Programme Support Officer

Job from UNOPS
Closing date: 15 Jan 2017


Vacancy code: VA/2017/B5506/11494
Level: ICS-11
Department/office: AR, MMOH, Myanmar
Duty station: Yangon, Myanmar
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract: One Year, (extension subject to performance and budget availability)
Application period: 02-Jan-2017 to 15-Jan-2017

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our 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.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar is one of UNOPS leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Three Millennium Development Goal Fund (3MDG), the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF).
In addition,UNOPS Myanmar is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Myanmar and Cambodia, and for the Global Funds Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region.
UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs.
UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS is the Fund Manager for the Three Millennium Development Goal (3MDG) Fund, a multi donor fund supported by Australia, Denmark, the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA. The Fund was established in 2012 to provide support for health needs in Myanmar. The three components of the 3MDG are:
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health care. Increasing the availability and accessibility of essential services.
HIV, TB and Malaria. Support for specific interventions for populations and areas not supported by the Global Fund.
Health systems strengthening.

The detailed programme description is outlined in 3MDG Fund Description of Action, available on the www.3MDG.org website.

While the 3MDG Fund in its current configuration is scheduled to close at the end of 2017, discussions are underway among donors on the possibility of continuing joint funding for a new phase starting in 2018.

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

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Functional Responsibilities

The Programme Support Officer will be assisted by a team of international and national professionals and will work in close collaboration with the Head of Support Services in the UNOPS Myanmar Operations Hub (MMOH) and receive support from the Support Services Team of MMOH. He/She promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Under the direct supervision of the Fund Director, and with a secondary reporting line to the Head of Support Services, the PSO shall:

Lead and supervise the Programme Support Unit
Support all 3MDG grant management activities
Ensure that appropriate operational standards and systems are in place and maintained
Analyze work processes, develop streamlined procedures, and identify possible synergies with other programmes in the UNOPS Myanmar Operations Hub
Coach, mentor, and empower Programme Support Unit personnel
Act as the 3MDG Fund alternate representative at the MMOH Management Group, and as focal point between the Fund Manager Office and MMOH Support Services

Technical Support
Manage bilateral 3MDG donor contribution-agreements and the 3MDG engagement in the UNOPS Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
Monitor funds received from donors, and ensure that accurate payment requests are submitted to donors in a timely manner
Ensure timely and accurate setup of budgets
Develop annual work plans
Maintain overall programme financial oversight and report to the Fund Director and UNOPS Management on over-expenditure and under-utilization of funds


Prepare strategic financial reports to 3MDG donors:
Overall programme financial overview
Cash-flow forecasting
Unified customized financial reporting on all budgets
Certified financial statements
Negotiate, manage and amend, as required, all legal agreements and operational engagements with Implementing Partners (IPs), in line with UNOPS internal processes
Manage the database of 3MDG Grant Support Agreements, ensuring up to date and complete record Fund’s contracts/grants
Periodically monitor financial performance of Implementing Partners (IPs), analyze and report on IPs’ financial situation, and recommend appropriate course of action

Other support functions
Support the application and implementation of HR processes in the areas of recruitment, performance evaluation, training and development in accordance with UNOPS policies, rules and regulations
Ensure effective implementation of procurement and administrative tasks within the areas of travel and asset management and delivery of Fund Manager Office administration in general
Provide advice and guidance on procurement and administrative procedures and processes to the Fund Director and personnel within the Fund Manager Office
Provide high-quality professional advice to the Programme Director;

Audit and Compliance
Ensure that UNOPS rules, regulations and procedures are complied with by the Fund Manager Office
Coordinate all audit activities related to the Fund Manager Office and the 3MDG IPs, including audit preparation, audit engagements, responses to audit queries and observations, follow-up on and implementation of audit recommendations, and reporting to UNOPS management and the Fund Board of the 3MDG
Responsible for effective project closure
Maintain oversight over assets procured by the Fund Manager office, maintain the asset inventory, and conduct regular asset inventory counts
If and when required, support the further development of the 3MDG’s IP capacity-building approach in the area of project and financial management
Any other tasks as directed by the 3MDG Fund Director and the Head of Support Services.

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. 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

a. Education
A Master’s degree in financial management, accounting, auditing, business administration or related field
A Bachelor degree in financial management, accounting, auditing, business administration or related field in combination with 9 years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master degree

b. Work Experience
At least 7 years progressively responsible experience within the areas of operational, administrative, budgetary and financial management is required
Experience in project management is required.
Experience and knowledge at both policy and operational levels with a variety of relevant UN funding and/or operational agencies, bilateral donors and international financing institutions is an asset
Preferably with demonstrated ability within the areas of capacity building, advisory role, reporting, compliance and audit
Previous management and supervisory experience is an advantage
Strong communication and team building skills
Excellent writing and analytical skills is a requirement

c. Language
Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
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.
For staff positions only, 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Contract level: P4
Contract duration: One Year (renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability)
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-of...

How to apply:

https://gprs.unops.org/pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=11494

Subscribe to receive free email updates: