Programme Management Specialist (Youth) At UNOPS

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism to implement the project activities for the Global PCVE Programme.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)/the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) Global Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Programme provides integrated capacity building packages, institutional development and technical assistance to requesting Member States, civil society and the UN system to strengthen individual, community and national resilience to violent extremism and reduced threat of terrorism. The Programme engages in nine substantive and mutually reinforcing portfolios: policy assistance, strategic communications, youth engagement, education, mental health, new frontiers, gender, human rights and coordination.

This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for or in the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT). The position supports the work of the UNOCT/UNCCT Global Programme on Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The position supports the work of UNCCT, part of UNOCT and promotes the delivery of United Nations capacity building assistance to Member States relating to PCVE. The Specialist will focus on providing expertise on youth engagement and supporting effective implementation of the UNCCT Global PCVE Programme.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Programme Management Specialist will provide technical and operational support as follows:

• Provide advice on effective youth engagement/empowerment approaches to prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
• Provide support to Member States, CSOs and regional organizations in developing or implementing PCVE youth activities, including organization of workshops and the production of tools and resources as may be required, under the guidance of the Programme Manager.
• Develop and deliver models and activities for meaningful youth engagement in PCVE efforts, in close consultation with the Programme Manager.
• Research the political, socio-economic, cultural, historical and geographical context ahead of planned activities, and analyze PCVE-related priorities of young people, with close guidance from the Programme Manager.
• Manage data collection and draft highlight reports of the capacity building and technical assistance provided, including lessons learned, to be delivered on a rolling basis, under the guidance of the Programme Manager.
• Provide support to the organization and delivery of scoping missions and assessments to determine capacity building needs under the Global PCVE Programme.
• Undertake research and prepare Concept Notes for PCVE youth engagement, and other areas of the Global PCVE Programme as required.
• Support the design and delivery of other research and capacity building initiatives under the Global Programme as required.
• Contribute the development of funding proposals and resource mobilization.
• Communicate with national, regional, CSO and industry stakeholders on the implementation of the project under the guidance of the Programme Manager.
• Provide technical support for critical meetings, conferences, seminars for UNCCT PVE- focused issues.
• Identifies opportunities to improve visibility and implementation of the Programme.
• Contribute to Monitoring and Evaluation activities for the youth portfolio and as part of the wider Global PCVE Programme.
• Provide support to other areas of the Global PCVE Programme as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Deliver, and provide direct assistance for the delivery of capacity building activities, including regional, national and subnational workshops and technical assistance.
• Assist and deliver scoping missions to support the project outcomes.
• Contribute to the continued development and incorporation of good practice and lessons learned into the project delivery.
• Contribute to the project’s Measurement and Evaluation framework.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

**
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY **
Education

• Advanced university degree preferably in social work, social science, political science, public policy, international relations, peace and conflict studies or other relevant fields is desirable.
• A first-level university degree in combination with (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  Work Experience

Required Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in youth or community engagement or other relevant areas, with at least one year of experience in preventing and countering violent extremism is required.

Desired Experience: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply:

• Experience in engaging with and supporting young people on sensitive and difficult issues is required.
• Experience in Project management is highly desired.
• Experience delivering youth capacity building is an asset.
• Experience working with relevant United Nations bodies and other key multilateral forums is an asset.

Language

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement – LICA ongoing contract.
Contract level: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (L-ICA 10)
Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability 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

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. 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.

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 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.

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.