Senior Manager - Transformation & Org Design

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a mission to help people build better lives and assist countries in achieving sustainable development, UNOPS provides a range of services including infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources. The organization employs over 5,000 personnel across 80 countries, promoting a diverse workforce that reflects a wide range of nationalities and cultures. UNOPS values its employees and emphasizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages the recruitment of qualified female candidates and supports gender balance initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Manager - Transformation & Org Design will play a pivotal role in enabling strategic organizational change within UNOPS. Reporting to the Head of Change and Transformation, this position specializes in leading the mechanisms of the UNOPS Transformation Office and coordinating a diverse organizational reform portfolio. The role requires balancing advisory responsibilities with hands-on execution of deliverables and milestones. The Senior Manager will work closely with senior executives and initiative leads to provide a holistic view of the transformation process, ensuring effective decision-making and management of interdependencies. This position demands exceptional business partnering and stakeholder management skills to navigate a complex landscape characterized by large-scale change and operational demands in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Transformation portfolio coordination and alignment: Lead the Transformation Office mechanisms to adapt to the evolving organizational needs, guiding a small team and producing deliverables. Partner with Transformation Board members and senior stakeholders to ensure alignment with UNOPS strategic priorities. Ensure effective operation of the Transformation Board with clear terms of reference and necessary support for informed decision-making. Develop and implement robust project management methodologies and tools, advising on best practices in planning, governance, risk management, and KPIs. Map interdependencies within the organizational reform portfolio, assess change readiness, and provide advice to the Transformation Board. Oversee initiative progress against plans and manage portfolio-level risks, supporting budget planning and management. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across the Transformation Office and with senior stakeholders.
• Organizational design and change assignments: Contribute to the redesign of the operating model, providing input on project governance and solution design. Lead discrete work packages for organizational design efforts, ensuring tailored solutions to specific challenges. Support the implementation of solutions while mitigating risks and minimizing disruption to operations.
• Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organization, establishing partnerships with Regional Transformation Advisors and project leads. Utilize various influencing techniques to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and build momentum for change initiatives. Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, providing regular updates and addressing concerns promptly.
• Team management: Supervise and mentor team members in a matrix setting, providing clear direction and fostering a positive team spirit aligned with UNOPS values.
• Knowledge management: Contribute to the development of intellectual capital by applying knowledge and experience in transformation, project management, and organizational design.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Economics, Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. A combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Certifications in Project, Programme, or Portfolio Management (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2, MSP, MoP) and change management are considered assets. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in management consulting or a similar role, with a proven track record of leading complex transformation initiatives. Experience in Transformation Office management, operating model design, and stakeholder management is required, along with a minimum of 2 years in a people leadership role. Experience in a geographically dispersed organization and UN experience are advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Management, Public Administration, or Business Administration is required. A Bachelor’s degree combined with additional relevant work experience may be accepted. Certifications in project management methodologies and change management are beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in management consulting or a similar role, specifically in leading complex transformation initiatives. Candidates should have experience in managing Transformation Offices, operating model design, and stakeholder engagement, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. Experience in a geographically dispersed organization and familiarity with UN operations are advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at level I-ICA-

• The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. Additionally, all personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.