Country Programme Manager

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to lead and shape UNOPS' programme delivery in South Sudan, contributing to the country's development and stability. The position offers significant leadership responsibilities, strategic engagement with partners, and the chance to drive innovation and excellence in project management within a challenging and rewarding environment.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

About the Project Office

Since 2005, UNOPS has supported South Sudan’s development through critical infrastructure projects that improve access to essential services and livelihoods, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Efforts focus on the design, construction, and rehabilitation of roads, airstrips, ports, and bridges to enhance connectivity and promote economic activity. UNOPS also builds schools, health facilities, and government offices to strengthen basic service delivery and institutional capacity. In addition to infrastructure, UNOPS provides procurement and operational support to the Government and development partners, enabling efficient and transparent implementation of key initiatives. All efforts are geared toward improving socio-economic conditions, fostering resilience, and supporting long-term development across South Sudan.

Job Specific Context

Located in the South Sudan Country Office, the Country Programme Manager ensures that UNOPS policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the organization, international and national codes and standards. The Country Programme Manager strongly contributes to moving the office towards achieving its mission-focused goals and objectives. The Country Programme Manager is a member of the Senior Management Team of the Country Office, as well as the Programme Leadership Team of the Multi-country Office. The Country Programme Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Country Manager with a functional line of reporting to the MCO Head of Programme. S/he will provide oversight and assurance over the country programme and oversee the PMO, Project Managers in the country office and other delivery teams personnel in the implementation of organizational standards and best practices in Portfolio, Programme and Project Management (P3M). S/he will drive the maturity agenda of the Country Office, ensuring projects contribute to the SDGs, with excellence and to partner satisfaction.

Role Purpose

The Country Programme Manager provides leadership and strategic direction to the Country Programme, ensuring effective delivery, performance management, and partnership satisfaction. S/he oversees the PMO, Project Managers, and other delivery teams, driving the implementation of organizational standards and best practices in Portfolio, Programme, and Project Management (P3M).

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Country Programme Leadership and Governance

• Accept the delegated responsibility for Country Programme Leadership and Oversight through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards.
• Implement project Governance and Assurance practices to ensure policies, processes and methods are complied with and practiced according to the MCO guidance, UNOPS standards, and best project management practices are promoted.
• Provide leadership over the implementation of the PMO’s plans and priorities for the Country Office, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely delivery and client-oriented services.
• Monitor and manage the timely and cost-effective implementation of the country 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) at the Country Office level ensuring alignment with the overall MCO Strategy and plans.
• Coordinate proactive programme and project risk identification and assessment and implementation of adequate mitigation measures.
• Provide direction to Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes.
• Develop, maintain, and scale up tools and reports on quality and performance metrics for the Country Programme.
• Facilitate timely and accurate portfolio, programme and project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.
• Exercise Assurance over Management Products: Project documents, Plans, Partner Agreements, Reports, etc.).
• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.
• Work with Support Services units to ensure effective interfaces with Programme and Project personnel.

2. Country Programme Delivery and Performance Management

• Ensure all projects develop and update implementation plan(s).
• Lead and ensure the implementation of MCO Programme Management systems, tools and procedures (as aligned with global requirements and best practices).
• Ensure all projects fulfill mandatory requirements as specified in the Project Management Manual (PMM) including action plans, schedules, reporting requirements etc.
• Oversee the implementation of the approved plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.
• Facilitate the mainstreaming of sustainability dimensions including gender equality and social inclusion, environmental management and economic aspects into project life spans.
• Oversee the production of the required outputs across the Country Programme, ensuring PMs take responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure that quality of projects, work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan and partner commitments.
• Monitor Country Programme progress ensuring that projects and work packages are being executed according to commitments to partners, quality and internal policy requirements.
• Provide Assurance over project changes.
• Identify potential risks and issues and facilitate the development of mitigating measures so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
• Perform the role of Senior Project Manager, as assigned.

