Head of Programme Support

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of Programme Support
Location: Yangon
Country: Myanmar
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS Myanmar is a leading office in Asia, established to act as a fund manager for significant development programs in the country. It serves as the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and manages various procurement, infrastructure, and project management services for international development partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs. UNOPS is committed to ensuring high-quality services that meet stringent requirements for speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The organization operates in a challenging environment, classified as a non-family duty station, and plays a critical role in health initiatives, particularly through the Access to Health Fund, which aims to improve health equity in Myanmar.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme Support will lead the Access to Health Fund, which is focused on enhancing health services for underserved populations in Myanmar. This role involves strategic oversight and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the UNOPS Myanmar Programme Management Office. The Head of Programme Support will be responsible for managing complex programs with multiple donors, ensuring compliance with operational standards, and overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, grants, procurement, and contract management. The position requires a strong leader who can navigate the complexities of program implementation and adapt to evolving donor requirements while maintaining a focus on achieving health equity and improving local health systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to the Access to Health Fund, acting as the Fund Director’s Officer in Charge when necessary.
• Represent the Fund to high-level stakeholders regarding operations management.
• Maintain oversight of the Fund’s operations, finances, grants, and procurement activities.
• Lead initiatives requiring special attention or turnaround, and support adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with the UNOPS Myanmar Country Office to maximize effectiveness and reduce administrative burdens.
• Simplify contractual and financial management processes for grant recipients.
• Mentor and support the Fund's staff to foster their development.
• Establish a functional operations function with all necessary support services.
• Manage budgeting, financial reporting, grant/contract management, and risk management. 1
• Develop funding proposals and oversee due diligence processes for partners. 1
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations while maintaining operational feasibility. 1
• Prepare accurate financial reports and analyze data for program performance. 1
• Lead knowledge management initiatives and introduce innovations for operational efficiencies. 1
• Oversee the procurement team to ensure compliance with UNOPS procurement policies. 1
• Support the team in supply chain assessments and procurement management.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required.
• A Bachelor's degree in the above fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in operations, administration, finance, or program implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and decision-making authority is highly desirable.
• At least 3 years of experience in managing grants, contracts, or finance functions is required.
• Experience in managing a team and procurement processes is advantageous.
• Proven experience in operations-oriented management, including financial forecasting, budgeting, and project monitoring is required.
• Experience with donor organizations and NGOs is an asset.
• Familiarity with UNOPS IT systems and regulations is advantageous. 1
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally is required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in these fields along with two additional years of relevant experience (totaling 12 years) may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in operations, administration, finance, or program implementation. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in roles with independence and decision-making authority on budgets, as well as at least 3 years of experience in managing grants, contracts, or finance functions. Experience in managing a team is essential, and experience with procurement processes is considered advantageous. Candidates should also have experience working with donor organizations and NGOs, and familiarity with UNOPS regulations and systems is a plus. Experience in conflict settings and working in culturally diverse environments is beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an International Individual Contractor Agreement at level IICA4, ICS12, with an open-ended duration subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. All personnel are responsible for adhering to UNOPS policies and demonstrating an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results.