Programme Management Specialist on Forced Displacement At UNOPS

Hosted Entities : Center for Mediterranean Integration

Job categories : Programme Management

Vacancy code : VA/2021/B5007/22660

Level : ICS-10

Department/office : ECR, GVA, Geneva

Duty station : Marseille , France

Contract type : International ICA

Contract level : IICA-2

Duration : RETAINER (see details below)

Application period : 12-Oct-2021 to 26-Oct-2021

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Background Information – Job-specific

As of 1 July 2021 UNOPS hosts the Centre for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) Secretariat in Marseille, France. The CMI is a multi-partner knowledge initiative, focused on the exchange of ideas, discussion of public policies and the identification of regional solutions to address key challenges in the Mediterranean region. Founded in 2009 within the World Bank and based in Marseille, France, CMI is governed by its Oversight Committee composed of government, multi/bilateral agencies, and local authorities from the region, and responsible for CMI’s strategic direction, resources requirements and monitoring of the implementation of CMI’s annual work plan (see more information about CMI at https://www.cmimarseille.org).

Among other objectives, the CMI aims to build resilience to conflict in the region, mainly through its forced displacement program. The main objective of the program is to support Mediterranean countries hosting forcibly displaced populations and to assist with the overall inclusion of refugees. It is particularly focused on host communities and refugees, using an inclusive approach including all vulnerable populations. Youth and gender issues are mainstreamed.

** Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Human Capital Senior Programme Manager, the functions of the Programme Management Specialist on Forced Displacement will include:

• Technical and substantive thematic programme support
• Operational support on the Host Municipalities Learning network (HMLN) / Refugees and Host Communities Programme

Technical and substantive thematic program support

• Provide substantive operational support to the programmes and activities in relation to Host Municipalities Learning network (HMLN) / Refugees and Host Communities Programme
• Contribute fundamentally in developing concept notes, briefs, activity plans and timelines, background papers, for the thematic activities, including for reports, events, and conferences
• Organize events, including conception and agenda design, as well as provide support on logistics and administrative tasks
• Liaise with relevant CMI partners on specific thematic collaborations
• Proactively conduct research and knowledge production on issues related to the refugee agenda in the MENA region
• Proactively conduct data analysis and policy-orientated research in relation to the CMI’s themes and work programme
• Contribute to the production of reports, compendiums, and other knowledge products
• Proactively contribute to discussions at seminars and conferences linked to the programs and activities
• Support other CMI programme activities as directed

Operational support on the Host Municipalities Learning network (HMLN) / Refugees and Host Communities Program

• Substantively and technically support the formulation and implementation of the CMI’s related theme strategy
• Contribute to the design and execution of the CMI’s programmes
• Proactively support outreach and network-building as well as engagement with external partners
• Draf summaries, minutes and extrapolating lessons learned related to programmes and activities, including providing inputs to the budget, fundraising and reporting activities

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Programme Management Specialist on Forced Displacement includes the execution, implementation and delivery of activities in relation to Forced Displacement projects.

• Proactively animates the Community of Practice of the 170 municipalities network of the HMNL community;
• Technically and substantively strengthening Refugees and Host communities knowledge and build technical capacities of local practitioners and decision makers on development solutions to forced displacement in the Eastern Mediterranean through a programmatic multi-partner approach
• Actively contribute to the expansion and strengthening of the CMI-managed Host Municipalities Learning Network; mobilize partners for stronger private sector engagement, enhanced qualitative early childhood education in host communities and facilitate additional financing for local communities.

** Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, economics, development, social sciences or related discipline is required

b. Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a similar role is required.

• Experience in the field of development and forced displacement is desirable.
• Experience in managing a large community of practice composed by local authorities is required.
• Experience in working on projects in fragile contexts is required.
• Strong computer skills: must be competent in the use of Windows MS office programmes (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) required.
• Knowledge of Google Workspace is desirable.
• Knowledge on refugee agenda challenges and opportunities in the MENA region

c. Language

Fluency in spoken and written English is required; working knowledge of French is also required; Arabic is an asset.**

** Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

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. 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.

** Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International ICA – 2 / ICS-10
Contract duration: Retainer with maximum of 120 working days within 12 months, renewable 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

** 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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 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.

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 is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

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

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

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