Head of Programme, Nairobi, Kenya

## Head of Programme, Nairobi, Kenya - Organization:UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services - Office:UNOPS East Africa Hub Nairobi Position Title:Head of Programme Vacancy Type:Internal candidates only Job Category:Programme Duty Station(s):Nairobi Seniority Level:Senior Level Contract Type:Staff - IP - FTA Contract Level:IP P-5 Posting Start Date:18-Aug-2026 Posting End Date:25-Aug-2026 Duration:Fixed Term Appointment Drive programme excellence by leading planning, implementation, and innovation that deliver results for partners and stakeholders. 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 Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS' commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. The Head of Programme (HoP) reports directly to the Multi-Country or 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 Programme Governance, Implementation and Monitoring - Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the 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 delivery and client-oriented services. - Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the 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) and its set-up, to ensure that project management governance, policies, processes and methods are complied with and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided. - Ensure proactive programme and project risk identification and assessment, and implementation of adequate mitigation measures. - Mentor and assist Project 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. Programme Development and Planning - Develop the strategy for the entire Country Office, establish priorities and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the Country Office portfolio of engagements. - Support the Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance. - Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning. - Analyze and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the Director areas for UNOPS engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage. - Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments). - Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the Director. - Consult 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. - Act as the Gender Focal Point for the Office, assume accountability for the Gender Mainstreaming in the Country Office/Multi Country Office, including the Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan being actioned and timely implemented, as well as ensuring that the office has the required gender mainstreaming capacity and knowledge, and that gender is mainstreamed into relevant projects, programs, and processes. Manage Programme Resources - Keep abreast and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results. - Plan and propose the required programme resources (human and financial) to the Director. - Compile from the Project Managers, monitor and submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and Office financial goals. - Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within the 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. - 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 a