Portfolio Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a central resource of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects worldwide. UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a diverse range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. The organization operates globally, leveraging its expertise to enhance the effectiveness of its partners' initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Portfolio and Management Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the Global Portfolios Office (GPO) of UNOPS, particularly in the Regional Management Office for Africa (RMOA). This position is essential for aligning organizational objectives with operational excellence and oversight. The incumbent will facilitate coordination and communication between GPO Offices and Portfolios, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and processes. Key functions include supporting business planning, monitoring performance, financial oversight, and quality assurance. The role requires collaboration with various teams to enhance GPO's delivery and engagement targets, analyze risks, and develop innovative solutions to optimize oversight and reduce manual work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Regional Delivery and Performance: Support the Business Planning process to meet GPO delivery and engagement targets. Collaborate with GPO teams to monitor performance in areas such as procurement and project management. Analyze GPO risks and recommend actions for various engagements and projects.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Maintain a log of identified issues, analyze data, and create action plans to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned. Develop reports, presentations, and analyses to support decision-making. Create innovative solutions and dashboards to enhance oversight and efficiency.
• Financial Oversight and Monitoring: Conduct periodic monitoring of GPO Management Budgets, prepare reports, budget analyses, and revisions. Identify data quality issues and coordinate with relevant parties to ensure timely corrections.
• Quality Assurance: Coordinate quality reviews of documents submitted to the GPO RO for approval, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies. Monitor high-risk engagements and projects, ensuring timely follow-up and escalation. Provide oversight on audit recommendations and support quality control of audit responses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Project Management, or a related field with five years of relevant experience, or a first-level university degree with seven years of relevant experience. Required experience includes finance, risk management, internal controls, project management, and operations. Proficiency in Google Suite applications and experience with Big Query are essential. Certification in Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) is desirable but not mandatory. Prior experience in international organizations, especially within the UN system, is advantageous, as is experience in preparing financial reports and dashboards.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Project Management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional years of relevant experience may be considered. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position, emphasizing project management and financial oversight.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in finance, risk management, internal controls, project management, or operations. Experience in international organizations, particularly within the UN system, is preferred but not mandatory. Familiarity with financial data analysis and risk management tools is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the International level (I-ICA 2 / ICSC10). The contract duration is open-ended and renewable, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The initial contract is set for one year, with potential extensions communicated to the incumbent. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and an inclusive working environment.