Back Programme Manager

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.

THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION, AND ONLY MYANMAR NATIONALS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Under the supervision of the Programme Management Specialist (Programme Operations and Coordination), the Programme Manager (Geographic Areas) will contribute and lead the design of targeted strategies focused on specific regions. The incumbent in this position should ensure the implementation, adaptation, and sustainability of the deliverables related to LIFT´s mandate across the regions he/she will serve.

The Programme Manager will also lead a team, to ensure the highest quality of deliverables and stakeholder engagement/management.

Establish and execute the Programme implementation plans in collaboration with the programme team and partners, including setting objectives, performance KPI´s, standards, and results expected to ensure timely delivery and client-oriented services.

Contribute to creating the strategy to effectively implement the Programme´s objectives in a smooth, timely, and cost-effective fashion.

Track the implementation of the Programme work plan according to LIFT´s objectives and partner expectations, following UNOPS rules and regulations.

Ensure proactive Programme and project risk identification, assessment, and implementation of mitigation measures.

Lead, mentor, and assist Programme Officers in planning, executing, and delivering projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

Create an efficient framework for Programme´s performance tracking and reporting.

Manage and oversee the preparation of Programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, Programme plans, and risk assessments. Team Leadership and Resource Management

Manage Programme resources following UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework, and financial sustainability.

Understand and map the Programme´s needs to recruit the most suitable talent to comply with the Donor's expectations.

Actively participate/lead regular capacity-building sessions to continuously update and upskill the team´s competencies and to ensure scaling performance as a regular practice.

Foster a positive work environment, respectful of every individual, and ensure that the highest standards of ethics and behaviors are observed within the team.

Ensure a quality and comprehensive execution of the performance management processes (PER´s, Feedbacks, etc).

Manage and track resource management (Budget/People/tools), ensuring respect and follow UNOPS processes. Partnerships & networking

Build a solid working relationship with the Programme´s key stakeholders.s.

Lead communications with stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the Programme´s activities, progress, and news.

Advise its stakeholders on issues that may impact achieving the expected outcomes.

Support business development by identifying and developing new business and partnership opportunities. Knowledge Management & Innovation

Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned to develop knowledge and build stakeholders' capacity.

Apply innovative approaches to support the implementation and delivery of effective and efficient initiatives.

Participate in capacity-building sessions to enhance the stakeholder´s capacity development.

Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.

Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Education:

A Master’s Degree preferably in Agriculture, Rural Development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, 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 5 years of relevant experience in Programme or Project management is required.

A minimum of 3 years of experience Leading or Advising Programmes, on food security, livelihoods, rural development, nutrition, or similar fields is required.

Experience as a Team Leader is required.

Stakeholder management is required.

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

Experience working with UN and International organizations is highly desirable.

Familiarity with the socio-political and economic context of Myanmar, including conflict-sensitive programming would be an asset. Language Requirements:

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist-10
Contract duration: Open-Ended (subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance)

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.