Programme Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to provide project management services and support to various UN agencies and partners, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on sustainable development, infrastructure, and procurement, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. UNOPS aims to enhance the quality of life for people in need by providing innovative solutions and fostering partnerships that maximize impact. The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, oversees operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance and alignment with organizational goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist will play a crucial role in the Integrated Response for Resilience (IRR) initiative, which is designed to advance sustainable livelihoods and strengthen agricultural food systems and value chains in Thailand. This position involves working under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager and is responsible for coordinating activities across the Fund, supporting the management of a portfolio of projects, and ensuring effective implementation of strategies and policies. The specialist will develop and maintain portfolio management dashboards, evaluate proposals, conduct routine monitoring of project implementation, and ensure strong coordination between various offices and stakeholders. The role requires a proactive approach to managing risks, providing strategic support, and facilitating capacity development for implementing partners. The Programme Management Specialist will also contribute to reporting, knowledge sharing, and the dissemination of lessons learned to improve project design and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Specialist include:

• Coordination of activities across the Fund, supporting the Senior Programme Manager with action tracking and ensuring implementation of Fund decisions.
• Developing and maintaining portfolio management dashboards and analysis covering project delivery, partner performance, financial implementation, risks, and management actions.
• Managing events, meetings, consultants, and technical experts as needed.
• Ensuring strong coordination between the Fund Management Office (FMO) and Programme Management Office (PMO) to support timely grant implementation and partner performance monitoring.
• Evaluating proposals submitted by applicants, assessing strategic and technical relevance, implementation feasibility, and alignment with UNOPS/IRR policies.
• Conducting routine monitoring of project implementation, assessing results, impact, and budget performance.
• Maintaining strong engagement and collaboration with stakeholders, including civil society and partners.
• Supporting implementing partners through coordination and capacity building, assessing their institutional systems, and co-developing tailored improvement plans.
• Monitoring portfolio and project financial performance, identifying financial and implementation risks, and recommending budget revisions or corrective actions as required. 1
• Supporting the implementation of P3M3 and leading work packages or adjustments in areas requiring special attention. 1
• Identifying training needs and facilitating capacity development for IRR staff. 1
• Contributing to knowledge sharing and the dissemination of lessons learned to improve planning and strengthen local capacities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Management Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in rural development, economics, social sciences, development studies, public administration, management, or other related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in combination with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Certification in project management such as PRINCE2®, PMP, or equivalent is considered a strong asset.
• Additional training or certifications in organizational development, institutional capacity strengthening, or grants management is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as rural development, economics, social sciences, development studies, public administration, or management. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) may be accepted if combined with relevant experience. Certification in project management is a strong asset, and additional training in organizational development or grants management is desirable.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Programme Management Specialist position includes a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in project or programme management, with demonstrated success in implementation and/or oversight of complex initiatives. Proven experience working with implementing partners, including support to capacity building and coordination, is essential. Experience in grants management, donor coordination, and knowledge of UNOPS project management tools and financial regulations is desirable. Previous experience in complex programme environments, preferably with a regional or multi-country scope, is also beneficial.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is fluency in English. Additionally, fluency in Burmese is considered desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level, with an ICS level of 10 and a contract type of ICA - IICA - Regular. The contract duration is ongoing, subject to satisfactory performance, organizational requirements, and budget availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all final candidates and has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful working environment.