Programme Management Senior Officer At UNOPS

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments and philanthropies to work with partner countries in the region. We support the transition towards modern energy systems that can simultaneously ensure economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Enabling the transition toward greener energy systems will greatly contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement objectives.

ETP is initially focusing on Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which are the countries in the region with the highest energy demand, a substantial pipeline for fossil fuel-based projects, and a significant and cost-effective potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides High Level Technical Advisory Support, Holistic Support to Governments on financing and technical needs, capacity and skill development and facilitation of dialogues in all related areas.

A Secretariat, incorporated into UNOPS will support the Steering Committee (SC) and facilitate the implementation of SC’s decisions. The Secretariat will operate as per defined Terms of Reference approved by the SC. The Secretariat will undertake day-to-day management and operation of the ETP Fund: (1) it launches Calls for Proposal and carries out proposals assessments; (2) it provides assistance and support to implementing partners; (3) facilitates the design, development and

implementation of an overall M&E strategy; (4) monitors progress made by each project during the implementation phase.

ETP Secretariat, located at UNOPS Thailand Hub Offices, will support the SC and facilitate the implementation of SC’s decisions. The Secretariat will operate as per defined Terms of Reference approved by the SC. ETP Secretariat will undertake day-to-day management and operation of the ETP Fund: (1) it launches Calls for Proposal and carries out proposals assessments; (2) it provides assistance and support to projects; (3) facilitates the design, development and implementation of an overall M&E strategy; (4) monitors progress made by each project during the implementation phase.

ETP Secretariat will work in close cooperation with the SC, the Advisory Panel and UNOPS Services. The members of the Secretariat will be selected following the UNOPS rules and regulations. Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following duties which are performed according to organizational needs and structure.

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the ETP Director (Fund Director), the incumbent will be responsible for effective, transparent and efficient management of the Fund’s programs in concert with the ETP Secretariat in its countries of operation, under the Rules and Regulations of UNOPS, and in accordance with the strategy approved by the ETP Steering Committee.

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Director of the ETP Secretariat, the Programme Management Senior Officer’s responsibilities include the following:

Programme Implementation

A. Effective technical, financial, and operational coordination of ETP’s regional and multi-country programs, establishing liaisons with the relevant regional organizations as well as in-country focal points relevant to managing regional initiatives related to energy transition work, energy and climate content of the ETP’s initiatives.

B. Effective coordination and collaboration with the relevant country partners and country stakeholders, as defined in the set objectives, performance measures, standards and results expected of these programs to ensure timely and partner oriented services delivery; and supporting issue resolution arising from the implementation processes.

C. Effective building and maintaining of constructive relationships with the country stakeholders in the public and private sectors as well as with civil society, and fostering of partnerships with the development partners of the country of operation, and actors active in the energy transition domain, pursuing teamwork within the ETP team and UNOPS; and supporting analysis of political and economic developments in the country, and providing guidance and suggestions regarding program directions, challenges and opportunities.

D. Facilitating mobilization and leveraging financial and other resources as well as participating in programmatic and resource mobilization activities of ETP to sustain and scale up its initiatives.

E. Effectively managing knowledge, sharing and exchanging knowledge on lessons learnt and best practices of ETP’s programme and projects, identifying knowledge and profiling opportunities for ETP and its programs, and assisting in delivery of knowledge events, and identifying communication, profiling and media coverage opportunities for ETP.

Managerial Functions

• In coordination with the ETP Secretariat, provide guidance and suggestions for ETP’s program and its activities and objectives, challenges and opportunities;
• Promote and maintain effective teamwork within the ETP’s team and other UNOPS colleagues;
• Contribute to the preparation of and implementation of ETP’s annual work plan, within the set delivery and resource mobilization targets;
• Collaborate with the drafting of ETP’s annual administrative and operational budget proposals and reports;
• Support programmatic and administrative reporting on the ETP’s activities in accordance with its monitoring and reporting requirements under its Results-based Management Framework and UNOPS reporting requirements.
• Support setting annual performance targets and objectives for the ETP team, assessing performance and providing feedback.