3. Partnership Management and Satisfaction

• Proactively cultivates and maintains solid working relationships with Country Programme partners and stakeholders (i.e., governments, country offices, and international funding institutions) and contributes to recurrent partnerships.
• Oversee the development of stakeholder profiles, formulation and implementation of stakeholder engagement and communication plans.
• Oversee and assure partner communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover project products/outputs.
• Ensure client(s) are advised on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance).
• Ensure all projects in the portfolio are fully up to date with reporting and other requirements specified in partner commitments.
• Represent the Country Office in inter-agency discussions, UN Common System fora, and joint planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered (such as PMT, UNSDCF working groups etc.).
• Support the development of new opportunities by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.
• Work closely with the partnerships specialists to mainstreams lessons learnt and best practices into new Engagement Acquisition.
• Promote UNOPS services by building a network of key partners; keeping abreast of market (and social, economic, political) trends. Demonstrates application of innovation in service delivery.
• Participates in negotiating cost-effective and mutually beneficial terms for UNOPS services with prospective clients and partners.

4. Programme Planning and Coordination

• Support the preparation of Country Programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments) including financial sustainability strategies and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance.
• Facilitate consultations 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.
• In the absence of a dedicated specialist, act as the Gender Focal Point for the Country Office, mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Action Plans into project planning and implementation.
• Facilitate the mainstreaming of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems across the country programme.
• Actively take part in planning, monitoring and reporting progress against plans.
• Lead the Country Office’s P3M maturity enhancement and innovation initiatives to continuously identify and improve operational processes relevant to project implementation.
• Promotes and strives for integrated and harmonized delivery approaches aligned with the strategic plan across the programme.
• Supports the preparation of proposals for new partnerships in line with Strategic Direction of the Multi-Country Office and Region.

5. Team Leadership, Personnel and Resources Management

• Plan and manage the required resources for the Country Programme (human and financial).
• Promotes an integrated and harmonized approach to delivery within the country programme aligned with the strategic plan of the multi-country office.
• Overseeing Country Programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.
• Oversee inputs from the Project Managers, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Country Office financial goals.
• Contribute to the development of pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit.
• Lead and motivate the Country PMO and Project Management teams.
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established in line with MCO and corporate culture and expectations.
• Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and ensure they are conducted fairly, accurately and timely.
• Select, recruit and train the team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standard.
• 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.
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassments, sexual harassments and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitment.

6. Knowledge Management and innovation

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches, innovations and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.
• Share and facilitate the uptake of good practices and lessons learned for continuous improvement, promoting efficiencies and knowledge building.
• Facilitate the development of capacity and knowledge related UN-wide agendas such as Do No Harm, Leave No One Behind, GESI, PSEAH and M&E.
• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme.
• Identify and advocate for innovative initiatives across the country programme.
• Actively promote and take part in sharing case studies, lessons learned and best practices with the wider P3M community.
• Oversee the identification, capture and mainstreaming of lessons learned into ongoing and new projects within the programme.
• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice and advocate for participation of personnel within the country programme.
• Take part in, and provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Skills

Partnerships, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Effective communication

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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 Requirements

Required

• Master’s degree in project management, public administration, social science, business administration, political science, development studies, engineering, or other relevant related field with 7 years of experience. OR
• Bachelor's degree in project management, public administration, social science, business administration, political science, development studies, engineering, or other relevant related field with 9 years of experience.

Desired

• PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner Certification
• Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) Certification

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of 7 years of experience managing, overseeing; and/or coordinating portfolio(s) of multiple projects, programmes and/or projects is required.
• At least 2 years experience managing multi-disciplinary teams is required.
• At least 2 years experience developing new projects in humanitarian, development and/or peace context is required.

Desired

• Experience working in Post-Conflict (or active conflict) environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with Government stakeholders on Donor-Funded projects to partner satisfaction.
• Previous experience in a UN system organization or International NGO preferably in a Senior Management or Leadership role.
• Familiarity with principles and practice of Do No Harm, Leaving No One Behind, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI).
• Experience managing the delivery of infrastructure products.
• Familiar with web-based applications and Google-Suite products, especially google docs, sheets, slides and forms.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredArabicBasicDesirable

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.