Background Information UNOPS Background Information Jobspecific

16/3/2015
Vacancy Details
Share
Tweet
Share
DISCLAIMER: The screening of your application will be conducted based on the information in your profile. Before applying, we
strongly suggest that you review your profile to ensure completeness, especially the education and experience sections.
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Details
Vacancy code
VA/2015/B0054/7082
Position title
Programme Support Officer
Level
ICS­10
Department/office
LCO, Office of the Regional Director
Duty station
Castries, Saint Lucia
Contract type
International ICA
Contract level
IICA­2
Duration
12 months
Application period
16­Mar­2015 to 26­Mar­2015
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Background Information ­ UNOPS
UNOPS 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.
Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects
ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments
and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing
national capacity.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development,
humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.
We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our
headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.
Background Information ­ Job­specific
In December 2012, UNOPS signed an agreement with Mexican Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SNC (Bancomext) for the administration
of the Infrastructure Fund for Mesoamerica and Caribbean Countries. Accordingly, Bancomext and the Government of Mexico, acting through
UNOPS, seek to support economic and social development, as well as regional integration in Central America and the Caribbean. UNOPS is
providing project management and infrastructure expertise and collaborates with the beneficiary countries for the implementation of the
https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=7082&media=print
1/5
16/3/2015
Vacancy Details
projects. Several countries within the Caribbean Region have requested the financial support of Mexico through a donation from the Fund and
there is currently a portfolio of 1 project approved in St Lucia, 4 projects pending approval in Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia and St Vincent, 4
projects in submission in StKitts, Grenada and St Lucia.
The approved project in St Lucia relates to the design and construction of an integrated and sustainable potable water solution in the area of
Dennery North. In this area, the population only receives water a couple of days a week, and the water is often led directly and untreated from
the river to the main. To resolve this situation there is a need to construct a new water intake and treatment plant, along with the required
transmission and distribution network.
Other projects with different funding sources are being pursed in the English Speaking Caribbean to expand UNOPS presence in this region.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Portfolio Manager (PM) the Programme Support Officer (PSO) provides administrative and
financial support to projects, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The PSO promotes a client­oriented approach
consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations. The PSO will work in close collaboration with the Regional Office of LCO and shall serve as
liaison focal point.
Functional Responsibilities
Support Services
Prepare Atlas Budgets in close liaison with Portfolio/Project Managers
Provide support to tracking of multiple projects and ensure efficient project budget utilization Monitor Project expenditure and liaise
closely with Finance to ensure all necessary budget functions are performed and funds are utilized in time.
Support the recruitment, training, supervision, management and deployment of international and national personnel in liaison with HR at
various levels to programmes and projects.
Ensure that requisitions are created according to projects’ requirements within the budget line limits in liaison with the Logistics &
Procurement Units when applicable. Liaising with the Procurement Unit for purchase orders, contracts, and payment requests when applicable. The clearance of payment requests prior to submission to Finance Unit;
Where required provide support to Portfolio/Project Managers in the preparation of work plans project documents, project proposals.
Be prepared to travel to assist in project development/budget with Portfolio/Project Managers where requested.
Work with Portfolio/Project Managers to establish measurable long/short term targets and monitor progress to measure performance.
Provide reporting and information on project status
Facilitate work and coach team, share knowledge and expertise in managing projects and operations.
Institutionalize knowledge sharing among colleagues and in interacting with clients and partners.
Advisory Support, Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
Advise project personnel on the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate operational rules, procedures and guidelines.
Provide expertise and support in implementation of UNOPS PM Methodology
Advise on preparation of plans
Provide advisory support to Portfolio/Project Managers on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), templates and guidelines, and
support documents from project formulation, project approval and project closure with focus on budget/finance related matters, costing,
etc.
In coordination with various Support Unit Heads, prepare workflow processes and procedures (business process mapping) for an
effective and efficient processing and tracking of all transactions with clients. Strengthen and mainstream processes and procedures in
providing support services through the development/provision of manuals and work flow processes and procedures, placing at the
disposal existing UNOPS guidelines and tools/ SOPs and projects’ best practices and training materials.
https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=7082&media=print
2/5
16/3/2015
Vacancy Details
Assess, identify training and learning needs, develop training schedule and organize workshops, meetings, etc. to strengthen capacity of
PSOs and thereby ensure smooth implementation and effective reporting for their respective projects.
