Senior Programme Manager (Business Transformation and Digitalization Programme)

Job Description

Background Information – UNOPS

Business Transformation and Digitalization Programme (BTD Programme)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is embarking on a digital transformation journey to enhance its operational efficiency, effectiveness, and agility. The BTD Program aims to overhaul processes, systems, and capacity of personnel so the organization can leverage innovative digital technologies and solutions. To support the Digital Transformation Director with the implementation of this ambitious program, UNOPS is seeking a highly skilled and experienced BTD Programme Manager.

A programme team is being established to provide business driven leadership for and support to UNOPS digital/business transformation. This requires a deep understanding of the organisation, it’s tools and processes, both at the strategic as well as the operational levels; as well as a consultative and facilitative approach, to process re-engineering, development of digital systems and reporting.

The BTD Programme is expected to last four (4) years.

Role of the BTD Senior Programme Manager

The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for managing the implementation of the digital transformation initiatives within UNOPS, under the supervision of the BTD Programme Director. The primary objective is to drive the successful adoption and integration of digital technologies across the organization to enable enhanced service delivery, operational excellence, and increased organizational performance.
The key functions of the role include:

• Leading the main programme of the BTD Programme
• Ensuring UNOPS’s BTD Programme is effectively planned and managed, including implementing the structures, tools and techniques to facilitate project implementation, governance, monitoring and quality assurance.
• Facilitating the development of the appropriate standards, best practices and lessons learned, in particular when it comes to programme planning, stakeholder management, issue and risk management.

The Senior Programme Manager reports to the BTD Programme Director, who provides broad supervision and guidance. The Senior Programme Manager will oversee all projects and initiatives of the Program, manage the Digitalization portfolio and oversee Business Process Re-design and Change Management portfolio in collaboration with Senior Business Process Re-design Manager and Senior Change and Communications Manager.

This recruitment aims to fill an ongoing, full-time position based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Depending on actual needs, BTD Programme may decide to recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts with different working arrangements (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions).

**Functional Responsibilities

Strategy Development**

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to develop the BTD Programme Strategy and roadmap with the main focus and responsibility over the Digitalization aspect.
• Consolidate Strategy for the BTD Program Director and incorporate recommendations and inputs from stakeholders to ensure logical consistency, coherence internally (on the program level) and externally (on the practice level) as well as alignment with corporate strategy

Functional Tasks

• Review research and analysis of emerging digital technologies and trends relevant to UNOPS operations to identify use cases for new systems.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and digitization across various functional areas, with the support of the Senior Business Process Re-design Manager.
• Develop business cases and investment justifications for digital initiatives, considering cost, benefits, and risks.
• Develop endorsed business cases into projects to be managed under the BTD Program

Programme Plan Development

• Review and consolidate inputs from senior stakeholders for development of the BTD Program management plan, within the tolerances set by UNOPS Management Team.
• Provide high-technical advice to the senior stakeholders and project managers to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables, and ensure alignment with UNOPS strategic goals and objectives.
• Establish and operate program governance structures, including steering committees, working groups, and reporting mechanisms.
• Collaborating closely with the Business Transformation Advisor and Senior Change and Communications Manager to ensure smooth planning, execution and monitoring of the projects

Programme Management

• Lead the programme management of the BTD Programme, while maintaining and implementing appropriate standards and best practices.
• Design and deploy key digitization projects associated, including managing delivery of the programme’s outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
• Manage the programme and programme office to ensure performance in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilisation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations.
• Provide advice and support to all digitization projects, and collaborate closely with Senior Business Process Re-design Manager and Senior Change and Communications Manager inProcess Re-design and Change Management projects, in particular in cases of high impact and/or risk, helping the project manager/action owner in strengthening project governance structures and processes.

Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance

• Develop and establish systems to ensure effective planning, monitoring, forecasting, tracking delivery and benefits realization for UNOPS BTD Programme.
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues, and take appropiate mitigating measuresin consultation withe the Programme Director - BTD.
• Ensure related projects contribute to UNOPS strategic objectives and targets.
• Maintain progress reports as required and produce regular updates and presentations on behalf of the BTD Programme Director, tracking benefits (outcomes) to be realized and escalating relevant risks and issues that may hold up the adequate development of the programme.
• Ensure all digital transformation projects submit and regularly update specific milestones and targets for the duration of projects’ life-cycles, and track progress, or otherwise, against stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure the regular review of projects within the programme are carried out as per defined requirements.
• Track benefits (outcomes) to be realized and report to key stakeholders as required.
• Ensure there is adequate risk-based internal control system and mechanisms in place which are exercised on a regular basis as per UNOPS corporate policies and procedures.
• Identify threats and opportunities across the programme, and evaluate implications.
• Develop adequate quality management procedures and implement across the programme.
• Monitor and control program progress, identify risks and issues, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers from a fiduciary and contract management perspective.
• Support the BTD Programme Director to embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build strong relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders involved in the BTD program.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Regional Directors, Practices, IT, partnerships, procurement, finance, and HR, to ensure effective collaboration and alignment.
• Communicate program progress, benefits, and challenges to stakeholders at various levels within UNOPS.
• Formulate stakeholder engagement strategies related to the change and transformation portfolio.
• Help coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication for projects as required, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications across programmes and projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful program delivery and effective change management.

