Senior Programme Manager

Job Description

• Duty station: Tirana, Albania
• Application deadline: 5-Jul-2020
• Women are encouraged to apply

Functional Responsibilities Programme/project governance, implementation and monitoring

• Accept responsibility for project management and governance, as delegated by the VIEMCO Director.

• Establish and execute the programme/project implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and client-oriented services.

• Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme/project(s) according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.

• Supervise the respective project teams to ensure that project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.

• Mentor and assist Project Managers/Engineers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

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

• Develop and implement the programme governance framework.

Programme/project development and planning

• Support the VIEMCO Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme/project(s) and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

• Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the VIEMCO Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.

• Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the VIEMCO Director areas for UNOPS engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.

• Manage and oversee the preparation of programme/project documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the VIEMCO Director.

• Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

• As the Gender Focal Point for the VIEMCO Director, ensure that the Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan is actioned and timely implemented, that the office has required gender mainstreaming capacity and knowledge, and that gender is mainstreamed into relevant projects, programs, and processes.

Manage programme/project resources

• Plan and propose to the VIEMCO Director, required programme resources (human and financial).

• Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and VIEMCO financial goals.

• Work with VIEMCO HoSS to determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.

• Manage programme/project resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme/project personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams in terms of gender, geography and to assist office consolidation.

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme/project team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Foster a positive work environment, be respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys.

Partnership, networking and advocacy

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.

• Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.

• Collaborate with the VIEMCO Director to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.

• Contribute to current and future growth plans in support of the VIEMCO Director, ensuring alignment with the UNOP Strategic Plan.

• Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of UNOPS goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results.

• At the request of the VIEMCO Director, participate in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.

• Institutionalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

• Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environments.

• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:

• A Master’s degree in project management, civil engineering, architecture or other relevant related field is required.

Certification:

• PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner an asset, but required completion within the first 12 months of onboarding.
• Programme/Project Management Professional certification (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in managing complex infrastructure projects with socio-economic elements in a large public or private sector organization is required.
• Experience in implementing complex EU funded projects is a must, preferably with experience in managing extensive communications requirements.
• Experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, incl. the coordination of joint UN projects is highly desired.
• Past work experience with the UN/UNOPS and/or similar international/multicultural organization will be considered a strong asset.
• Expertise in projects involving tangible heritage buildings, places and monuments highly desired.
• Work experience in Albania or the Western Balkans and/or a good understanding of the country context will be considered a strong advantage.
• Experience dealing with government officials in strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of Albanian and/or Italian language is an asset.

About the Organization

Background: VIEMCO Unit

The Vienna Multi-Country Office (VIEMCO) was set up in August 2019 as a part of the UNOPS Europe & Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, VIEMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure

• Procurement

• Project Management (full service, back on track)

• HR and Transactional Services

• Grant Management

• Technical and Advisory Services

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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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
• 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.