Research & Compliance Senior Officer Job, Other Professions,

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TASAI Inc. is looking for a highly-skilled and motivated Data Analyst to oversee the management of TASAI data. As the Data Analyst, you will take responsibility for managing the TASAI data set (consisting of both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative data), developing reports, and troubleshooting data issues. To do well in this role you need a fine eye for detail, prior experience as a data analyst, and a good understanding of the popular data analysis tools and databases commonly used in Development Economics, Monitoring and Evaluation, and similar fields. You will also be a liaison between TASAI and the technical team of developers at Development Gateway, who develop and maintain our tools for collecting, validating, and displaying data.

Responsibilities:

• Manage TASAI data, including creation, updates, and deletion. The current data set includes data from 21 countries on 22 seed-sector related indicators. TASAI currently uses Kobo Toolbox and Alchemer to collect data, and a proprietary data validation and analysis tool that is based on the Metabase platform to analyze data.


• Audit current data collection and management processes and suggest and implement improvements.


• Work with internal and external partners on data acquisition, quality assurance, and visualization.


• Process confidential data and information according to TASAI Inc.’s confidentiality guidelines.


• Support the TASAI data collection processes, including questionnaire design, data entry, and cleaning.


• Conduct statistical and econometric analyses on TASAI data.


• Manage the reporting environment, including data sources, security, and metadata.


• Support initiatives for data integrity and normalization.


• Troubleshoot the reporting database environment and reports.


• Train non-technical users on generating reports and using dashboards.


• Provide technical expertise on data storage structures, data mining, and data cleaning.


• Act as a technical liaison with partners on data-related issues.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in math, computer science, statistics, agricultural economics or related discipline. Master’s preferred.


• Solid quantitative research skills.


• Understanding of data management, analysis, and quality control.


• Experience with data entry and modeling tools, such as Kobo Toolbox, Alchemer, Metabase, and other similar programs.


• Familiarity with pooled data sets (mixture of time-series and panel data).


• High competence in Microsoft Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel, as well as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint).


• Familiarity with Google Suite applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms).


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – fluency in English is a must.

Not required but useful:

• Familiarity with contemporary issues in agricultural development in Africa, especially the seed sector.


• Experience working with data via web services and APIs.


• SQL skills, NoSQL experience

Plus… the following will make you a great TASAI team player:

• Good organizational skills to manage a broad and unpredictable workload and meet deadlines and work under own initiative.


• Excellent analytical skills and commitment to continuous product and process improvement.


• Willingness to learn new skills and grow in your position.


• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.


• Communicate effectively in a remote team.


• Ability and willingness to travel internationally (primarily in Africa).

Other important details:

• Women are highly encouraged to apply.


• Position will be based in Africa; the TASAI team has a preference for Kenya, although we are open to considering other locations.


• Position will start out as a 3-6 month short term contract, with the potential to be converted to a full-time position thereafter.


• Masters and Ph.D. level research involving data management and analysis may count as work experience.

About TASAI Inc.

The African Seed Access Index (TASAI) is a research initiative that analyzes the performance of national seed sectors in Africa. It is coordinated by the nonprofit organization TASAI Inc. TASAI collects data on 22 indicators to measure, track, and compare formal seed sectors across African countries. With a growing geographic scope that covers 21 countries to date, TASAI promotes enabling environments for competitive seed systems that enhance access to locally adapted, affordable, and high-quality, improved seeds targeting smallholder farmers. More information is available online at www.tasai.org.

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 organisations. 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.

Job Specific:

The primary role of Programme Management Office (PMO) Specialist is to provide the Somalia Country Office (SOCO) with the structures, tools and techniques needed to ensure that it has the right programme and projects in place, that are operational and change priorities are balanced, the governance and decision making is facilitated and it has the resources and capability to deliver them consistently well. S/he to ensure that programme and project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the organization standards, while acting as the overall Project Assurance capacity within the business unit on behalf of the Director and Representative (Executive). S/he will strongly contribute to moving the Somalia office toward achieving its mission-focused goals and objectives.

The functions and services of the PMO include:

Strategic Planning/Portfolio Support: Ensuring UNOPS is focused on doing the right projects by supporting management decision-making.

Delivery Support: Ensuring UNOPS is doing projects the right way, through the effective delivery of the programme and projects.

