Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Closing date: 09 Mar 2016
Vacancy code: VA/2016/B5001/9649
Position title: Programme Manager
Contract level: P4 ( ICS-11)
Department/office: PSC, Peace & Security Centre
Duty station: Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Contract type: Fixed Term
Duration: 12 Months (Extension subject to performance and availability of Funds)
Application period: 01-Mar-2016 to 09-Mar-2016.
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background Information - PSC
Peace and Security Cluster
The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.
It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.
Background Information - Job-specific
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered nearly two decades of turmoil, particularly in the eastern provinces. The use of landmines was a feature during the conflict and Explosive Remnants of War from the fighting remain a hazard.
UNMAS established its presence in the DRC in 2002 to provide support to the Peacekeeping Mission (MONUSCO) and to conduct humanitarian mine action. It continues to work with all actors involved in mine action, and weapons and ammunition management and safety issues.
Functional Responsibilities
Dual reporting lines: the incumbent of this position will report to UNMAS Chief of Programme Planning and Management Section, and ultimately to UNMAS Director on designing and implementing field programmes in accordance with UNMAS mandate and strategy, and will report to Director, Peace and Security Cluster on operational management, efficient/effective use of resources and compliance against the UN and UNOPS rules and regulations.
The Programme Manager will provide leadership on policy, technical matters, institutional development, and capacity development as determined in the Mine Action strategy. Working with UNMAS, UNOPS and specifically the national mine action and ERW institutions, the Programme Manager is responsible for the following:
•Responsible for developing and maintaining a mine action concept of operations and a mine action plan under the guidance of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) or the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and in cooperation with peacekeeping and political missions, UN agencies, local authorities and other relevant partners. The Programme Manager will advise DPKO, and other UN agencies and the local authorities on all aspects of a comprehensive mine action programme, including coordination, institutional arrangements, information management, quality management, clearance, survey, marking, risk reduction education and resource mobilisation. When required, in consultation with UNMAS, he/she may advise and assist local authorities in establishing and/or supporting national mine action programmes;
•Provide advice to the mine action and ERW institutions in developing priorities, work programmes, quarterly reports, annual accounts and annual reports of the mine action and ERW institutions to the respective authorities, donors and other international partners, and UN Agencies;
•Advise the national mine action and ERW institutions on co-ordination mechanisms and maintenance of relationships with local administrations and organisations charged with mine action and ERW related issues;
•Provide mine action technical advice to Peace Keeping and/or Political missions (SRSG, DSRSG, RC and/or Force Commander) and the country team, and will work closely with the Peace Keeping and/or Political missions and the country team, SRSG, DSRSG and/or RC in determining priority tasks for mine action in the country;
•Provide technical advice and guidance to other UN agencies and partners when requested;
•Responsible for establishing and maintaining a database of landmine and ERW-related information, and a master map of mine-affected areas. DMAS/PM actively seeks the information necessary to update and refine this database. He/she will act as the point of contact for, UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations and other organizations seeking information on the mine/ERW situation;
•Manage the overall implementation of the mine action and ERW component, as outlined in the current Strategy Document, and amend the document, as may be necessary, for approval by the relevant parties;
•Ensure that all mine action and ERW activities are implemented in accordance with the current UN InterAgency Mine Action Strategy, and the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS);
•Advise on the development of national institutions (including the; selection, organization, training and equipping of appropriately-sized capacities) that enable them to manage, coordinate and implement appropriate responses to the current and residual landmine and ERW threat;
•Participate in the integration and co-ordination of bilateral projects and support in the overall framework of the mine action and ERW component of the Programme that support the achievements of capacity building;
•Monitor and report on the establishment, maintenance and operating of Mine Action Information Management Systems (IMSMA);
•Design and draft project documents including; proposals, Letters of Agreements (LOA) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU);
•Approve draft Statements of Work (SOW) for inclusion in Requests for Proposals (RFP) issued by UNOPS for proposed mine action and ERW activities in the projects target country;
•Approve technical, safety and quality standards for mine clearance and ERW operations, in accordance with accepted international standards for humanitarian and emergency assistance;
•Provide monitoring and management support to project financial, HR, logistics and administration activities in conjunction with UNOPS;
•Depending on the role this position will be assigned to within the project administration setup in a specific country/programme (i.e. office structure, DOAs, ATLAS functions, segregation of duties, etc.), the incumbent will have responsibilities determined by UNOPS rules and regulations embodied in its regulatory framework - Organizational Directives, Administrative Instructions and other documents as periodically issued and updated by UNOPS. Reporting lines with regards to compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations are ultimately to UNOPS Chief Mine Action Cluster through Portfolio Manager. In addition, division of responsibilities when it comes to administrative processes in support of the programme objectives will be as determined for each country office and confirmed in writing by UNOPS Chief of Mine Action Cluster;
•Establish the donor support arrangements for the mine action and ERW component of the Programme and assist in the formulation resource mobilization strategies;
•Provide input to the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) and the annual Portfolio of Mine Action Projects;
•Provide (UNOPS, UNDP and/or UNMAS) with monthly, biannual, and annual reports on progress, project status, resource requirements, and future plans as required;
•The Programme Manager is responsible for the reporting on external assistance provided to the project;
•The Programme Manager will report directly to the (UNDP or UNMAS) on policy and general project issues as well as to the UNOPS concerning implementation of the project and on technical matters of mine action and ERW;
•The Programme Manager will report to the senior management of the peacekeeping and political missions, where relevant, on in-country peacekeeping strategy and policy issues;
•This position may also entail safety and security responsibilities within the region of operation to include the protection of all UNOPS personnel, assets, property and information belonging to UNOPS and/or UN.
Competencies
•Leadership – Proven supervisory ability and/or technical leadership. Ability to maintain effective working relations both as a team member and team leader.
•Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
•Planning and Organizing – Ability to manage, organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
•Judgement and Decision Making – Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment and decision making skills.
•Communication – Strong spoken and written communication skills.
•Creativity – Strong analytical and problem solving skills and ability to handle a range of management and coordination issues.
•Commitment to Continuous Learning – Willingness to keep abreast of new developments.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
An advanced university Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or a First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience (equivalent Military Staff College qualification also accepted); or Military Experience at the Officer level with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience;
•At least 7 years work experience in management (including programme management, operations, planning, administration, financial management and implementation);
•A minimum of two years’ experience in mine action or humanitarian programmes, in one or more countries, at strategic and management level;
•A proven record in management and administration as well as in public relations at a senior level;
•Knowledge of mine action and the international mine action standards is highly desirable;
•Fluency in English both oral and written is required;
•Fluency in French language is highly desirable;
•Demonstrated ability to live in hardship condition.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA)
Contract level: P4 (ICS11)
Contract duration: 1 year ( extension subject to performance and availability of funds)
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
Additional Considerations
•Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
•Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
•Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
•For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
•The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits.
Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
How to apply:
For more information about the application procedures please click on the following link: https://gprs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=9649