Senior Portfolio Manager

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.

It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients.

The Director is responsible for administering and providing 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.

Background Information - Job-specific

Within the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) of the New York Portfolios Office (NYPO), the Senior Portfolio Manager / Head of Programme oversees a number of country offices (called Project Units).

Each Project Unit is managed by a Head of Project Unit (HPU), who serves as Project Manager for one or more projects within the country or territory.

The Senior Portfolio Manager / Head of Programme serves as Project Executive and supervises Project Managers (HPUs). The role also supervises one or more Programme Support Specialists (PSS).

The Senior Portfolio Manager / Head of Programme performs a multi-disciplinary mix of programme and project management, oversight, assurance and control activities to ensure Project Managers deliver projects within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits, in accordance with organizational standards and rules.

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of PSC, the Senior Portfolio Manager / Head of Programme will carry out following duties:

1. Programme / project design and planning

• In line with agreed responsibilities with partners and depending on Project Unit capacities, lead and/or oversee the work in developing or contributing to the following types of programme and project design documents:
• Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.);
• Programme and Project Plans and Budgets (e.g. nature of threat; logical frameworks; resources required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.);
• Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.);
• Resource Mobilization Strategy and partnership outreach (e.g. monitor trends humanitarian and development needs to identify potential areas of intervention;
• Project proposals to donors.
• Ensure that projects are implementable from a substantive, financial, and compliance point of view.
• Manage escalated risks and issues arising in the project / programme development phase.

2. Programme / project implementation and closure

• Oversee projects through the role of Project Executive (including implementation through thirdparty contractors and grantees), review progress, conduct oversight travel to programmes, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC Director, for action and/or intervention.
• Ensure projects are implemented and closed in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:
• Financial and procurement rules;
• Contract and grant management policies;
• Project management standards;
• Health, safety, social and environmental standards;
• Gender parity and mainstreaming policies;
• Information management systems and standards;
• Organizational design standards and human resources policies;
• Mine action technical standards (with support from technical experts as necessary).
• Mentor and assist Project Managers (HPUs) in execution, delivery, and closure of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.
• Manage escalated risks and issues arising during programme / project implementation and closure.
• Support and advise the PSC Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the Cluster and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.
• Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Cluster financial goals.

3. Leadership and management

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible Programme/Project Management and Support Team with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team 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.
• Create, foster and rolemodel a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment 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.
• Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys.

4. 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 partnership development function by identifying and developing new partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with partnership colleagues to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.
• Contribute to current and future growth plans for the PSC Director, ensuring alignment with the UNOP Strategic Plan.
• Support the communication function within PSC 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.

5. Knowledge management and innovation

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones.
• Liaise with the portfolio / programme management office (or equivalent) 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.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

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. 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. 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

• Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) is required with seven years of relevant experience.

OR

• First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience.

Experience
Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, peace operations, or development contexts. - A minimum of two years of leadership experience working in mine action is required.

• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.
• Experience working in developing countries is desired.

Language Requirements

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

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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Staff
• Contract level: ICS11 (P4, IICA3, LICA11 equivalent)
• Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

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