Best Practices: Applying UNOPS standards in project management, encouraging consistent working practices and ensuring appropriate application.

There will be a reassignment of this role to Mogadishu, Somalia in the second year or as per need. The role will require frequent travel to Mogadishu, Somalia.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Summary of functions:

• Development and planning


• Set-up and closure


• Monitoring and reporting


• Stakeholder engagement


• Quality assurance


• Knowledge management and innovation


• Personnel management

Development and planning

• In conjunction with the PMO team, provides appropriate levels of programmatic management and administrative support to the Head of Programme regarding all ongoing project activities, while maintaining and implementing appropriate standards and best practices in line with UNOPS policies and procedures.


• Directly contribute to strategic oversight, advice and direction on programme and project management activities in line with service agreements and project documents.


• Ensure proper development, implementation and, as and when appropriate, amendments, of the projects, ensuring synergies across Somalia Country Office.


• Develops and establishes resource tracking systems for use within the PMO, complementary to UNOPS’ online tools, to ensure effective planning, forecasting and tracking of delivery across the Somalia office.


• Identifies, and anticipates in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to the Head of Programme.


• Deliver programme and project management related guidance to programme personnel as required.


• Ensure that projects are being implemented in accordance with the implementation of the Project Management Manual and related Project management guidelines and policies that are rolled out by the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) and the UNOPS PMI (Project Management and Infrastructure) Advisory group.


• Identify, track and disseminate information with regard to Project and Programme Management Dashboards in order to ensure that Project teams have access to the most relevant tools to enable better PM oversight.


• Ensure that Projects are fully compliant with the requirements for mainstreaming gender into their projects and have corresponding Action plans (GAP) completed and monitored on a regular basis (As determined by the Project board)


• In collaboration with the HSSE Specialist, ensure that projects are fully compliant with the requirements for Health and Safety requirements, and have corresponding plans completed, monitored and reported on a regular basis (As determined by the Project Board)

Set-up and closure.

• In collaboration with the PDO, facilitate the development of high-level programme/project implementation plans during programme/project development (engagement acceptance process), including the collation of lower-level plans into programme/project-level milestones.


• Develop, track and maintain dependencies.


• Liaise closely and support the Head of Support Services in all project assets and finance related issues.


• For project closure purposes, acts as (or nominates and supervises) a focal point between the Somalia office and donors throughout the process.


• Oversee and coordinate all project closure activities, ensuring appropriate disposal of project assets, timely and effective final (operational) reporting, initiation of financial disbursements as appropriate during Defects Liability Periods, updating of information on the UNOPS systems, and effective handover of closed projects to UNOPS HQ for financial closure processes.


• Provide expertise for start-up, planning and closing of projects and programmes. Provide temporary hands-on delivery support to a programme or project for; surge purposes in selected projects (including dealing with troubled projects, advising, mentoring and covering personnel gaps)


• Put in place a system of tracking project closure and report to the SMT on progress of project closure

Monitoring and reporting

• Ensure SOCO programmes and projects have periodic plans (e.g. quarterly plans) in place with clear milestones which are cascaded from the overall implementation plan


• Ensure that all Somalia country Office programmes and projects adhere to internal and external reporting requirements


• Reviews periodic project (monthly, quarterly etc) reports and ensures their submission internally and or externally to partners in accordance with the legal agreement and the donor guidelines for reporting.


• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).


• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.


• Identify and anticipates in a timely manner, potential risks and issues specific to delivery forecasts, and advises mitigating measures to the Head of Programme.


• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system, using UNOPS ERP and oneUNOPS Projects systems as required.


• Perform routine maintenance and implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation systems of programme and project activities, in line with logical frameworks.


• Provide meaningful inputs into the health status of the portfolio with quarterly analysis of the Self Assessment exercise and quarterly assurance


• Within the context of monitoring and evaluation, ensure all projects submit and regularly update specific milestones and targets for the duration of projects’ life-cycles, and track progress, or otherwise, against such information.


• Provide the Head of Programmes with the necessary periodic portfolio analysis and reports on compliance with the PMM, HSSE and Gender Action Plans


• Provide the Head of Support Services with necessary project analysis reports and information to support areas relevant to the project management team (i.e. Locally Managed Direct Costs projections etc.).


• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of requests or initiatives relevant to project management from the Regional Office, IPAS, and HQ Teams, as required.