Provide training and guidance to PSOs in the various offices and projects.
Manage contracts for support staff and services that are available on­call basis to provide the necessary support to programmes/projects
which do not have a dedicated PSO or in process of formulating new initiatives or proposals.
Set goals, objectives and milestones and monitor performance indicators and achievements.
Programme/Project Coordination and Support
Provide necessary advice and support during the “formulation phase” of new initiatives with focus on quality assurance and quality control
of project documents, costing and cost implications, implementation plan, milestones and benchmark indicators and adherence to
UNOPS project approval processes and procedures.
Liaise and maintain link with UNOPS HQ and RO on required submissions, as well as establish good relations with HQ and RO staff.
Support Portfolio/Project Managers, OC’s etc. to negotiate the most cost­effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services with
prospective clients and partner, by providing institutional knowledge of fees and project services with clients
Coordinate with other Support Units, Portfolio/Project Managers and PSOs in obtaining information that would serve as inputs to general
information database.
Create repository of project documents, progress technical and financial reports, audit reports, assessment reports, terminal reports, etc.
Operate through matrixed working relationships primarily with Senior Management, various Support Units, Portfolio/Project Managers
and other project staff.
Serve as focal point on information related to PSO assignments, overall programme/project financial score card and link between
Management, CTAs/Project Managers and PSOs and HQ on programme/project­related queries and transactions (e.g. ATLAS, audit,
financial accruals, etc.).
Actively work with Portfolio/Project Managers and Officers in all phases of project cycle, specifically in terms of project
formulation/development up to project approval process, support quality development of project documents following project and budget
guidelines, work and financial plan template, SOPs, etc.
Conduct needs analysis, develop strategies aimed at optimizing support service delivery.
Support the implementation of the project activities by undertaking missions to project implementation facilities to report progress, identify
operational problems and solve by taking appropriate actions
The maintenance of all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes
Uploading into UNOPS webpage, Project reports and documentation prepared by the PMs;
Perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
In addition to UN/UNOPS core values/competencies, ability to translate and apply business acumen and technical expertise and
knowledge of UNOPS operations and project management methodology, to support operations and align initiatives with corporate
strategies.
https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=7082&media=print
3/5
16/3/2015
Vacancy Details
Ability to recognize potential market opportunities and challenges and support OC and Portfolio/Project Managers to capitalize on these.
Capacity for persuasive communication, consensus building and obtaining commitments from clients/partners and UNOPS personnel.
Ability to lead, build and sustain effective work relationship with subordinates and peers to achieve common goal.
Familiarity with UNOPS project management, procurement, HR and finance policies and procedures highly desirable.
Excellent communications skills and computer literacy
Ability to effectively manage and work in a multicultural environment
Strong analytical and planning skills, ability to build a positive and strong team spirit with staff.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
Master´s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Accounting or relevant field.
A Bachelor´s degree in combination with relevant years of experience may be accepted in lieu of master´s degree Experience At least 5 years progressively responsible experience in Project development and management, financial monitoring and reporting,
advocacy and coordination in either public or private sector organizations.
At least 3 years field experience implementing projects and support in developing or post­conflict countries.
Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations and accounting will be an asset
Knowledge of UNOPS rules and policies will be an asset
Strong IT skills
Knowledge of People Soft platform (Atlas) is an asset
Business / Finance acumen is an asset.
Language
Fluency in English is required
Knowledge in French and Spanish are desirable.
Certifications
Certified in Project management methodology, preferably in Prince 2, is desired.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: IICA 2
Contract duration: 01 year
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job­opportunities/what­we­offer/Pages/Individual­Contractor­Agreements.aspx https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=7082&media=print
4/5
16/3/2015
Vacancy Details
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 short­listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For staff positions 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/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Share
Tweet
https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=7082&media=print
Share
5/5