Senior Programme Manager

Background Information - Job-specific

\ FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY\

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.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

The [Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC)]) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

It was formed by combining the following portfolios:

Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York.

The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the UN Digital Cooperation Multi-Partner Trust Fund (Administered by UNDP MPTFO) to implement project activities for the Office of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Technology.

The Office of the UN Secretary-General's Tech Envoy (OSET) is dedicated to advancing the United Nations' digital cooperation agenda, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all of humanity while mitigating associated risks.

The office serves as a bridge between the UN system, member states, the tech community, and other stakeholders, promoting partnerships and harnessing technology for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Secretary-General's report "Our Common Agenda" issued in September 2021 prioritizes the digital space and the need to "protect the online space and strengthen its governance".

It also proposes a Global Digital Compact to be developed through a multistakeholder track.

OSET leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology, while mitigating the risks.

The incumbent of this position will be a staff member of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager, coordinating with the Senior Portfolio Manager, will meet with relevant stakeholders in the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology to outline planned and ongoing deliverables and ensure that their deadlines are realistic and aligned with relevant workflows.

Summary of Key Functions:

Project and Program Management:

Technical support:

Stakeholder Engagement:

Project and Programme Management:

Provides leadership for the Office's DPI and Open Source (Digital Commons), and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams—develops project objectives, scope, and strategies, and delivers outcomes.

• Develops and oversees strategic plans for Digital Commons and SDG workstreams, ensuring alignment with broader UN objectives, and provides leadership and direction to multidisciplinary teams in order to achieve respective programme objectives.
• Manages the entire project lifecycle of the Digital Commons and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams and collaborates with the Office's leadership and programme management support to coordinate staffing, finances, and wider project management.
• Establishes robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track project progress and impact. Reports on progress to UN bodies and stakeholders, using data and analytics to inform decisionmaking and improve program effectiveness.
• Supports the Office's AI Governance workstream and coleads specific work packages, particularly through injecting a high degree of technical expertise.

Technical support:
Serves as the lead of project technology implementations and manages technology inquiries.

• Serves as a point of contact for technologyrelated inquiries within the United Nations system, as well as for donors, press, and external partners.
• Manages the development of application and website products under all three workstreams, such as the continuous development of toolkits to be hosted on externalfacing websites.
• Creates a common taxonomy via an ontological approach to AI governance terminology.
• Advises on the Office's workstream on AI capability building for the economic development and welfare of developing countries.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Supports the management of relationships with external stakeholders and advises on the Office's DPI, Open Source, and Capacity Building for AI for SDGs workstreams in senior fora.

• Liaises with key stakeholders, such as potential donors, and presents the Office's workstreams.
• Manages relationships with external stakeholders, donors, and industry experts to leverage their expertise and support for OSET initiatives.
• Supports global partnerships, engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors, in particular in Arabic and Frenchspeaking contexts.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities relevant to the scope of this position.

Impact of Results

The Senior Programme Manager's efforts are pivotal in advancing OSET's central initiatives in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Open Source, and AI Capacity Building for SDGs.

Therefore, this role is critical for the implementation of the Secretary-General's Road Map for Digital Cooperation and fulfilling the broader objectives of the Office.

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

\ FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY \*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science or mathematics or related field is required.
• A firstlevel university degree ( Bachelor's degree) in combination with an additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Required Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience of working on big data and AI, related infrastructure and applications is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years experience managing technology implementations using natural language processing and big data analytics is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of deployment of AI solutions in the developing country contexts

is required.

Desired Experience:
The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply

• Recent experience working on data and artificial intelligence governance, including the application of ethical frameworks, handling of biases in datasets, sandboxing, and engagement with stakeholders, is desirable.
• Artificial intelligence governance experience across multiple jurisdictions, including in the developing country contexts, is desirable.
• Experience in evaluating/deploying artificial intelligence technology in complex societal domains such as agriculture, health, education, and public policy is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (speak, write, read) is required.
• Fluency in French (speak, write, read) is required.
• Fluency in Arabic (speak, write, read) is desired.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type:
Fixed-term staff contract

Contract level:
P5

Contract duration:
'One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link*:*

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.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.

Work life harmonization

• UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on worklife harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.
• 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 will be based in New York, USA which is 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. 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.

---