Senior Programme Manager

Senior Programme Manager

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

October 2, 2026November 2, 2026MogadishuUkraine
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) is a vital entity within the United Nations Office for Project Services, established to enhance the effectiveness of UN operations worldwide. With a mission to support partners in delivering impactful results, GPO operates from hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and has expert teams that lead multi-regional initiatives focused on sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding. The organization has been active in over 130 countries, collaborating with various global partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies, to provide a wide range of services such as project management, fund management, and HR support. GPO's commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is central to its operations, ensuring that projects are aligned with global priorities and local needs.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer (SPO) plays a crucial role in leading the development of programs, mobilizing resources, and coordinating stakeholders within the Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Cluster. This position is pivotal in ensuring that projects are delivered in compliance with high standards, particularly in the context of mine action strategies. The SPO is responsible for fostering inclusive and safe environments, which directly impacts the success of projects aimed at enhancing global security and humanitarian responses. The role requires a strategic approach to program development, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with the overarching goals of sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. The SPO will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) is effectively implemented and monitored, with a focus on gender, age, and disability considerations to ensure that no at-risk groups are left behind.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Officer will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:
  • Coordinating the development and articulation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) in alignment with UN and government strategies, ensuring it reflects in-house capacity and is informed by gender and social inclusion analyses.
  • Monitoring humanitarian and development trends to identify potential areas for intervention, coordinating the design and formulation of new activities to meet program objectives, particularly focusing on inclusive approaches.
  • Analyzing funding agreements and developing compliance plans to guide departments in meeting funding requirements, establishing monitoring mechanisms to measure delivery against targets.
  • Building relationships with UN, international organizations, donors, and stakeholders to facilitate activities and improve program implementation quality.
  • Leading and motivating the program team, ensuring effective planning and recruitment to maintain a diverse workforce.
  • Maintaining records of program files and implementing standards and tools for effective program management.
  • Preparing high-quality reports and ensuring that results data are disaggregated by gender, age, and disability.
  • Supporting the management team in preparing for internal reviews and ensuring compliance with program documents and funding agreements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience is defined as progressive experience in coordination, resource mobilization, and/or program/project development or management within the UN, other multilateral organizations, or NGOs delivering humanitarian or development projects. Candidates should also have experience in drafting high-quality reports and project proposals, and experience in mine action or related fields is desired. Additionally, experience working in conflict or post-conflict contexts and advancing workforce inclusion is preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) is required, along with 7 years of relevant experience, or a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience. The educational background should be in a field related to international development, humanitarian assistance, or a relevant discipline that supports the functions of the Senior Programme Officer role.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, defined as at least 7 years for candidates with a master's degree or 9 years for those with a bachelor's degree. This experience should include progressive roles in coordination, resource mobilization, and program/project management, particularly within the UN or similar organizations. Experience in mine action or closely related fields is highly desirable, as is experience in conflict or post-conflict environments. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in integrating gender and social inclusion into project planning and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), Arabic, and Russian is considered desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in these languages, particularly in the context of program management and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a senior level role (ICS 11) with a contract type of Staff - IP - FTA, and a contract level of IP P-
  • The position is full-time and based in various locations including Mogadishu, Amman, Damascus, Gaza, Jerusalem, Khartoum, and Kyiv, with the possibility of home-based work. The initial contract duration is for one year, with the potential for extension based on organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with diverse backgrounds.
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