Stakeholder engagement

• Ensure office-level stakeholder engagement strategy is developed and monitor the effective implementation of the same by SOCO programme and projects


• Ensure the formulation & implementation of programme and project communications plans and monitor the effectiveness of programme/project communications.


• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications across programmes and projects.


• Coordinate internal programme/project communications such as weekly project managers meetings.

Quality assurance

• Work with internal audit and finance to ensure the programme complies with audit requirements.


• Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers’ quality systems.


• Ensure compliance with UNOPS defined standards for programme/project management such as PMM, FRR, and other requirements.


• Coordinate quality reviews of programme/project documents and deliverables.


• Provide quality control for management products (project documents, reports, etc.).


• Represent the Head of Programme in supporting key stakeholders to continuously identify and improve operational processes relevant to project implementation.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Act as a focal point for the Somalia Country Office programme/project maturity enhancement initiatives


• Ensure programme and project documentation management in accordance with UNOPS policies and procedures


• Ensure routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of national staff.


• Participate in, and advocate PMs’ participation in, relevant Communities of Practice.


• Actively interact with PMs and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices in the Knowledge System.


• Provides feedback to Regional Office/HQ Units on policy and supporting guidance working to achieve continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.


• Contributes to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.

Personnel Management (if managing a team)

• Exercise control of all staffing issues within the PMO team including recruitment, on-boarding and staff performance reviews.


• Directly contributes to the development and maintenance of budget and resource availability tables in conjunction with project managers and relevant project staff.


• Promote and support a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility.


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

Impact of Results

The Programme Management Office Specialist directly impacts on achievement of project results by assisting the Head of Programme to implement effective project management methods and strategies, reduce risks, cut costs and improve success rates. This 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 and Experience Requirement:

A. Education

• Master’s Degree (or higher) in Project/Programme Management, Business Administration, or other relevant discipline is required.


• Bachelor’s Degree in Project/Programme Management, Business Administration, or related field in combination with an additional two (2) years is acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree

Certification:

• PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification is highly desirable.


• MSP certification (Foundation and/or Practitioner) is an advantage.

B. Work Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, specifically in the field of Project Management/support, business analytics and reporting skills in terms of successful implementation and/or oversight of programmes and projects is required.


• Previous experience of working within a PMO environment is an advantage.


• Previous experience in UNOPS is desired;


• Previous experience in a UN environment is an added advantage;


• Experience/knowledge of Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.

C. Language Requirements

• Fluency in the English Language (i.e. writing, reading, and speaking) is required.

D. Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time


• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.


• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.


• Qualified female (Women) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.


• Work-life Harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.


• Nairobi is a Family Duty Station. However, the duty station will be changed to Mogadishu, Somalia (Non-Family duty station) in the second year or as per need. The role will require frequent travel to Mogadishu, Somalia.


• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.


• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.


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


• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.


• Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. **

UNOPS -Somalia Country Office (SOCO) is recruiting this position through an Emergency Recruitment process (EPP) for Parental Leave Cover (Maternity Cover).

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape UNOPS’ efforts to support the expansion of affordable, accountable, and effective policing in Somalia.

Background Information – Somalia Country Office

Somalia is amid major new political and security developments that will offer a greater possibility for peace and security than the country has seen in over 20 years. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), established in 2012, and international community have driven a process of rebuilding of functioning government institutions and processes through Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building priorities under the Somali Compact (2013-2016), based on the Busan “New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States” agreement. The Somalia National Development Plan (2020-2024), builds on this foundation laid by the Compact and sets the priorities for national recovery and development in full collaboration with national and regional governments. A landmark electoral process in late 2016 and early 2017 resulted in a peaceful transfer of power to a new President and government, in place since February and March 2017 respectively. The government has set out an ambitious agenda for its term (the period to 2021). At the London Somalia Conference in May 2017, a Security Pact was agreed by Somalia and the international community, which will allow for sustainable, long-term security based on mutual accountability.

