Programme Manager

The Programme Manager will be an integral part of the Community Development Programme which was established to enable community-oriented response activities along the humanitarian-development spectrum in a conflict context. The Programme Manager will be responsible for supporting civil society organisations, NGOs and INGOs to implement projects and activities that support communities in need.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager (Programme Lead), the Programme Manager will oversee the day-to-day implementation and monitoring and evaluation of programme grants. The incumbent will be expected to:

Programme Management

• Support the Senior Programme Manager through the day-to-day management of the Community Development Programme (CDP);
• Coordinate proposal evaluation processes and engage with selected partners to refine proposals into projects aligned with the overall programme strategy;
• In collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager, lead grant contracting processes with support from UNOPS’ Grants team and ensure that planned activities are feasible, impactful and follow a realistic work plan; that proposal budgets are appropriate and cost-efficient, and that due diligence processes are followed in line with UNOPS rules and procedures;
• In collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager, ensure that partners’ projects are implemented effectively to a high standard; that they adhere to UNOPS’ systems, processes and guidelines; and that they achieve their intended outcomes;
• Support the Senior Programme Manager to manage performance in the areas of finance (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, programmes/administration (including audits), and procurement operations;
• Support the Senior Programme Manager to ensure that principles of human rights, conflict sensitivity, gender equity, peace, voice and accountability, ‘do no harm’ and aid effectiveness are applied in all activities associated with the programme;
• Maintain the programme risk register and ensure risks are adequately identified and mitigated;
• Oversee project  evaluations and audits in line with the CDP’s MEAL Framework and Operational Guidelines.

Meal

• Work with selected partners to ensure they have a coherent and well-considered, actor-centred theory of change;
• With support from the MEAL team, lead the formulation of partner MEAL frameworks in consultation with partners at the project outset;
• Ensure that partner MEAL systems adequately incorporate community feedback mechanisms and utilize the information to adapt project activities accordingly;
• Ensure periodic check-ins on the CDP’s programmes/projects, utilizing MEAL data to inform changes in programmatic direction;
• Develop and maintain an information and knowledge management system with assistance from the MEAL team, including a system for aggregating MEAL results from partners, and a database of lessons learned that can be shared with project stakeholders.
• Remain up to date on national and international literature on the Nexus and humanitarian-development-peace programming best practices that can be incorporated in the CDP’s approach.
• Participate in UNOPS and external communities of practice and contribute to broader discussions on best practices.
• Support the Senior Programme Manager in drafting programme reports for CDP donors.

Partner Management

• Participate in communications with partners at all stages of the project cycle;
• Ensure effective coordination and communication between partners working in CDP projects;
• Build and maintain relationships with programme stakeholders, including implementing partners, community beneficiaries, and external organizations;
• Ensure that partner relations are equitable and that power imbalances, particularly between national and international partners, are mitigated;
• As necessary, develop a capacity support system to assist local partners in applying for CDP funding and project implementation.

Knowledge Management:

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS organizational policy;
• Ensure all reporting requirements as per legal agreement as well as internal UNOPS rules are met;
• Support the Senior Programme Manager to maintain critical programme records/documents on the UNOPS Google Shared Drive (online audit / record retention folder);
• Support the Senior Programme Manager to ensure that all programme activities comply with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules;
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building, implement and organise capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

People Management:

• Manage the Programme Management Officer and Senior Grants Analyst and interns;
• Ensure that personnel behaviour is consistent with UN values;
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted;
• Take part in selection, recruitment and training of the team as required;
• Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards;
• Represent the programme on behalf of the Senior Programme Manager when required.

 Education Experience Language requirements:

Education: 

• A Master’s degree preferably in international development, law, human rights, business management, peace studies, sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree preferably in the above fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Work Experience:  

• A minimum five (5) years of experience in project/programme development or management,or in related fields is required.
• Experience providing technical expertise in conflict analysis, peace building and reconciliation, early recovery, livelihoods, and/or humanitarian response is  required.
• Proven ability to write analytical and summative reports in English is required.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects or programmes is essential.
• Experience working in fragile or conflict-affected country settings, particularly South East Asia, is an asset.
• Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, civil society and/or labour organizations and/or other development stakeholders is considered an asset.

Language: 

• Fluency in both written and spoken English  is required.
• Knowledge of an additional UN language is desirable.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=29568#2