UNOPS Head of Programme Jobs in Kenya

UNOPS Head of Programme Jobs in Kenya

Background Information

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, 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.

Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa.

This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.

The Head of Programme reports directly to the Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMCO) Director who provides direction and general supervision. The Head of Programme is responsible for programme development planning and preparation and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility.

The role contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results:

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

Programme development and planning

Manage programme resources

Partnership networking and advocacy

Knowledge management and innovation

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring:

Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Kenya Multi Country Office Director and through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.

Establish and execute the programme 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 according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.

Supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) 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 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 development and planning:

Support the KEMC Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the KEMC 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 KEMC 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 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 KEMC 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.

Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms

and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

Manage programme resources:

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

Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and KEMC financial goals.

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 resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

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

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

Foster a positive work environment, 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 Partnerships Manager to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.

Contribute to current and future growth plans for the KEMC, ensuring alignment with the UNOP Strategic Plan.

Support and guide 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 KEMC Director participate and/or represent the KEMC Office 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 environment.

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 engineering, project management, public administration, social science or other relevant related field is required.

A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements required above

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years of cumulative experience in Project Management, including managing diverse portfolios including engineering, or humanitarian or development projects is required;

Strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.

Experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.

At least three (3) years progressive leadership experience including supervising teams and managing budgets is required.

Experience in fragile and/or complex operational environments is desired.

Civil/Infrastructure engineering background is highly desired.

Certifications:

Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP)

Language:

Fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of second UN working language desirable.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; UNOPS Head of Programme Jobs in Kenya

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