8 days ago
Programme Support Specialist
UNOPS
On Site
Full Time
$95,000
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Job Overview
Job TitleProgramme Support Specialist
Job TypeFull Time
CategoryCommerce
Experience5 Years
DegreeMaster
Offered Salary$95,000
LocationCopenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Who's the hiring manager?
Sign up to PitchMeAI to discover the hiring manager's details for this job. We will also write them an intro email for you.
Job Description
Programme Support Specialist at UNOPS
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of UNOPS, working at the intersection of IT and programme management. The position offers exposure to a wide range of IT projects, providing opportunities to develop skills in financial management, resource planning, and stakeholder engagement within a global organization.
About The Group
The UNOPS IT Group (ITG) is at the forefront of digital transformation, designing, delivering, and managing all of UNOPS IT infrastructure and business applications. We are a global team, dedicated to harnessing cutting-edge technology to address critical business needs and empower UNOPS personnel worldwide. ITG provides the essential IT systems and tools that underpin the successful implementation of UNOPS projects and the delivery of corporate initiatives. From maintaining robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and developing bespoke business applications to managing our cloud infrastructure and supporting global collaboration platforms, our work ensures operational excellence. We are committed to continuous improvement, driving effectiveness and efficiency in UNOPS products and services, ultimately helping people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
Role Purpose
The Programme Support Specialist independently manages projects/programs and adapts existing policies to meet emerging needs within ITG and PID. The role provides authoritative advice on financial management, resource utilization, and stakeholder communication, ensuring the successful delivery of programme outcomes.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Programme Support and Coordination
- Strengthen programme reporting, assurance, and control processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and reliable information across operational, financial, and delivery areas.
- Coordinate stakeholder communication and engagement efforts, ensuring project activities, progress, risks, exceptions, and financial implications are clearly communicated and that stakeholders are prepared to accept handover of programme outputs.
- Advise ITG and PID senior management on emerging issues and risks, including operational, financial, and delivery-related factors that may impact the achievement of programme outcomes.
- Support the development, maintenance, and monitoring of programme and project plans, including stage plans, resource forecasts, and budget-related inputs.
- Contribute to the monitoring of programme progress and resource utilization, supporting the identification of variances and advising on corrective actions as required to maintain delivery, cost, and quality objectives.
- Monitor & manage risks and escalate any relevant risks to the Programme Manager and senior management as needed.
- In collaboration with the ITG Contract Manager, develop, implement, and oversee procurement plans for the Programme, ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement aligned with the workplan.
- Coordinate contract management and vendor relationship management, ensuring smooth delivery of the contracts and respect of the terms and conditions.
- Monitor and evaluate vendor performance.
- Provide strategic programme support through the preparation, consolidation, and quality assurance of programme documentation, management reports, and presentations.
Financial and Budget Management
- Manage the ITG and PID programme budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the workplan.
- Monitor, track and control expenditure to ensure optimum and appropriate use of resources, produce financial reports, and provide regular updates to PID and ITG senior management.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend strategies to optimize budget utilization.
- Prepare, review, and process GLJEs to ensure accurate accounting of project transactions, fund transfers, reconciliations, and adjustments, ensuring full compliance with organizational financial rules.
- Process direct payments and advance requests and prepare project budget revisions.
- Process prepaid card replenishment procedures.
- Produce financial reports; including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS requirements.
- Ensure all financial operations and reporting align with UN/UNOPS regulations and IPSAS standards, while proactively managing audit responses for internal and external bodies such as the UNBOA.
- Alert the supervisor and senior management of any financial shortfalls and over-expenditures. Propose budget revision and initiate corrective action when necessary.
Resource Management
- Optimize resource planning and utilization across IT projects, including coordination of recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes in collaboration with relevant teams.
- Identify control mechanisms to ensure correct resources are utilized on the projects.
- Design, coordinate, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives for personnel, including training sessions, workshops, and related logistical arrangements such as travel and procurement.
Knowledge Management and Communication
- Facilitate cross-project learning and best practice transfer through documentation and dissemination/sharing of lessons learned.
- Contribute to the recording and oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Manage project files, including internal and external project reports in an organized and accessible manner.
- Develop, implement and maintain communications plans.
- Manage the coordination of communications to ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products.
- Facilitate effective internal communication and coordination among project team members, stakeholders, and partners.
- Serve as a point of contact for inquiries and information exchange related to the programme.
Education Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience OR
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required
Desired
- Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc.), audit (CIA) or equivalent.
- PRINCE2® Foundation or equivalent.
Experience Requirements
Required
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in project financial reporting, audit and accounting, with a demonstrable track record in designing, implementing, or evaluating internal controls within these functions is required.
Desired
- Experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Experience working in an international organization or the UN system.
- Experience in program management support for large or complex programs.
- Experience with IT project management methodologies.
Key skills/competency
- Programme Management
- Financial Reporting
- Budget Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- IT Project Support
- Risk Management
- Procurement
- Contract Management
- IPSAS
- Digital Transformation
How to Get Hired at UNOPS
- Research UNOPS's mission: Study their values, recent news, and employee testimonials on LinkedIn and Glassdoor, focusing on peace and sustainable development.
- Customize your resume: Highlight programme support, financial management, audit, and IT experience, tailoring it to UNOPS's digital transformation goals.
- Showcase UN/International experience: Emphasize any work within global organizations, demonstrating adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss IPSAS standards, financial controls, procurement, and project management methodologies relevant to UNOPS.
- Demonstrate stakeholder skills: Share concrete examples of effective communication, coordination, and negotiation with diverse stakeholders in complex projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this job opportunity
01What is the primary focus of the Programme Support Specialist role at UNOPS?
02What financial standards does UNOPS use, and how relevant is this for the Programme Support Specialist?
03How does the Programme Support Specialist contribute to IT projects at UNOPS?
04What kind of stakeholder engagement is expected from a Programme Support Specialist at UNOPS?
05What professional certifications are beneficial for this Programme Support Specialist position at UNOPS?
06What is the required experience for the Programme Support Specialist role at UNOPS?
07What opportunities for skill development does this Programme Support Specialist role offer?
08How does the Programme Support Specialist manage vendor relationships for UNOPS?
09What is the estimated annual salary for a Programme Support Specialist at UNOPS?
Explore similar opportunities that match your background