Regional Management and Oversight Senior Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is a significant entity within the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), established to enhance the effectiveness of UN operations globally. The GPO focuses on delivering impactful results in sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding across various regions. With operational hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, the GPO employs a diverse team of experts who collaborate with global partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies. The organization operates in over 130 countries, emphasizing its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring ethical project management and fund management practices. UNOPS aims to leverage its collective expertise and global networks to support strategic priorities and deliver a wide range of services, including project management, fund management, and HR support.

Job Overview:
The Regional Management & Oversight Senior Advisor plays a crucial role in the GPO by acting as a strategic partner to the Director. This position is designed for a high-impact individual who will drive business performance and operational excellence across the entire portfolio. The advisor is responsible for ensuring sustainable results through expert financial stewardship and strategic planning. The role encompasses providing strategic advice on financial stewardship, operational excellence, workforce management, compliance, and overall performance. The advisor will also support performance improvement initiatives and knowledge sharing across GPO, coordinate the implementation of strategic corporate initiatives, and monitor the business plan's progress. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring that GPO's activities align with organizational strategic plans and ethical standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Advisory: Facilitate the development of cross-regional strategies and policies by advising the Director and senior management on current and future business operations. Collaborate with the team to develop multi-year strategic plans and annual business plans, proposing targets and expected results. Evaluate GPO activities to ensure alignment with organizational strategic plans and standards of accountability. Make recommendations on resource allocation to achieve goals effectively.
• Operational Performance Oversight: Review and endorse proposed targets related to process excellence and financial stewardship. Monitor performance across GPO and provide guidance for achieving targets. Oversee internal controls and ensure compliance with UNOPS standards. Coordinate with HQ units to ensure alignment and coherent interactions with GPO.
• Performance Improvement: Drive organizational excellence and continuous improvement, making evidence-based recommendations to enhance GPO operations. Develop a performance monitoring system to oversee GPO performance measures and corporate commitments.
• Knowledge Management: Engage with UNOPS HQ Practice Groups to capture best practices and facilitate knowledge sharing across GPO. Act as the learning focal point for GPO, contributing to strategic capacity building for personnel and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration, Finance, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, along with 12 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the aforementioned fields with 10 years of relevant experience is acceptable. The role requires significant experience in management and advisory/coordination roles, with a minimum of 3 years in project and programme management, particularly in international development or emergency contexts. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse and senior teams is essential, along with strategic planning and change management experience. Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualifications are desirable, as is PRINCE2® certification.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, or Social Sciences. A Bachelor’s degree requires 12 years of relevant experience, while a Master’s degree necessitates 10 years of relevant experience. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of international development and project management.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in management and advisory roles, specifically in project and programme management within international development contexts. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in post-disaster or emergency situations, demonstrating the ability to oversee diverse teams and collaborate effectively. Experience in strategic planning and change management is highly valued, as is familiarity with current donor and sectoral trends. Fieldwork experience and a background in international organizations are considered assets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse international environments.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is initially set for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The role is classified at the senior level (ICS 12) and is a full-time staff position. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and that applications must be submitted before the specified deadline.