Programme Management Office Advisor (Head of Project Support Office)

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 manages three of the largest development programs: the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Fund (LIFT), and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). UNOPS is also the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and oversees initiatives aimed at eliminating malaria in the greater Mekong sub-region. The organization provides procurement, infrastructure, and program management services to various partners, including international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs. UNOPS is committed to delivering high-quality services that meet stringent requirements for speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, and plays a critical role in grants management, budgeting, reporting, and capacity building for implementing partners.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Office Advisor (Head of Project Support Office) is tasked with providing facilitation, guidance, and oversight to ensure effective portfolio management. This includes the development, delivery, and closure of projects in alignment with UNOPS standards and stakeholder expectations. The role involves implementing structures, tools, and techniques for project governance, monitoring, and quality assurance. The advisor will support management decision-making, ensure effective project delivery, and apply best practices in project management. The position directly impacts project results by assisting senior management in implementing effective project management methods, reducing risks, and improving success rates, thereby enhancing UNOPS's reputation as a reliable service provider in sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Development and Planning: Provide programmatic management and administrative support, ensuring adherence to UNOPS policies. Advise on governance structures for high-value projects. Contribute to strategic oversight and ensure proper development and implementation of project budgets. Develop resource tracking systems for effective planning and forecasting. Identify potential risks and advise on mitigation measures. Support budget drafting and revisions.
• Set-up and Closure: Facilitate the development of project plans and maintain dependencies. Liaise with project managers on finance-related issues. Oversee project closure activities, ensuring proper disposal of assets and timely reporting.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Support regular project status reviews and prepare reports according to donor guidelines. Maintain project diaries and track performance criteria. Provide oversight and analysis of delivery data.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop stakeholder profiles and communication plans. Coordinate internal communications and monitor their effectiveness.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with UNOPS standards and coordinate quality reviews of project documents. Support the monitoring of projects to ensure targets are met.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Act as a focal point for capacity building initiatives and contribute to the development of guidance materials.
• Personnel Management: Manage staffing issues, promote a learning culture, and foster a positive work environment.
• Training and Capacity Building: Provide training and support in project management best practices.
• Centre of Excellence: Build a recognized center of excellence in program management and document UNOPS's fund management experience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate (Advanced) accredited university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, International Relations, Public Relations, Project Management, or a related field. A Bachelor’s Degree with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Certifications such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP, or equivalent are considered assets, while MSP and MoR certifications are advantageous.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is required, with a Bachelor’s degree acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience. Certifications in project management methodologies are preferred.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in Project and Programme Management is required, including experience in successful implementation and oversight of projects. At least two years of experience in a project support office or Programme/Project Management Office environment is necessary. Experience in grant management is required, while experience in fund management and infrastructure projects is advantageous. Knowledge of UNOPS project management tools and financial regulations is beneficial.

Languages:
Full working knowledge of English is mandatory. Fluency in one or more additional official UN languages is advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an International Individual Contract Agreement at level IICA-3, with an open-ended duration subject to organizational requirements and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. Candidates requiring assistance during the assessment process should inform the HR team. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and conducts background checks on all potential personnel.