The Country Office (CO) is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with the CO portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing support to the people of Afghanistan through the  delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need.  The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS is the implementation agency.  These include managing the construction of critical infrastructure, procurement, HR services, and humanitarian protection amongst others.  Reflecting the changing environment in the country, UNOPS is increasingly working with grants and labour intensive projects that build livelihoods in vulnerable communities. UNOPS  aims  to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the people of Afghanistan.

 Background Information - Job-specific

The Head of Programme reports directly to the Country Office Director who provides direction and general supervision.  The Head of Programme is responsible for programme development planning and preparation and for managing all stages of programming to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility.  The  HoP is a leadership role which contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners. The HoP will be expected to act as Officer in Charge during the absence of the Country Director.

 Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results:

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

Programme development and planning

Manage programme resources

Partnership networking and advocacy 

Knowledge management and innovation 

Leadership

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Country Director and through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.

Establish and execute the programme implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely delivery and client-oriented services.

Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, agreed quality standards, approved budget and full cost recovery, and in line with signed Legal Agreements

Supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) and its set up, to ensure that project management governance, policies, processes and methods are complied with and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.

Ensure proactive programme and project risk identification and assessment and implementation of adequate mitigation measures. 

Mentor and assist Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.

Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

Programme development and planning

Support the Country Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.

Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the Country Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning.

Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the Country Director areas for UNOPS engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.

Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments).

Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the Country Director.

Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.

Act as the Gender Focal Point for the Country Office, assume accountability for the Gender Mainstreaming in the Country Office/Multi Country Office, including Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan being actioned and timely implemented, as well as ensuring that the office has required gender mainstreaming capacity and knowledge, and that gender is mainstreamed into relevant projects, programs, and processes.

Manage programme resources

Plan and propose to the Country Director, required programme resources (human and financial).

Compile from the Project Managers, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Country Office financial goals.

Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.

Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams.

Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys.

 Partnership, networking and advocacy

Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.

Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.

Work closely with the partnership unit to ensure and facilitate the capture of lessons learnt from programme and project implementation into new opportunities and engagement development, as well as the adequate identification of risks and mitigation measures.

Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Country Office ensuring alignment with the UNOPS Strategic Plan.

Support Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of UNOPS goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results.

At the request of the Country Director participate and/or represent the Country Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered. 

Knowledge management and innovation

Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.

Operationalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environments.

Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.

Leadership

On the request of the Country Director, act as Officer-in-Charge, representing AFCO at the United Nations Country Team, Security Management Team and other senior UN team meetings.

As OiC represents UNOPS in meetings with the De Facto Authorities  of Afghanistan when appropriate.

As OiC represent UNOPS in meetings with key funders and partners

Take a leading role in change management as AFCO adapts its structure, operations and positioning to the new circumstances in Afghanistan.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful performance by the Head of Programme directly impacts on achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of the 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

Education:

A Master’s degree, preferably in project management, public administration, social science or other relevant related field is required.  Engineering qualifications would be an asset.

A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Certification:

PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner an asset, but required completion within first 6 months of onboarding.

Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) an asset.

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization.

At least three (3) years progressive leadership experience including supervising teams and managing budgets is required.

Experience in fragile/hardship locations and experience leading an extensive portfolio / operations is a distinctive asset.

Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is essential.

Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.