Change Management

• Lead development and oversee execution of communications and change management plans in collaboration with the Senior Change and Communications Manager and Senior Business Process Re-design Manager. Facilitate collaboration of Change and Transformation Unit with Project Management to develop change management plans at the project level to ensure smooth adoption of reengineered processes and to foster a culture of process excellence and continuous improvement across UNOPS.
• Reviews and provide recommendations for the Change Management and Communications Strategy
• Identify and address barriers to change, promote awareness, and engage stakeholders in the transformation journey.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams and staff impacted by digital initiatives, including training and knowledge transfer.
• Monitor the effectiveness of programme communications and change management initiatives and collaborate with the Senior Change and Communications Manager on proposing solutions / potential improvements to the BTD Programme Director.

Team Leadership

• Establish team priorities, and supervise the implementation of work plans.
• Set team objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and client focused services. Monitor implementation and oversee progress.
• Plan and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure the cost effective and appropriate use of resources
• Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing the team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Plan, recruit and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of diversity, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Knowledge Management:

• Make recommendations on policy and tools and contribute to the development of guidance material that advances UNOPS strategic portfolio and project management goals.
• Contribute to organizational knowledge sharing, ensuring that lessons learnt across the change and transformation portfolio are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Actively interact with change practitioners to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful performance by the Senior Programme Manager would lead to the following impacts:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The successful implementation of digital initiatives would streamline and optimize UNOPS processes, leading to improved efficiency and productivity across the organization. This would result in cost savings, reduced manual workloads, and faster project delivery, ultimately increasing operational effectiveness.
• Improved Service Delivery: By leveraging digital technologies, UNOPS would be able to enhance its service offerings to its partners and stakeholders. The Programme Manager’s efforts would lead to the development of innovative solutions, improved data analytics capabilities, and increased transparency in project management, enabling UNOPS to provide high-quality services and meet evolving stakeholder expectations.
• Increased Organizational Performance: The successful adoption of digital technologies would enable UNOPS to achieve higher levels of organizational performance. By automating manual processes, reducing errors, and optimizing resource allocation, the Programme Manager would contribute to improved project outcomes, better financial management, and increased client satisfaction, positioning UNOPS as a leading global project services organization.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: The Programme Manager’s focus on digital transformation would foster a culture of collaboration and effective communication within UNOPS. Through the implementation of digital tools and platforms, the Programme Manager would facilitate seamless information sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge management, promoting innovation, synergy, and teamwork among staff members.
• Strategic Alignment and Future Readiness: The Programme Manager’s successful fulfillment of objectives would align UNOPS with emerging trends and future demands in the digital landscape. By helping develop a robust digital strategy and roadmap, the Programme Manager would ensure that UNOPS remains agile, adaptable, and technologically advanced, positioning the organization as a leader in digital transformation within the UN system for project services.
• Positive External Perception: Achieving the objectives of the Digital Transformation Program would enhance UNOPS’s reputation and image among external stakeholders, including partner organizations, donors, and the wider development community. UNOPS would be recognized as an innovative, technology-driven organization committed to leveraging digital solutions for sustainable development, attracting new partnerships, funding opportunities, and talent.

Overall, the impact of a successful Digital Transformation Programme Manager would be transformative for UNOPS, driving efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation throughout the organization and positioning it for long-term success in the digital era.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• An advanced degree preferably in Economics, Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, or other related field.
• A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
• Project or Programme Management certification (i.e. PRINCE2, MSP, PMP) is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant and progressive professional experience in portfolio and/or programme management and/or project management, is required.
• Direct experience in implementing BTD Programmes in an organisation is required. Experience with implementation of Tier 1 ERP system in an international organisation is highly desirable or large scale digital transformation experience.
• Experience managing larger teams is desirable.
• Experience working in a multicultural and international environment is required.
• Experience working with UNOPS projects and UNOPS processes is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language (French, Spanish) is an asset.

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. 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.

About the Organization

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.

UNOPS has operated as a self-financing entity within the UN system since 1994. Throughout this time, UNOPS has successfully delivered services to other UN entities as well as a variety of partners. UNOPS has, over the years, undertaken the delivery of increasingly complex engagements such as project implementation services for large physical infrastructure projects, multifaceted public health projects, and highly complex procurement assignments.

Recent years have seen a transformational shift within UNOPS in all areas. Together with the steadily increasing size of UNOPS portfolio, UNOPS leadership structures, management practices, oversight mechanisms, as well as UNOPS ability to collaborate and manage knowledge have all made giant strides forward.

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.