Programme Management Advisor (Cash Transfer Programming) – Retainer

Nexus Response Mechanism
The Nexus Response Mechanism is a programme initiated by the EU aimed at contributing to Myanmar lasting peace and national reconciliation, security, stability and sustainable development without missing humanitarian needs. Its actions are focused on providing support to conflict-affected populations, displaced populations, host communities, and returnees by strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, linking relief with rehabilitation and development.

As part of its Covid-19 rapid response efforts, the EU and the Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) have mobilized EUR 5m in funding for a cash transfer programme directed at garment workers who have been laid off or left under-employed by Covid-19-related factory shutdowns or slowdowns. Myan Ku’s implementation is led by Sequa gGmbH. Local stakeholders and organizations supporting the successful implementation of Myan Ku support include the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar, the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association, the Centre for Economic and Social Development, Pyi Gyi Khin, Opportunities NOW and Thone Pan Hla. Cash transfers are remitted to workers digitally using Wave Money, Myanmar’s most well-established mobile money services company. In order to further benefit vulnerable workers, Myan Ku will increasingly incorporate nutritional support and SBCC as part of its package of support.

In addition to Myan Ku, the NRM may choose to undertake cash transfer programming in other parts of Myanmar in the future, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

** Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the NRM Senior Programme Manager (SPM), the Programme Management Advisor will be responsible to advise and support UNOPS Programmes on as needed basis, and may be requested to support specific work packages/individual assignments, detailed through individual task notes. Such assignments may be home-based or require travel to Myan Ku’s operational sites (conditions permitting).

These can include, but are not limited to, regular participation in Myan Ku update meetings and the provision of technical guidance to the SPM, EU and Myan Ku team on ongoing programming; participation on behalf of the NRM in cash transfer working groups and meetings; review of programme monitoring reports and quality assurance of existing programming; and the design and development of new cash transfer programmes.

The Programme Management Advisor will broadly carry out the following tasks, in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices based on needs expressed by country offices. These may include (but are not limited to):

• Advice and support on the implementation of Myan Ku, including participation in update meetings with programme partners and a review of programme monitoring reports.

• Quality assurance of Myan Ku programming, including review of programme documentation and implementation and site monitoring visits.

• Meetings and discussions with Myan Ku partners (including the EU, Sequa, Wave, and local stakeholders).

• Participation in cash transfer working group meetings with other national and international partners and other relevant external meetings.

• Advice on the development of new cash transfer programming, identification of cash transfer funding opportunities, and the development of a cash transfer programmatic strategy.

• Lead in preparation of concept notes, proposals and presentations for possible new cash transfer programmes for the NRM.

• Support on the development and review of communications materials relating to cash transfers.

• Advice on monitoring and evaluation of cash transfer projects and programmes including Myan Ku, with a specific focus on implementing partner performance monitoring.

• Provide support to different related evaluations, studies, and assessments as needed.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

** Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Masters’ Degree or PhD in law/human rights, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations or a related field is required.

• Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered as equivalent.

Experience

• At least 7 years’ of relevant experience in cash transfer programming, including programme design, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance, and learning, preferably in the field of development, peacebuilding or humanitarian response is required.

• At least 5 years’ of experience in partner management and quality management is required.

• Solid practical experience in working on livelihoods, nutrition, Social and Behavioral Change, or social protection programming is required.

• Solid practical experience in working with the UN, donors, non-governmental organizations, public sector and/or civil society is required.

• Experience working in Myanmar, preferably in cash transfer programming would be an asset.

• Solid understanding of the Myanmar context, including political, economic, social and conflict dynamics, would be a strong asset.

• Experience in nutritional work relating to cash transfers is considered an asset.

• Experience in programme design, proposal and concept note development, and report writing is required.

• Strong interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment, including communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team setting will be an asset.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.

• Myanmar language skills will be considered an asset.

** 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.(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.

** Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA 3/ICS11
Contract duration: Not to exceed 100 days within a year
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-of…

National Candidates are also encouraged to apply. In the event that they meet all the requirements and are successful in the recruitment process, the equivalent level of ICS 11( LICA 11) will be offered.

*Other considerationsApplicants are requested to:

• Include the names and contact details of three recent, professional referees.

• Note that this is a home-based contract with at least 30% mission travel to Myanmar. Reimbursement of travel and payment of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be paid according to UN rules and regulations
• Note that this is for a desk review assessment and only the most relevant profiles will be reviewed for the further recommendation. No interview will be conducted. By applying, you are expressing your interest in this position.*