Skip to content

General Information

Position Title
Head of Programme (Internal Candidates Only)
Vacancy Type
Internal candidates only
Job Category
Programme
Duty Station(s)
Geneva
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 12
Contract Type
Staff - IP - FTA
Contract Level
IP P-5
Posting Start Date
08-May-2026
Posting End Date
14-May-2026
Duration
8 months (Until December 2026, renewable based on organizational needs)

Job Highlight

The role drives programme excellence by leading planning, implementation, and innovation that deliver results for partners and stakeholders.

This vacancy is open to internal UNOPS candidates only. This vacancy is for a short-term assignment.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

As part of the Global Portfolios Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

About the Group

As part of the Global Portfolio Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

Job Specific Context

The Head of Programme reports directly to the UNOPS Geneva 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 across all Funds, Projects and Programmes within the Geneva Office portfolio (excluding UNOPS Hosted Entities).

The role acts as the Project/Programme Executive for these projects and programmes and provides quality assurance and oversight, with the support of the Project Management Office.

This role is also responsible for supervising the PMO function for the GVA Office, including strategic planning, best practices guidance, creation of control procedures, monitoring, reporting and systematising information.

The Head of Programme is also responsible for supporting in an advisory role, the Geneva Director in their quality assurance and oversight role for UNOPS Hosted Entities.


Role Purpose

The Head of Programme (HoP) reports directly to the Geneva Country Office Director, who provides direction and general supervision.  The incumbent 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.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1.Programme governance and implementation and monitoring

  • Accept responsibility for project and programme oversight as delegated by the Geneva Office 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 and client-oriented services.
  • Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.
  • Supervise the Programme Management Office (PMO) to ensure that project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.
  • Mentor and assist Project/Programme 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.
  • Develop and implement the programme governance framework.


2.Advisory services to Geneva Director

  • Provide advice and support to the Geneva Office Director in their quality assurance and oversight role with Hosted Entities. This includes working collaboratively with the Project Management Office to review progress of Hosted Entities, assess constraints and identify corrective action, to ensure early warning of risks, for action and/or intervention.
  • Provide advice and support to the Geneva Office Director in managing performance and quality for Hosted Entities, including ensuring the systems are in place to ensure tracking, monitoring and reporting on project/programme delivery and financials.
  • Provide advice and support to the Geneva Office Director in ensuring Hosted Entity compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability.
  • Support the Geneva Office Director to maintain the interface with key senior stakeholders, across Hosted Entities, keeping them engaged and informed.
  • Support the Geneva Director to maintain alignment between Hosted Entities and the UNOPS strategic direction.
  • Support the Geneva Director assurance and audit reviews of Hosted Entities


3.Manage programme resources

  • Plan and propose required programme resources (human and financial).
  • Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Geneva 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 in terms of gender and geography.
  • 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


4.Partnership, networking and advocacy

  • Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the Geneva Office Director areas for UNOPS Geneva engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage.
  • Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.
  • Support the Geneva Office Director and partnerships function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities.
  • Collaborate with UNOPS Geneva Office Director and partnership functions to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.
  • Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Geneva Office Director, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS Strategic Plan and priorities as outlined by the Regional Director.
  • At the request of the Geneva Office Director participate and/or represent the Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered.


5.Knowledge management and innovation

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


Skills

Innovation Management, Organizational Leadership, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking
Strategic Perspective
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.
Respect
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.
Collaboration
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.
Partnerships
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).
Excellence
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.
Adaptability
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.
Decision-making
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.
Communication
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

  • A Master's degree in project management, public administration, social science or other relevant related field is required.

  • 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.



Desired

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

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



Experience Requirements

Required

  • A minimum of 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.


Desired

  • Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

  • Experience in programme management and/or fund management.



Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

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.