Programme Manager

The role of the Programme Manager focuses on alignment of the UN Global Pulse Network projects and activities with the priorities of the ‘UN 2.0’ vision outlined in the Secretary-General’s report ‘Our Common Agenda’ and other leadership priorities. As part of the alignment function, the Programme Manager serves in the Technical Secretariat of the UN Global Pulse Network Multi-Partner Trust Fund, providing essential support to the fund’s governance, reporting, and resources processes as defined in the Terms of Reference of the Fund.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager, UN Technology Support Services, and in close coordination with the UN 2.0 Programme Lead of the project partner, the UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General, the incumbent will execute the following duties:

1. UN Global Pulse strategic planning and thought leadership

2. UN Global Pulse leadership alignment

3. Technical Secretariat for the UN Global Pulse fund

4. Project and team coordination.

1.     UN Global Pulse Strategic Planning and Thought Leadership

• Coordinate and develop innovative strategic products for the implementation of the UN 2.0 vision, including relevant analyses, testing, and validation of assumptions, e.g. as part of action plans, roadmaps, and starter kits

• Ensure alignment of strategic products with multiple stakeholders across the UN system to validate assumptions and strengthening adoption of UN 2.0

• Proactively identify opportunities for catalytic implementation projects in support of the UN 2.0 vision, including e.g. campaigns, fellowships, or awards

• Liaise with UN 2.0 focal points and UN 2.0 communities of practice across the UN System to support UN 2.0 implementation progress and gather support for joint action across entities

2.     UN Global Pulse leadership alignment

• Serve as liaison between the Operational Steering Committee chair and the UN Global Pulse leadership team, ensuring appropriate flow of information, ongoing strategic alignment, and joint direction

• Prepare, facilitate, and continuously improve team coordination formats, including leadership team meetings, project update meetings, and monthly all-hands Town Hall meetings for the Global Pulse network

• Prepare and facilitate annual Global Pulse leadership team retreat including retrospective, visioning, and alignment on joint priorities

• Increase the visibility of Global Pulse results and offers among UN system senior leaders, especially among participating entities of the UN Global Pulse Network fund

• Actively contribute to partnership coordination and resource mobilization for the network

3.     Technical Secretariat for the UN Global Pulse fund

• Serve as Technical Secretariat focal point for the UN Global Pulse Network fund, ensuring delivery of secretariat functions as defined in the UN Global Pulse Network Terms of Reference

• Support the preparation of all UN Global Pulse governance mechanisms, including the operational steering committee and innovation advisory group

• Coordinate with all UN Global Pulse project teams for the timely delivery of project reports, in close alignment with the UN Global Pulse MEL team

4.     Project and team management

• Work closely with the leadership team and with counterparts at Regional Office to secure sufficient and relevant staffing for the network alignment project team to best deliver on planned activities.

• Supervise team members and support them in advancing their career development.

• Ensure regular team communication and joint activities are in place to foster a positive team spirit and relationships to Global Pulse and UN 2.0 teams. 

• Liaise and manage relationships with relevant senior experts and consultants to ensure delivery of set objectives to achieve the office and network priorities in the area of innovation capability and scaling.

Impact of Results  The Programme Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates.  This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in Economics, Sociology,  Political Science or related fields is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Required Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in strategic advisory and/or programme/portfolio management.
• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in the private sector.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in international organizations.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in support of initiatives in innovation, data, digital, foresight and/or  behavioural science skills and culture.