Head of Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, established to oversee the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, focuses on fragile and conflict-affected settings. With a workforce of more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in Africa, it aims to advance national priorities through strategic initiatives in various sectors including Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and more. The office is committed to promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement to enhance the quality of life for communities across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme (HoP) is a senior leadership role that reports directly to the Multi-Country or Country Office Director. The HoP is responsible for the comprehensive planning, development, and management of programs to achieve desired results in their area of responsibility. This position requires a strategic mindset to enhance UNOPS's competencies in sustainable project management and services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. The HoP will lead the implementation of innovative strategies that drive program excellence and deliver impactful results for partners and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Governance, Implementation and Monitoring: Oversee project portfolio as delegated by the Director, ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards and best practices. Establish and execute implementation plans, monitor project progress, and supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO). Identify and mitigate risks, mentor Project Managers, and ensure timely reporting and analysis of project outputs.
• Programme Development and Planning: Develop and implement the strategy for the Country Office, manage operational risks, and ensure financial sustainability. Analyze political and development trends to propose areas for UNOPS engagement, and manage the preparation of program documents.
• Manage Programme Resources: Assess the needs of national governments and partners, plan required resources, and manage program personnel. Promote teamwork and diversity within the program team, ensuring high standards of conduct and performance.
• Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy: Build strategic partnerships, support business development, and contribute to growth plans for the Office. Collaborate with communication specialists to enhance outreach and awareness of UNOPS competencies.
• Risk Management: Drive informed decision-making aligned with organizational goals, manage risks proactively, and ensure compliance with risk management policies.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Incorporate best practices and technology to enhance program delivery, lead capacity building initiatives, and draft policy recommendations for operational alignment.

Required Qualifications:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 12 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 10 years of relevant experience.
• Desired: PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner certification is an asset. Relevant experience in strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, or business development planning in a large corporate or international organization is essential. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline, with a significant amount of relevant experience in leadership roles. A Master’s degree is preferred, and additional certifications such as PRINCE2® are considered advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in strategic and managerial leadership roles, particularly in public affairs, management, or business development within large organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in multicultural environments and preferably within the UN system or in development contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Senior Level role (ICS 12) with a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA). The contract duration is specified as a fixed term, and the position is open to internal candidates only. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The recruitment process includes background checks to ensure compliance with organizational standards.