Head of Programme, Geneva, Switzerland

## Head of Programme, Geneva, Switzerland - Organization:UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services Position Title:Head of Programme Vacancy Type:Internal candidates only Job Category:Programme Duty Station(s):Geneva Seniority Level:Senior Level 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) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 hi