Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for some of the largest development Programmes in the country. 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, including international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. 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.

Project Information

LIFT is embarking on a new strategic period for 2024-2028. The LIFT 2024-2028 Strategy builds on the achievements of LIFT's experience as well as recent adaptations and learning in the face of a changing and dynamic context. The new Strategy outlines an approach to tackle structural drivers of poverty and vulnerability, while also considering immediate interventions to secure and maintain Myanmar's previous development gains. LIFT has proven itself as a key delivery partner across Myanmar’s changing contexts – ranging from post-Nargis recovery, a time of political transition, and relief support during COVID-19. 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, Norway, and Denmark.

Job Specific:

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Programme Management Officer will support the execution of targeted strategies focused on specific regions. The incumbent in this position should ensure and support the implementation, adaptation, and sustainability of the deliverables related to LIFT´s mandate across the regions he/she will serve.

Functional Responsibilities
Support Programme Management and Monitoring

Contribute to the development of program design requirements in support of LIFT Strategy implementation, collaborating with team members to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Assist in the establishment and monitoring of work plans, tracking progress alongside the geographic team and partners to ensure deliverables are met in line with set timelines and budgetary constraints.

Support the evaluation of proposals, ensuring that they are consistent with LIFT Strategy priorities, technically sound, and responsive to identified needs and contextual requirements.

Assist in monitoring the implementation of activities, including reviewing budgets, cash flow, and obligations to ensure smooth operations and proactive identification of any issues for escalation.

Assist with the preparation of reports and documentation in accordance with UNOPS procedures, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. Stakeholder Engagement and Management

Build and maintain relationships with key program stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication regarding program progress, activities, and other relevant information.

Coordinate with internal LIFT teams to support the effective exchange of information and foster a collaborative presence of LIFT in priority areas defined by the LIFT Strategy.

Assist in managing communications with stakeholders to ensure awareness of the program's activities and objectives, responding to queries and providing necessary updates. Knowledge Building and Sharing

Support in consolidating internal and external insights, including research and lessons learned, to support ongoing program activities where necessary.

Apply established concepts and sector best practices in support of program design and delivery, contributing to the refinement of methodologies and practices.

Actively participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives across teams, encouraging continuous learning and reflection to improve program execution.

Assist in implementing insights related to emerging sector trends and innovations to improve program performance, ensuring the program remains responsive to new developments.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A Master’s Degree preferably in Agriculture, Nutrition, Natural Resource Management, Political or Social Sciences, or a related field is required.

A relevant Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the fields above, and two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master´s degree.


Certifications:

PRINCE2® Foundation or Practitioner is an asset.

Programme or Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) is highly desirable.


Experience:

A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in programme/project management, implementation, or coordination is required.

Experience in programme implementation on the following thematic areas: food security, livelihoods, agriculture, nutrition, or similar fields relevant to LIFT is required.

Stakeholder management is highly desirable.

Knowledge and experience in Project Management Methodologies such as Prince 2, Agile, or Six Sigma is an advantage.

Experience working with the UN or international organizations is highly desirable.

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (e.g. MS Office newer versions, Google Suite Applications) is required.


Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.

Proficiency in Burmese is required.

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: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA-8
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. 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 Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

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 ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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