UNOPS Programme Associate Job

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development.

UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Code: MASOM_170
Post Title: Programme Associate

Post Level: LICA 4 - (local position)*
Org Unit: UNOPS Mine Action Unit – Somalia Programme

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: 6 months (possibility of extension based on performance)

Closing Date: 11.03.2011

Background

The UN Somalia Mine Action Programme has been managed by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) with implementation by UNOPS since early 2009. Throughout the country, the Programme endeavors to alleviate the impact of landmines, Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and stockpiles for the Somali population.

To this end, the Programme undertakes Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training, mentorship and operations, contamination survey, awareness and avoidance messaging with various NGO, governmental, bilateral and multilateral partners. The UN Somalia Mine Action Programme has an office in Nairobi to provide managerial and support functions for the Regional Offices in Somaliland, Puntland and Mogadishu.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PMU implements all policy, planning, strategic management, resource mobilization, monitoring, evaluation, communications and public and external relations in support of the Programme Manager.

The PMU works closely with the operations section to conceptualize, plan, prepare and monitor the programme activities, and will be the link between the activities of Operations section and the programme deliverables. By linking UN strategy, goals and objectives to the operational planning process for Somalia, the PMU monitors delivery according to budget inputs in close cooperation with Support Services.

To this end, the PMU is also responsible for the delivery of quality information for all audiences, both internally and externally, with the objective of accountability to donors, programme development, and visibility. This entails the development of relationships with the international community at all levels, as well as bilateral and multilateral partners, UN agencies, civil society and the Somali population.

In order to implement these activities, the PMU is divided into areas of responsibility under the supervision of the Head of the Programme Management Unit, the Programme Officer, who reports directly to the Programme Manager.

One of the key functions of the PMU is to ensure that the Programme Manager is informed and up to date on all relevant programmatic, operational, and support issues that could impact programme delivery.

The PMU areas of responsibility are divided into six sections; policy, planning, programme development and resource mobilization, monitoring, reporting, and communications and external relations.

Reporting to the PO, the Programme Associate is responsible for components of two sections of the PMU: reporting and external relations.

These duties and responsibilities include the following:

Reporting:

• Compile and cross-check data received from field activities in line with donor requirements
• Draft periodic substantive progress reports.
• With guidance from the PO, ensure reporting is timely, including management of the annual reporting schedule to include monthly, quarterly, and annual project reporting to UNMAS and UNOPS as well as periodic donor reports.
• Draft updates in line with RBB requirements for the UNMAS VTF, Assessed Budget, UNMAS, UNOPS.
• Using information provided through field monitoring, develop content for the monthly newsletter, snapshots of specific activities or initiatives, as well as material for advocacy and external relations
• Develop and update monthly internal programme brief and fast facts sheet to be made available to all staff members for maximum internal awareness of programme activities.
• Assist with monitoring of contractors’ progress toward objectives for donor accountability.
• Assist Finance in review of financial reports from partners and sub-contractors when required.

External Relations:

• Under the supervision of the PO, draft, edit, review and issue the monthly newsletter and develop strategy for wider distribution.
• Draft human interest stories, bulletins and other communications tools for distribution.
• Assist PO in maintaining good contacts with implementing partners in the region.
• Assist PO in any other public relations/donor related matters.

Other:

• Provide backstop support to staff members within the PMU.
• Assist in maintenance of good documentation of decisions or actions taken on programme issues.
• Assist in any other duties as required by the PMU, or the Programme Manager.

The Programme Associate is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

• Planning & Organizing – Ability to manage, organize, plan and implement work assignments, manage competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
• Judgment – Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment and decision making skills.
• 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.
• Communications – Strong spoken and written communication skills.
• Problem solving – Strong analytical and problem solving skills and ability to handle a range of management, coordination and technical issues.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning – Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of mine action techniques and technologies.
• Professionalism – Sound knowledge of, and exposure to, a range of mine action issues, including related political, social and economic dimensions.

Education/Experience

• University degree preferably in political science, international relations, public administration, economics or other disciplines related to programme management. Masters degree an asset.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in project management and reporting with national and/or international organizations.
• Experience in humanitarian affairs is an asset.
• Understanding of UN mine action programmes, policies, and coordination mechanisms. Mine Action Information Management Policy and The Gender Guidelines for Mine Action Programmes is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the UN system is an asset including, but not limited to:

1. familiarity with UN/UNOPS practices, policies and procedures
2. UNMAS policies and strategies

• Proven drafting and report writing skills essential.
• Experience in working as Programme staff, External Relations/Public Information dept. or Desk Officers of the United Nations system, of donors or NGOs is highly desirable.

Language

• Excellent spoken and written English is essential.
• Spoken and written French is desirable.
• Spoken and written Somali is an asset.

Other requirements

• Experience in the region is advantageous. Knowledge and experience in Somalia is desirable.
• The ability to operate in a multi-national environment and in a foreign country.
• Flexible and adaptable to work under pressure and overtime hours.
• Physically fit.
• Computer literacy essential.
• Willingness to travel to Somalia
• Should have a valid work permit for Kenya.

Submission of Applications

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), to Somaliamineaction@unops.org

Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

* Please note that this is a local post and is open to all nationals of the country of the duty station and to individuals who have a valid work permit.

Additional Considerations

• 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.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.