Background Information - Job-specific
Country-Specific Information UNOPS
Thailand supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Located in Bangkok, the team supports UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations, and governments throughout the region. We provide a range of services, including human resources (HR), financial management, procurement and project implementation services.
UNOPS Thailand delivers large-scale and high volume transactional HR services on behalf of global partners. To best serve partners needs, our team utilizes standardized and unified systems and processes to ensure the highest quality of services and cost-effectiveness for partners.
Project-Specific Information The Integrated Response for Resilience (IRR), based in Thailand, is designed to advance sustainable livelihoods and strengthen agricultural food systems and value chains.
The IRR operates with a strategic focus on the following pillars:
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Management Specialist will be responsible for the following key functions:
Coordination of activities across the Fund Project Implementation, Financial, and Procurement Management Project Management and Maturity Improvement
1) Coordination of activities across the Fund:
Support the Senior Programme Manager with action tracking and ensuring implementation of Fund decisions, compiling and reporting on KPIs, preparing materials for and responding to donor requests; Develop and maintain dashboards and information analysis as needed by the Senior 1 Programme Manager or Fund Board; Support the Senior Programme Manager in the management of activities across the portfolio of projects, including support to development and implementation of strategies, policies, annual work planning, standard operating procedures, briefings, working papers; Manage events, meetings, consultants and technical experts as needed by the Senior Programme Manager; Ensure strong coordination between UNOPS/IRR’s Fund Management Office/FMO and the UNOPS/Project Management Office/PMO, particularly between programmes and grants; Provide a strategic bridge and liaison to ensure smooth processes and services between UNOPS/IRR’s Fund Management Office/FMO and the UNOPS/Support Services Unit/SSU, which includes finance, HR, procurement, transport, security. 2) Project Implementation, Financial, and Procurement Management:
Evaluate proposals, including work plans and budgets, submitted by applicants, ensuring alignment with UNOPS/IRR policy and priorities and taking into account activities by other donors; Review work plans and reports submitted by implementing partners, verifying soundness and compliance with contractual obligations; Conduct routine monitoring of project implementation (including regular field visits), assessing results, impact and budget performance. Provide recommendations for adjustments and draw lessons for wider application; Ensure timely feedback to and from IPs and beneficiaries, contributing to IRR’s monitoring, evaluation and learning. Synthesize lessons learned to improve project design and implementation; Contribute to reporting and the preparation of work plans and briefing materials, including analysis of partner data and development of visual aids for presentations and missions; Maintain strong engagement and collaboration with stakeholders, including civil society and partners, to promote effective coordination and exchange of good practices; Support implementing partners not only through coordination and capacity building, but also by assessing their institutional systems (e.g., finance, M&E, etc) and co-developing tailored improvement plans to strengthen their structures and service delivery; Provide hands-on or advisory support in the design and implementation of systems, tools and internal controls that enhance IPs’ effectiveness, accountability and compliance with donor and UNOPS standards; Facilitate structured exchanges and collaboration between IPs and local institutions to promote ownership, sustainability and integration; Ensure IRR strategic priorities (conflict sensitivity, gender, localization and risk management) are reflected in partner interventions and that appropriate support is provided; Monitor budgets and cash flow, reporting on obligations to ensure deliverables are met, in coordination with the PMO. Alert the Fund Director on financial risks and propose budget revisions or corrective actions as needed; Support the Senior Programme Manager in identifying and managing risks, including through OneUNOPS systems and coordination with the Fund Board; Coordinate implementation of recommendations from the Fund Board and donor reviews.
3. Project Management and Maturity Improvement:
Support the implementation of P3M3 and lead work packages or adjustments in areas requiring special attention, under the guidance of the PMO; Identify training needs and facilitate capacity development for IRR staff; Support the institutional development of implementing partners by enabling access to project management tools, strengthening governance systems and promoting peer learning across partners; Contribute to knowledge sharing and the dissemination of lessons learned to improve planning and strengthen local capacities.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
A Master's Degree in rural development, economics, social science, development studies or other relevant discipline is required. A combination of a Bachelor's Degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above. Certification in project management such as PRINCE2®, PMP, or equivalent is considered a strong asset. Additional training or certifications in organizational development, institutional capacity strengthening or grants management is desirable. Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in project or programme management, with demonstrated success in implementation and/or oversight of complex initiatives is required. Proven experience working with implementing partners (IPs), including support to capacity building, coordination, and institutional/system strengthening (e.g., finance, HR, procurement, M&E) is required. Ability to assess organizational capacity and support the development of tailored action plans, tools or systems that enhance IPs’ effectiveness, accountability and sustainability is required. Experience in grants management, donor coordination or multi-donor fund environments is desirable. Knowledge of UNOPS project management tools, financial and procurement rules and regulations, and financial management systems is an asset. Strong experience in data analysis, management reporting and project information systems is desirable. Previous experience in complex programme environments, preferably with a regional or multi-country scope is desirable. Prior experience working in Asia or with localized implementation models is desirable.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in a Myanmar language is considered an advantage. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
Contract level: IICA-2
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Important note: Should the selected candidate be a permanent resident or national of the duty station, they will be offered the local equivalent of the contract. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
This position is stationed and expected to perform in multiple cities of Thailand which will be a family duty station.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.