Back Fund Director, Livelihoods and Food Security Fund

UNOPS Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS also provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT)

The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) is a multi-donor fund established in Myanmar in 2009. LIFT’s work contributes to three outcomes: 1) Improved nutritional status, particularly for women and children; 2) Increased household income and assets with greater control by women; and, 3) Reduced vulnerability of households and individuals to shocks, stresses and risks. To date, over 11.6 million people in 75 per cent of Myanmar’s townships have benefitted from LIFT’s programmes. LIFT has committed to localization and promoting local leadership, with a set of goals as priorities for 2021 and onwards. For LIFT’s 2019-2023 strategy and other details visit www.lift-fund.org.

LIFT is managed by the United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS) and has received funding from 16 international donors. The current donors are the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and Norway.

** Functional Responsibilities

The Fund Director will provide leadership, strategic direction and promote good practice in performance and delivery of the LIFT Fund. The Fund Director is the head of the LIFT Fund Management Office, a team of 50 staff, including technical professionals as well as M&E, policy, knowledge management and programme support professionals.
This role represents a unique and exciting opportunity to lead a major investment in livelihoods and nutrition, at a dynamic time of political transformation in Myanmar. He/she will need to demonstrate strong management skills and be an advocate of continued external support to Myanmar’s poor. The incumbent will have exceptional ability to support work in challenging environments, such as conflict areas. He or she will also need excellent partnership skills, working with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve tangible results for people in need.
Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS Myanmar Director & Representative and working closely with the LIFT Fund Board, the Fund Director will be responsible for:

• Working closely with the Fund Board, represent LIFT with the government, private sector, civil society and other relevant stakeholders (including UN agencies) to promote excellence, good practice and policy dialogue.
• Representing the Fund Manager (UNOPS) vis-à-vis all other stakeholders and in the Fund Board (as ex officio, non-voting member).
• Advising the Fund Board on architecture and processes to strengthen LIFT’s policy engagement at all levels (township, state/regional, and central).
• Managing the LIFT Fund Management Office to ensure performance of the Fund in the areas of financial (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations.
• Implementing the Fund in accordance with the rules and regulations of UNOPS and in line with the Delegation of Authority received from the UNOPS Executive Director.
• Ensuring principles of human rights, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘doing no harm’ and aid effectiveness in all activities associated with the LIFT.
• Ensuring the smooth and effective transition or completion of LIFT supported projects and the orderly and efficient closure of the Fund in its present form.
• Supporting the LIFT Donor Consortium, other potential donors and UNOPS to explore future platforms to coordinate external investment in Myanmar’s agriculture, rural development and nutrition sectors.
• Leading LIFT’s risk management.
• Leading an effective communications strategy including ensuring effective relations with stakeholders to LIFT.
• Representing LIFT in the UNOPS Management Group (MG) to ensure coordination, effective delivery and information sharing.
• Other duties as directed or as may be necessary as a member of the UNOPS MG to ensure the effective delivery of the Fund Manager's responsibilities.

Impact of Results

The Fund Director will provide strategic guidance and policy advice/dialogue, working in close consultation with the LIFT Fund Board. The incumbent will be responsible for achievement of the LIFT objectives as found in the LIFT Strategy and Description of Action.

** Education/Experience/Language requirements**

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in a subject related to rural development, business administration, public administration or international relations is required;
• First level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;**

Experience:

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in programme/project management is required.
• Solid experience managing large programmes at a strategic level with financial oversight is required.

• Solid experience of managing, or having a worked in a senior position with a large multi-donor fund is desirable

• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, Non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required

• Solid experience of working in rural development and on cross cutting agendas like nutrition is desirable

• Working experience and knowledge and in Myanmar will be a strong asset. Previous experience in South and/or South-east Asia will also be an asset.

• Experience and understanding of working in fragile states is an asset.

• Experience of sector wide approaches in the agriculture or rural development sector will be an asset.

• Knowledge of public sector financial rules, procurement and/or grant-making practices will be an asset.

• Prior experience in public policy dialogue/development at a high level Experience in transition economies would be an asset.

• Knowledge of aid architecture is essential with previous experience working in Grants Management is required

Language requirements:
Fluency in English is required;
Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.

** Functional competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning

• In-depth knowledge of rural development-related issues.

• Ability to advocate and provide strategic policy advice.

• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas of UNOPS, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

• Ability to build partnerships with public sector, UN Agencies, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations.

• Promotes a learning culture for LIFT and its partners

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.

• Ability to lead implementation, M&E of development programmes and projects.

  📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

• Ability to lead implementation of new systems and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change.

• Excellent conceptual and analytical abilities and an analytic approach to information management

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.

• As a UNOPS MG member, ensures that LIFT activities are effectively integrated and benefit from internal synergies.

• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills.

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.

• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

• Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, creation of new approaches.

** 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.

** Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Contract level: International Professional Category (P6)
Contract duration: 1 year, 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

** Additional Considerations

• 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.

** 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.