Programme/Portfolio Development and Management

• Keep abreast of and communicate, regularly reporting, regional and multi-country energy transition opportunities concerns and priorities and the political and socio-economic conditions and trends as they relate to the ETP, and assess their impact on ETP’s work and programme.
• Collaborate with the formulation and implementation of the ETP’s regional and multi-country work plan and its periodic review and updates and ensure alignment with ETP’s country work plans;
• Under the supervision of the ETP Secretariat, support management of ETP’s grant allocations and regional and multi-country operating budget, maintenance of financial integrity of the programme by ensuring adherence to ETP’s Standard Operating Procedures and UNOPS rules and regulations, and ensuring timely and effective use of ETP resources;
• Ensure quality control measures in the development of a portfolio of project ideas and concepts, and monitor the programme implementation progress and results;
• Organize periodic stakeholder workshops and project development sessions among partners in energy transition, private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform about ETP and its initiatives;
• Work closely with partners in energy transition, including the donor organizations, private sector and CSOs in preparation of project concepts and proposals to ensure that projects fit with the ETP’s outcome areas;
• Coordinate planning for project grants;
• Support oversight of ongoing ETP grant projects, and arrange for periodic project monitoring field visits and provide technical and operational support and guidance to ETP grantees, as required;
• Keep the ETP Secretariat informed on emerging risks and issues in a timely manner.
• Foster programme, project, and policy linkages and coordination between ETP’s program and aligned programs under ETP, and broader programs in the energy sector funded by development partners, planned or underway in the country, and those of other governments, donors and development partners;
• Report periodically to ETP, in particular the Fund Director, Sr. Fund Manager and Sr. Program Manager on programme implementation status, including support annual monitoring reporting, financial reporting, audit, and support updating the relevant UNOPS and ETP databases;
• Support monitoring and evaluation of ETP’s programs and projects, in coordination with ETP Team;
• Perform and coordinate administrative tasks (i.e. procurement, travel) adhering to ETP’s operational manual and UNOPS’ guidelines on procurement rules and regulation; as required for programme implementation.

Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

• Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders as well as promote the value, comparative advantages, and ensure visibility of the ETP.
• Assess interest and priorities of key donors and other development partners, and develop/update and implement the resource mobilization and partnership strategy to mobilize resources from and develop partnerships with the government, donors and other partners to best leverage ETP resources and develop programme level partnerships.
• Liaise with the ETP Secretariat on emerging opportunities, due diligence processes and funding negotiations
• Support ETP grantees in securing co-financing, as required, and project level partnerships, and assist in identifying opportunities and resources for sustaining and scaling up projects

Knowledge Management

• Document programme/project stories, lessons learned, and best practices in ETP programme/project development, implementation, and oversight;
• Identify country, regional and global knowledge relevant to ETP, and develop and distill best practices and facilitate dissemination and incorporation within ETP’s programs and to counterparts and partners;
• Facilitate capacity building and networking of grantees, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote uptake through knowledge platforms, knowledge fairs etc

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s) preferably in Economics, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Development, Finance, Business Administration or similar field.
• A Bachelor’s degree ( preferably in the above-mentioned areas) with 2 year additional experience may be accepted in lieu of the postgraduate degree.

B. Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in the energy sector, energy transition, climate issues, environment and development work, which should include programme management preferably with an extended specialized experience in any of the thematic area of energy transition at the national level is required.
• Proficiency in standard computer software (word-processing, excel, presentations, databases, and internet) is required.

C. Language

• Full working knowledge (fluency) in English is required;
• Local language in the countries of ETP’s operation is an advantage.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: ICA
2. Contract level: ICS 9 / I-ICA 1
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

The position is based in a family duty station.

Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) will be issued.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

UNOPS Thailand Multi-Country Office

The Thailand Multi Country Office (THMCO), established in 2017, supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises five main business units: THMCO Thailand, THMCO Indonesia, THMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, THMCO Papua New Guinea and THMCO China.