Background Information – Job-specific

The EU is currently funding the Resilience Programme for Somalia which is based on the objective “to revitalise and expand the Somali economy with a focus on livelihood enhancement, employment generation, and broad-based inclusive growth”, financed from the European Development Fund (EDF). Under this project, UNOPS has been requested by the EU to provide support by filling in the identified gaps with flexible tools and mechanisms to implement the National Development Plan structure by establishing a Partnership Coordination Facility for Somalia. Coordinated efforts are essential in order to transform Somalia into a more resilient, and improved, economic sector with greater security, gender equity, improved human development, stronger infrastructure, and better access to basic services that are delivered by accountable governmental institutions. This transformation is hindered by slow institutions that are unable to respond quickly to emerging needs. The project will allow these needs to be identified by the Pillar Working groups, and to be satisfied in a timely, strategic manner. More specifically UNOPS will provide support to the coordination of resilience interventions, disaster management, and contribution to the implementation of the upcoming recovery and resilience framework in support of Result Number 3 of the resilience programme focusing on enhancing the capacity for the implementation and monitoring of a National Resilience Strategy. In addition, UNOPS will be further engaged by the EU to play a critical role in the support of the governance sector where we will be facilitating institutional capacity building, logistical support, and additional activities on the basis of EU demand.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme (HoP), the Senior Project Manager (EU Partnership Programme) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provides services to the different donors, partners, and beneficiaries. She/he is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals. S/he is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle. She/he must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

Stakeholder Management:

• Establish solid working relationships with the project board (Executive, Senior Users, and Senior Suppliers), client, and key stakeholders


• Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products


• Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance)


• Manage the information flows between the Project Board/OC Director and the project(s)

Delivery and Performance:

• Develop and maintain project plans


• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board


• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into the project life cycle.


• Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources, and initiating corrective action where necessary


• Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers


• Authorize Work Packages


• Advise the Project Board and OC Manager of any deviations from the plan


• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved


• Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted


• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers


• Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to Supervisor


• Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to Supervisor

Procedures:

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions)


• Prepare/adapt the following plans for approval by the Project Board: I. Project Initiation Documentation; II. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions


• Prepare the following reports:


• Highlight Reports


• End-Stage Reports


• Monthly Reports


• Operational Closure Checklist


• End Project Report


• Handover Report


• Maintain the following: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR, and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12.


• Ensure that all expenditures comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).


• Manage budgets, cash flow, and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.


• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project


• Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel


• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)


• Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.

Knowledge Management:

• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice


• Actively interact with other PMs and the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices on the Knowledge System.


• Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies


• Complete lessons learned as per reporting format


• Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format

Personnel Management:

• Lead and motivate the project team


• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established


• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted


• Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the Head of Programme


• Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff)


• Select, recruit and train team as required by project plans


• Perform the Team Manager role, unless appointed to another person(s)


• Perform Project Support role, unless appointed to another person or corporate/programme function


• Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

Core Values and Principles:

• Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles


• Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project management


• Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at workplace


• Champion and communicate project’s sustainability aspects with key stakeholders


• Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity


• Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans


• Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff


• Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts


• Partnerships and Coordination Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system


• Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners**Accountability for results and the use of resources**


• The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency, and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the PM to raise the issue to a Supervisor.

Excellence

• Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

General:

Ensure that the project(s) produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. The Senior Project Manager is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case. Contribute to the overall business targets and needs.

Qualifications and Experience

A: Education

• Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant discipline is required.


• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant disciplines with a combination of two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree


• A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.

Certifications

• PRINCE2® Foundation is an asset


• PRINCE2® Practitioner an asset, but required completion within first 6 months of onboarding


• Certified Senior Project Manager – International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B) or Project Management Professional (PMP – PMI) an asset.

B: Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in either Projects Management or Programme Management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.


• Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict environment is an asset


• Experience in capacity building is an added advantage


• Experience working in a National/Government ministry is highly desirable.


• Experience in delivery of multilateral projects is an asset


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


• Previous work experience in a hardship duty station preferably in the Somalia context is highly desirable.


• Experience in managing multi-donor relations and stakeholder engagement is an asset


• Experience in the disaster, risk, and resilience sector is an asset


• Experience in the governance sector is desirable.

C: Language Requirements.

• Fluency in English Language (i.e. writing, reading, and speaking) is required.

D: Additional Considerations:

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time


• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.


• This is an EPP ICA Recruitment


• Only those candidates that are short-listed for Desk Review Process will be notified.


• Qualified female (Women) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.


• Work-life Harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.


• Parental Leave Cover (Maternity Cover) of 4months with the possibility of extension.


• Nairobi is a Family Duty Station.


• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.


• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

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

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.

Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.