Programme Support and Operations Manager, Santiago network

Organizational Context/Background Information The United Nations Office for Pro...

Organizational Context/Background Information

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Santiago network for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage

The Santiago network was established in December 2019 at COP25, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism, for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, to catalyze the technical assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, networks and experts, for the implementation of relevant approaches at the local, national and regional level, in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate para 43, noted by Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention and the Paris Agreement subsequently decided on the functions of the Santiago network at COP26 and on the institutional arrangements to enable its full operationalization. Parties agreed the structure would comprise:

A hosted secretariat that will facilitate its work, to be known as the Santiago network secretariat;

An Advisory Board, to provide guidance and oversight to the Santiago network secretariat on the effective implementation of the functions of the network; and

A network of organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs) covering a wide range of topics relevant to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage. 

At COP28 in 2023, Parties selected the consortium of UNOPS and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as co-hosts of the Santiago network secretariat for an initial term of five years, with five-year renewal periods. 

Organizational structure of the secretariat 

The Santiago network secretariat, co-hosted by UNOPS and UNDRR, is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the functions of the network and managing its day-to-day operations in accordance with decision UNOPS will provide the necessary administrative and infrastructural support for the effective functioning of the secretariat, UNDRR will provide the secretariat with technical backstopping and expertise in the domain of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage consistent with the guidelines for preventing potential and addressing actual and perceived conflicts of interest in relation to the Santiago network. Accordingly, UNDRR will annually submit a review of the management of technical issues within the Secretariat to the Advisory Board for consideration.

Relevant decisions on the Santiago network can be consulted .

Role of the Programme Support and Operations Manager

The position of the Programme Support and Operations Manager is located in Geneva, Switzerland. 

The Programme Support and Operations Manager manages the overall operations and administration of the Santiago network secretariat and its activities. Reporting to the Santiago network Director, the duties of the incumbent encompass contributing to strategy development and implementation from an operational perspective, operations management, donor relations and partnerships building, and grant management. Additionally, The Programme Support and Operations Manager maintains daily working relations with UNOPS, ensuring co-hosting terms and standard operating procedures are upheld, and collaborate closely with the relevant UNOPS teams on the management of the Santiago network operations.

Summary of key results: Programme and Financial Management Support Oper...
Summary of key results:
Programme and Financial Management Support Operational leadership and advisory

1. Programme and Financial Management Support:

Design, set up and manage effective mechanisms for the disbursement of funds provided to the Santiago network secretariat in line with the policies, procedures and guidelines approved by the Advisory Board as well as UNOPS legal framework; Operationalize the lifecycle of the Santiago network’s technical assistance processes and manage the administration of funds provided for technical assistance under the Santiago network in a cost-effective and transparent manner;  Manage the provision of grant support to diverse implementing partners of Santiago network, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and adherence to best practices; Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets and allocations relating to technical assistance as well as the operation of the Santiago network secretariat, and advise the Director and other appropriate staff of progress and issues for which action is required; Manage transaction records relating to funds received and disbursed for technical assistance under the Santiago network, and the operation of the Santiago network secretariat; Monitor secretariat’s financial projections, take necessary action(s) and/or refer critical issues to the Director and/or other stakeholders for action; Ensure the availability of required financial reports including investigating anomalies to resolve problems, reporting or recommending any action required to relevant stakeholders;  Provide input into the design and development of a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of assistance provided under the Santiago network; Provide operational support and facilitate the work of the Advisory Board, including the organization of Advisory Board meetings;  Assist the Director with guidance and oversight of the Santiago network secretariat, ensuring that the relevant HR and other policies are applied and adhered to; Provide administrative oversight of the Santiago network secretariat; Facilitate the procurement of goods and services relating to technical assistance to be provided under the Santiago network as well as the operation of the Santiago network secretariat; Manage and/or facilitate the resolution of issues relating to contracts of the Santiago network secretariat, including for the provision of technical assistance and of the administration of the office of the Santiago network secretariat; Reinforce Santiago network secretariat’s efforts in being compliant with respect to established policies, plans, guidelines and procedures; Keep abreast of best practices that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Santiago network’s operations; Ensure and/or facilitate that audits are conducted, as required; Perform other functions as necessary for the effective operation of the Santiago network. 

2. Operational leadership and advisory

Advise and assist the Director, from an operational perspective, in developing strategies, policies, processes and opportunities for ensuring coherence amongst the various work streams and priorities of the Santiago network;  Support the Director with the development and implementation of the Secretariat’s work plan and collaborate with colleagues, to identify the needs, determine cost and plan all support services, including human resources, procurement, finance, travels, human resources and administrative services; Support the Director in managing stakeholder relations from an operational perspective;  Ensure effective operations are defined and maintained between the Santiago network Operations Team, UNOPS Geneva Office, WEC, and UNOPS headquarters;  Ensure client service and satisfaction with operations, liaising with UNOPS Geneva Office, WEC, and UNOPS headquarters for required support as required;  Lead on health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) matters to ensure they are integrated into all aspects of the operations and that related risks are managed effectively; and Monitor and supervise all aspects of operations to ensure compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity and achievement of results.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
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. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent...
Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field preferably in finance, business management, project management, public administration or other relevant related field is required. A Bachelor's degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree. Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional management experience is required.  From overall seven (7) years of experience, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in project/programme management support and/or project/programme operations management is required. From overall seven (7) years of experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in financial management and/or grant support is required.  From overall seven (7) years of experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in working with developing countries is required. Experience of working effectively within UN/UNOPS regulations, rules and policies is highly desired. Experience in the areas of climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction is desired. Language
Fluency in oral and written English is required.  Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Contract type: StaffContract level: P4 (FTA)

---