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General Information

Position Title
Senior Programme Manager
Job Category
Programme
Duty Station(s)
Vienna
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 11
Contract Type
ICA - IICA - Regular
Contract Level
IICA 3
Posting Start Date
05-May-2026
Posting End Date
19-May-2026
Duration
Ongoing, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a high-impact environmental project in the Caspian Sea region, working with key international partners such as the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility. The position offers a unique chance to contribute to sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and advance your career in project management within the UN system.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Since opening in 2019, the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) in Vienna has served as a hub for operations across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. AUMCO delivers technical expertise, operational support, and sustainable infrastructure solutions for governments, donors, and international financial institutions. Flagship initiatives include Blueing the Black Sea—a GEF and World Bank partnership to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development—and Türkiye’s post-earthquake recovery programme, enhancing protective services for women and children. In Albania, projects revitalise cultural heritage and advance digital justice, while in Kosovo, new university infrastructure supports higher education. In Georgia, AUMCO facilitates the Eastern Partnership European School and strengthens rule of law and digital health access. Across Central Asia, activities range from health system strengthening in Uzbekistan to hazardous waste management in Tajikistan. AUMCO also supports UNOPS’ global Water, Environment, and Climate portfolio, reinforcing its role as a regional and thematic centre of excellence.

Job Specific Context

The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for managing the Blueing the Caspian Sea (BCSP) project in line with the GEF endorsed package, including the Project Document, as well as the overall World Bank-UNOPS legal agreement, the Project Operations Manual (POM), and as per UNOPS’ project management standards and rules. Under the direct supervision of the UNOPS AUMCO Head of Programme, and operational guidance from the World Bank and Steering Committee, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of the required outputs in a timely manner and on budget, in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders and partners. The incumbent is expected to review and update the work plan for effective implementation of the project, work with stakeholders and partners to ensure efficient project execution, conduct monitoring and evaluation of project activities, and facilitate quarterly reviews and reporting until project closure.

Role Purpose

The Senior Programme Manager will lead the implementation of the Blueing the Caspian Sea project, ensuring the delivery of outputs and activities in line with national priorities, managing the Project Implementation Unit, and liaising with project stakeholders to achieve project objectives within budget and timeline.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Management of Substantive Activities:

  • Facilitates the implementation and delivery of outputs and activities in line with the national priorities of the participating countries.
  • Leads the establishment and ensures the maintenance of implementation arrangements and associated legal agreements in collaboration with the relevant UNOPS and the World Bank, as per the approved project plan(s).
  • Provides oversight and guidance, and manages the execution of project activities through day-to-day coordination and monitoring of progress under project activities, based on the established agreements, as required.
  • Provides technical advice and support, both directly and indirectly, to implementation partners to ensure the execution of their respective contracts.
  • Coordinates closely with beneficiary governments and respective line ministries regarding their inputs and the implementation of components and activities.
  • Provides oversight and guidance for the preparation of relevant technical training materials.
  • Provides oversight and monitoring of progress in all project components and activities to ensure effective implementation, while coordinating with other relevant project partners.
  • Manages the organization and convening of national and multi-country meetings periodically, as per project work plan(s).
  • Ensures the monitoring of overall project implementation, facilitating reviews and evaluations, and completing reporting requirements as appropriate.
  • Ensures alignment with the appropriate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


2. Regional Cooperation & Collaboration:

  • Acts as Secretary to the Steering Committee, including the convening of meetings, preparation and distribution of relevant background documents in advance, and dissemination of official meeting reports.
  • Liaises regularly with designated government officials, national focal points, and other relevant bodies and stakeholders in the three participating countries regarding project execution and progress.
  • Develops and supports networks of participating individuals and institutions involved in implementation activities at all levels.
  • Initiates collaborative arrangements with relevant projects in the region, following UNOPS standards, and as agreed by the Steering Committee.
  • Oversees the publication and distribution of all substantive and technical reports resulting from project activities, following GEF, World Bank, and UNOPS publication protocols.
  • Organizes and supervises peer reviews of project outputs.
  • Facilitates the identification of opportunities to expand project outcomes and outputs through new partnerships and additional contributions.


3. Management of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU):

  • Supervises and guides PIU personnel in the execution of their duties, as per UNOPS’ HR and people management requirements.
  • Manages the learning, development, and performance of project personnel assigned by UNOPS.
  • Monitors and evaluates the performance of personnel assigned to the PIU by UNOPS in line with UNOPS HR requirements, and in coordination with the World Bank and Steering Committee on technical and substantive elements.
  • The Senior Programme Manager will act as the Project Manager in the UNOPS ERP system.


4. Liaison with Project Stakeholders:

  • Liaises regularly with project partners, including the World Bank as the implementing agency, government counterparts, and line ministries to ensure the effective implementation of the project, in line with the project agreement between UNOPS and the World Bank, and as per UNOPS project management standards and rules.
  • Liaises with project partners to solicit inputs in the preparation of project monitoring documents, such as annual work plans, progress reports, and reports on risks and challenges, in line with UNOPS, World Bank, and GEF requirements.


5. Knowledge Management and Innovation:

  • Encourages routine and effective capacity-building activities for the long-term and sustainable development of personnel.
  • Actively interacts with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices.
  • Contributes to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participates in relevant Communities of Practice.
  • Conducts research and logs lessons learned throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provides feedback to UNOPS internal Practice Groups on policy and supporting guidance with the aim of continuously improving UNOPS policies.


Skills

Communication, Environmental Management Systems, Leadership, Project Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning
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

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in a relevant field such as environmental sciences, natural resource management, sustainability, political science, public policy or another related discipline with 9 years of relevant experience OR

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required



Experience Requirements

Required

  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive working experience in environmental-related programme/projects is required. 
  • At least 5 years of this experience must involve  overseeing or managing complex projects, implementation, managing teams and budgets, and engaging with senior stakeholders. 
  • Demonstrated experience in liaising with ministries, and other national partners on project implementation.


Desired

  • Experience in projects related to management of water resources and marine-coastal ecosystems, in particular the Caspian Sea, is desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience in the management of multi-country and multi-disciplinary projects, such as GEF-funded projects, is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience in the region, and familiarity with its geopolitical, cultural, social and economic setting, including international treaties and environmental agreements, highly preferred. 
  • Expertise in managing multiple and high-level stakeholders and government partners, including production and dissemination of public awareness materials would be considered an asset.
  • Knowledge of the United Nations system, working with World Bank and Global Environment Facility, including their administrative processes, is a strong asset.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that 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. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
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.