Work from Home: UNOPS is Hiringfor a Senior Officer in Programme Management (Home Based)

,As global challenges evolve, the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is at the forefront of this charge, championing the use of new technologies and methodologies to foster sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding efforts. One of their exciting new opportunities is for a Senior Officer in Programme Management, focusing on Open-source Earth Observation Innovation, a role designed for forward-thinking professionals eager to make a tangible difference.

About UNOPS: A Catalyst for Change

UNOPS plays a crucial role in supporting partners around the globe to build a better future. The organization offers services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. As a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a diverse array of stakeholders, including governments, donors, and UN organizations.

Operating under its Global Portfolios Office (GPO) and New York Portfolios Office (NYPO), UNOPS not only supports the United Nations Secretariat but also collaborates with other New York-based UN entities and multilateral partners to facilitate effective project management. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) within UNOPS aims to support its partners with integrated, effective services, having consolidated the Grant Management Services, UN Technology Support Services, and Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio. This consolidation has allowed UNOPS to have an expansive footprint, serving approximately 125 countries worldwide.

Embracing Innovation Through Technology

In light of the rapidly changing landscape of global politics, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) established the Innovation Cell (IC) to leverage new technologies and innovative practices. Since its inception in 2020, the IC has led vital experimentation and pilot projects aimed at advancing preventive diplomacy and mediation. Through the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the IC has notably enhanced inclusivity in peace and political processes in regions such as Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Guinea, and Bolivia.

One of the IC’s latest achievements is the development of an environmental database using open-source satellite data. This initiative aims to foster transboundary dialogues concerning climate change and its intersections with peace and security, working collaboratively with other UN entities to ensure both scalability and sustainability.

The Role: Senior Officer for Open-source Earth Observation Innovation

In this dynamic position, the Senior Officer will work closely with the open-source earth observation innovation analyst and the focal point within the Innovation Cell. The role primarily focuses on three objectives for 2025:

1. Project Management: Enhancing the DPPA’s open-source dashboard, known as Geoguard, this task involves engaging stakeholders and providing training to help them leverage the tool’s capabilities for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
2. Technical Direction: The Senior Officer will provide expert guidance on methodologies and tools that facilitate enhanced political analysis and foster transboundary cooperation. This may include responding to ad-hoc requests for effective utilization of open-source tools.
3. Staying Ahead of Emerging Technologies: The incumbent will keep up-to-date with developments in open-source earth observation technologies, such as AI-enhanced computations, relevant to peace and security. This also involves organizing exchanges among scientific and academic communities and providing updates on emerging geospatial technology trends.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

A critical part of this role will be promoting effective collaboration between end-users (including regional desks and field presences) and advanced data analytics partners. The Senior Officer will engage in user testing of project deliverables to ensure alignment with practical application needs throughout the project’s progression. This requires a seasoned technical officer with a strong background in open-source earth observation, stakeholder management, and project monitoring and evaluation.

This position will be closely coordinated with the DPPA/IC and complies with UNOPS’s policies and protocols. The Senior Officer will not only facilitate successful project delivery but also recommend corrective actions when necessary, ensuring that objectives align with broader organizational goals.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in collaboration with the Innovation Cell program manager, the Senior Officer will:

• Develop a Strategic Plan: Work with the Project Manager to expand Geoguard based on specific needs, creating comprehensive timelines, resource allocations, and coordination mechanisms.
• User-Testing and Feedback Reports: Generate regular reports that document the user-testing processes—both in-person and virtual—while compiling feedback from various stakeholders.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Assist in creating and implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that tracks progress and impact related to the Geoguard expansion.
• Documentation of Project Management Activities: Provide updates on the project’s stakeholder engagement strategies, goals, challenges, and corrective actions.
• Establish Partnerships: Engage with academic and technical partners to support advanced modeling for environmental phenomena, contributing to ongoing research and case studies.
• Advisory Contributions: Take part in discussions addressing project directions and enhancements, ensuring alignment with UNOPS’s larger mission.

Criteria for Selection: Candidates Who Stand Out

Candidates considering this opportunity should bring a diverse skill set and a collaborative spirit. The following educational and experiential qualifications are essential for prospective applicants:

• Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Political Science, or a related field (with two years of relevant experience) is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) with four years of relevant experience is also acceptable.
• Relevant Experience: A solid background in managing geospatial projects, conducting research, and analyzing conflict related to humanitarian affairs, or disaster risk reduction is essential.
• Desired Experience: Experience in managing international geospatial projects related to peace and security and training stakeholders on open-source geospatial tools is advantageous.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is required.

Application Details

This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with innovative technologies and methodologies to influence positive change. Interested candidates can apply through the UNOPS application portal before the closing date, which is set for March 13, 2025. Applications must be received by midnight Copenhagen time (CET).

UNOPS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Join UNOPS and contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful future through your expertise in open-source earth observation innovation. Be part of a dedicated team making impactful strides in the realms of peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian efforts.

Visit the UNOPS Careers Page

The post Work from Home: UNOPS is Hiringfor a Senior Officer in Programme Management (Home Based) appeared first on Scholarly Africa.

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As global challenges evolve, the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is at the forefront of this charge, championing the use of new technologies and methodologies to foster sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding efforts. One of their exciting new opportunities is for a Senior Officer …

The post Work from Home: UNOPS is Hiringfor a Senior Officer in Programme Management (Home Based) appeared first on Scholarly Africa.

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