Portfolio Specialist At UNOPS

Background Information – Job-specific

Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. It does this by providing sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Background Information – Global Portfolios Office (GPO)

UNOPS GPO is a specialized unit that provides strategic oversight, operational guidance, and portfolio management for UNOPS’ global projects. GPO works across the globe and comprises:

• The New York Portfolios Office, including the Sustainable Development cluster and the Peace and Security cluster;
• The Geneva Office, including hosted engagements, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) team based in Vienna, and other global programmes.

By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and networks of our Geneva and New York offices, and of the WEC team, GPO amplifies UNOPS impact in support of its strategic priorities and SDGs on a global scale.

The GPO works closely with major global partners and benefits from close links with the Geneva liaison Office and the New York Board and External Relations Office.

The Role

The Portfolio and Management Specialist serves as a critical position in support of the GPO RMOA, aligning organizational objectives with operational excellence and oversight. This role supports the RMOA in ensuring that compliance to UNOPS policies and processes. The incumbent will act as a member of the regional office who helps coordination and communication with GPO Offices/Portfolios.

Key activities include:

1. Regional Delivery and Performance
2. Monitoring and reporting
3. Financial Oversight and Monitoring
4. Quality Assurance

Functional Responsibilities
1. Regional Delivery and Performance

• Support the Business Planning process in meeting GPO delivery and engagement addition targets.
• Collaborate with GPO teams to monitor GPO performance in various areas ( Procurement, Project Management etc.)
• Support the analysis of GPO risks and actions to be taken in various Engagements and Projects.

2. Monitoring and reporting

• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned leading to an improved Internal Control environment.
• Support in development of various reports, presentations and analysis.
• Develop innovative solutions and dashboards to optimize oversight and reduce manual work of GPO portfolios.

3. Financial Oversight and Monitoring

• Exercise periodic monitoring of GPO Management Budgets
• Prepare reports, budget analysis and revisions of GPO RO managed budgets
• Identify issues related to data quality and liaise with related parties in GPO to ensure timely and necessary corrections.
• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned.

4. Quality assurance

• Coordinate quality reviews of various documents (Agreement, Request for awards etc.) submitted to the GPO RO for approval are in line with UNOPS Policy and Procedures
• Review and monitor GPO Engagements and Projects as requested to manage high risks and high stakes.
• Track Engagements and Projects classified as High stake to ensure timely follow up and escalation
• Provide oversight on audit recommendations and support quality control of audit responses.

Key Skills for Success

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail to effectively convey messages to both internal and external audiences.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while managing day-to-day operations and communications.
• Crisis Management: Calm under pressure, with the ability to manage complex situations and communicate clearly.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

Impact of results:
The Portfolio Specialist directly impacts on achievement of GPO’s regional delivery and performance while adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

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

Education:

• An advanced University Degree preferably in Business Administration, Finance, Project Management or a related field with five (5) of relevant experience is required; OR
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in Business Administration, Finance and Project Management, or a related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Required Work Experience:

• Relevant required experience is defined as experience in finance, risk management, internal controls, project management, operations etc.
• Knowledge of Google Suite applications and working with Big query is required.

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

• Prior experience working in international organizations, particularly within the UN system, is an advantage.
• Prior experience in preparation of reports, dashboards and tools related to financial data and risk analysis is an asset.
• Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset.

Certification:

• Certification in Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) is an asset.

Language Requirements:

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

How to apply

To apply, please click here.