Programme Management Officer at United Nations

Org. Setting and Reporting

• In northeast Nigeria, UNMAS supports national explosive threat mitigation capacities, including the security sector and civil society, and coordinates the humanitarian mine action response.
• The position is based in Maiduguri and the incumbent reports to the Deputy Director of UNMAS, following political and operational guidance from the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC).

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Designs and maintains the Mine Action programme strategy and work plan, leading strategic and operational planning and coordination of the Mine Action programme’s activities with other UN entities, including the humanitarian country team.
• Monitors the Mine Action programme’s performance, including the implementing partners’ performance, in accordance with agreed performance indicators to ensure delivery in a timely and economical manner as established in the work plan and budget, and observance of technical, safety and quality standards and guidelines.
• Leads the engagement with national authorities and other stakeholders involved in Mine Action.
• Develops and maintains the Mine Action programme Work Plan and budget, ensuring implementation modalities are aligned with strategic direction; monitors, analyzes and evaluates programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Develops and maintains a resource mobilization strategy and leads the engagement with donors.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies,
• Reviews, analyzes and interprets data on the evolution of the Mine Action programme, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. Mine Action programme strategy, draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex programme /projects and field missions, including provision of guidance to government officials and other parties; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; ensuring follow-up actions.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial reports, etc.) and coordinates preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements
Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, International Relations, Public Administration or a related field. A first-level University Degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• A minimum of four years of experience in programme management in mine action, security sector reform, stabilization or humanitarian in a conflict or post-conflict setting, of which at least two years is at a team leader level, is required.
• Direct experience in engaging with senior government and security officials in a complex humanitarian setting is required.
• A minimum of two years of experience in a mine action field programme is desirable.
• Experience in resource mobilization is desirable.

Competencies

• Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of a range of Mine Action issues, including an understanding of UN mine action programme policies and coordination mechanisms. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Planning And Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.