Organizational Context / Background Information
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
The Santiago network for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage was established in December 2019 at COP25, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism, for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. It aims to catalyze the technical assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, networks and experts for the implementation of relevant approaches at local, national and regional levels in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
At COP28 in 2023, Parties selected the consortium of UNOPS and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as co-hosts of the Santiago network secretariat for an initial term of five years, with five-year renewal periods.
Role of the Programme Support and Operations Manager
The position of the Programme Support and Operations Manager is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Programme Support and Operations Manager manages the overall operations and administration of the Santiago network secretariat and its activities. Reporting to the Santiago network Director, the duties of the incumbent encompass contributing to strategy development and implementation from an operational perspective, operations management, donor relations and partnerships building, and grant management.
Summary of key results:
Programme and Financial Management Support
Operational leadership and advisory
1. Programme and Financial Management Support:
Design, set up and manage effective mechanisms for the disbursement of funds provided to the Santiago network secretariat in line with policies, procedures and guidelines approved by the Advisory Board as well as UNOPS legal framework;
Operationalize the lifecycle of the Santiago network’s technical assistance processes and manage the administration of funds provided for technical assistance in a cost-effective and transparent manner;
Manage the provision of grant support to diverse implementing partners of Santiago network, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies;
Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets and allocations relating to technical assistance as well as the operation of the Santiago network secretariat;
Monitor secretariat’s financial projections and take necessary actions for resolution of critical issues;
Ensure the availability of required financial reports and investigate anomalies;
Provide input into the design and development of a monitoring and evaluation system;
Provide operational support and facilitate the work of the Advisory Board;
Assist the Director with guidance and oversight of the Santiago network secretariat;
Facilitate the procurement of goods and services relating to technical assistance;
Manage and facilitate the resolution of issues relating to contracts of the Santiago network secretariat;
Reinforce Santiago network secretariat’s compliance with established policies;
Ensure and facilitate that audits are conducted as required;
Perform other functions necessary for the effective operation of the Santiago network.
2. Operational leadership and advisory:
Advise and assist the Director in developing strategies, policies, processes and opportunities for ensuring coherence amongst the various work streams;
Support the Director with the development and implementation of the Secretariat’s work plan;
Support the Director in managing stakeholder relations;
Ensure effective operations are defined and maintained between the Santiago network Operations Team and UNOPS;
Lead on health, safety, security and environmental matters;
Monitor and supervise all aspects of operations to ensure compliance with corporate strategies and standards.
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field preferably in finance, business management, project management, public administration or other relevant related field is required.
A Bachelor's degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional management experience is required.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in project/programme management support and/or project/programme operations management is required.
A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in financial management and/or grant support is required.
A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in working with developing countries is required.
Experience of working effectively within UN/UNOPS regulations is highly desired.
Experience in the areas of climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction is desired.
Language:
Fluency in oral and written English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
#J-18808-Ljbffr