Programme Management Specialist – Education and Social Inclusion

Position description

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures, and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions, and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.

The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation, and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process. If we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full administrative and financial responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UNAOC Director, and the coordination of the Chief, Programming Unit and the the Project Management Specialist’s duties will include:

• Design and develop projects and initiatives related to education, , and social inclusion, ensuring alignment with UNAOC’s strategic priorities and Action Plan;
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to identify gaps and opportunities for projects’ intervention and draft project proposals, concept notes, and funding applications to secure financial and technical support;
• Follow up on the implementation of projects, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget;
• Develop work plans, monitor progress, and adjust plans as necessary to achieve project objectives and provide support to all logistics needed for projects’ implementation;
• Coordinate with implementing partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to ensure effective delivery and impact;
• Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, documenting lessons learned and best practices;
• Develop knowledge products, including toolkits, guidelines, and case studies, to support the dissemination of project results;
• Organize training sessions, workshops, and seminars to build capacities of youth, educators, and community leaders;
• Provide substantive content to syllabus of training modules and identify experts in designing those modules;
• Identify and pursue opportunities for resource mobilization, including partnerships with donors and sponsors;
• Prepare progress reports, donor reports, and briefing notes and maintain accurate records of project activities, budgets, and documentation in accordance with UNAOC’s policies;
• Coordinate and provide input to the content of UNAOC website and other electronic (internet, social media, etc.) outreach efforts with the Communications staff to highlight the visibility pertaining to the assigned projects.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced University degree (Masters’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, international education, social science, human rights, public policy or in a field related to the post description with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR

A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, international education, social science, human rights, public policy or in a field related to the post description with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Work Experience

Required experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as work experience in project support or management.
• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience with international organizations or international non-governmental organizations.

Desirable (the following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

• Proven knowledge of international relations, particularly matters related to the United Nations, and intercultural issues, including trends in cross-cultural dialogue and international education.
• Knowledge of youth issues, international education issues, and gender issues in an international context.
• Experience with research management, analysis, and drafting of documents on complex issues.
• IT proficiency, including familiarity with tools and platforms supporting digital innovation and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas: data analytics, digital innovation, foresight methodologies, behavioral science, or organizational culture change.

Language

• Fluency in English (write, speak and read)is required.
• Knowledge of other UN working languages is desired.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2)/ICS10
Contract duration: Open-ended (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration). 

Application instructions

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