maintain liaison with all relevant GoM Ministries and departments including MED, MOF, MONPI etc.
  • Maintain liaison with the UNOPS, IFAD and other relevant agencies, including facilitation of donor supervision missions and other visits;
  • Prepare reports for UNOPS to support IFAD and MOFMRA.
  • Any other activities that may be required from time to time and that are in line with the overall purpose of the TA and the specialist's role in the TA team.

Support of on-going implementation:

  • Facilitate the linkage of each of the partner agencies with bilateral and multilateral projects, IFIs, UN Partners, Private Sector, Academia and line agencies, including assisting in drafting MoUs and other forms of cooperation agreement;
  • Advise and assist the PSC/PD on coordination of project activities with other development activities in the area;
  • Advise and assist the PIU on the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of annual work plans and budgets;
  • Take overall responsibility for preparing a consolidated annual workplan and budget and assist the PSC to submit it to IFAD for approval;
  • In consultation with the PD, and with assistance from the TA team members, further develop, as needed, the Project Implementation Manual as a set of guidelines for project implementation
  • Advise IAs with the objective of ensuring that the project meets its social inclusion, targeting and gender objectives including implementation of Gender Action Plans;
  • Take charge of the implementation of the quality control systems, including review and concurrence of designs and estimates, monitor procurement processes, and quality of construction in the field.
  • Report findings to the PD and IFAD, and recommend any actions that need to be taken;
  • Ensure that consolidated withdrawal applications for reimbursement of expenditure from the IFAD loan and grant are prepared in a timely manner;
  • Ensure that consolidated project accounts are prepared using information from IAs, and submit these accounts to the PSC and IFAD in a timely manner;
  • Ensure that the required reports (inception report, progress reports, technical reports, etc.) are produced on schedule;
  • Act as the UNOPS Project Manager for the Support to Maldives Agribusiness Project.

Support preparation of future investments:

  • Coordinate technical assistance to the PD in the preparation of future development programmes in the same sector and in advising on suitable methods of identifying and prioritizing appropriate investment opportunities (Strategic Planning Study);
  • Coordinate technical assistance to the PD in the formulation and establishment of a more permanent institutional arrangement for char development activities in this sector, in line with Government priorities and approaches and using successful examples from within The Maldives and in the region;
  • In consultation with the PSC and PD, organize and manage studies for the relevant sector;

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.

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) preferably in Agriculture, Rural development and/or equivalent professional qualifications is required.
  • A relevant first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in combination with additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

  • A minimum of 7 years of professional experience, the greater portion of which will have been in rural development projects.
  • A broad knowledge base of and practical experience in project management, including in the planning and implementation of development projects in agriculture, rural development and strengthening of value chains is strongly desired.
  • Experience in programme/ project management required.
  • Experience managing people as a direct supervisor and/or managing an office is desired.
  • Experience in the UN system organizations is desirable.
  • Professional experience in developing programmes, projects and advocating policies is strongly desired.

Language:

  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of one of the officially recognized native language of Maldives is an asset.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level: IICA 3Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performanceFor more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

  • 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.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • 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. cbvI0Tt-owT1v

This vacancy is archived.

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