Head of Programme, Yaounde, Cameroon

## Head of Programme, Yaounde, Cameroon - Organization:UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services - Office:UNOPS Yaoundé, Cameroon Position Title:Head of Programme Job Category:Programme Duty Station(s):Yaounde Seniority Level:Senior Level Contract Type:Staff - IP - FTA Contract Level:IP P-5 Posting Start Date:15-Sep-2026 Posting End Date:29-Sep-2026 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 Since 1999, the Central Africa Multi-Country Office (CAMCO), headquartered in Kinshasa, DRC, has partnered with UN agencies, international organizations, and governments in 15 Central African nations. CAMCO provides fund management, technical assistance, and capacity-building across critical sectors—infrastructure, health, education, governance, procurement, and environmental protection—while working with national and local authorities to secure local ownership and sustainable impact. The diverse portfolio spans rural-community empowerment, road rehabilitation, and peace consolidation in the DRC and CAR through Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes, alongside wide-ranging procurement and human-resource services. Recent initiatives include drinking-water systems in Cameroon, mining-sector capacity-building, health-system support in the DRC, and infrastructure development in Madagascar, funded by a broad array of international partners. Together, these projects advance regional stability, resilient infrastructure, and improved livelihoods throughout Central Africa. About the Project Office Since 1999, UNOPS has been a committed partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), delivering fund management, technical support, capacity building, and project management services. In collaboration with the Government, UN agencies, and international partners, UNOPS advances sustainable development across key sectors, including infrastructure, health, education, governance, procurement, and environmental protection. A strong focus on local ownership ensures that projects are implemented in a way that builds national capacity and empowers communities. UNOPS supports peace and security through technical assistance to MONUSCO and contributes to environmental preservation by managing regional initiatives such as CAFI and FONAREDD, working closely with Indigenous communities. In the health sector, efforts include the construction of health centers in Kwango (KOICA) and national health system support through the RSS3 initiative (GAVI). UNOPS also leads agricultural infrastructure development and food security efforts through the PNDA project (World Bank) and supports governance and stabilization through the multi-donor Coherence Fund, alongside humanitarian HR services for UNHCR. I. Organizational Context 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 Central Africa Multi-Country Office The Central Africa Multi-Country Office (CAMCO) is responsible for developing, delivering, managing and implementing a growing portfolio of projects and/ or programmes spread across multiple countries. At UNOPS, office portfolio size is determined by a mix of internal and external drivers, including count and value of engagements, personnel headcount, security- and project-related risks, and prevailing humanitarian and geo-political contexts. CAMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of organizational processes and quality standards across all 12 countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe. CAMCO has a portfolio of close to $ 650 million. Growth and geographical expansion are key priorities for CAMCO, with special attention to the African SIDS: Cape Verde and Sao Tome & Principe, as well as on growth and consolidation of those lagging in portfolio development such as Angola, Cameroon, and Burundi. 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 manage