Senior Programme Manager

Organizational Context

The Asia Pacific Regional Office oversees UNOPS operations across 17 countries, focusing on strategic leadership and operational excellence. The Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) has shifted its focus to life-saving initiatives and basic human needs, including managing cash-for-work programs and procuring emergency supplies. This role is within the Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP), a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at strengthening Afghan MSMEs.

Job Purpose

The Senior Programme Manager holds ultimate institutional accountability for the strategic vision, political navigation, risk mitigation, and operational implementation of the UNOPS Private Sector Resilience Program (PSRP) in Afghanistan. This involves navigating a complex political economy, overseeing multi-layered international and national implementing partner arrangements, and managing critical institutional relationships with the World Bank Group, international donors, and local partners. The role is crucial for ensuring the program's success in strengthening the resilience and job creation potential of Afghan MSMEs, with a focus on women, youth, and returnees.

Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager is accountable for the strategic governance, high-level representation, and political navigation of the PSRP portfolio, including its technical integration and financial performance. This involves representing UNOPS on the PSRP Steering Committee, co-chairing the Management Committee, and advocating for project objectives in various coordination platforms. The role directs ongoing political economy risk assessments and leads relationships with the World Bank and other stakeholders. Responsibilities also include leading program implementation, developing operational manuals, governing multi-layered sub-grants, and enforcing rigorous fiduciary controls. Furthermore, the manager commands environmental and social safeguards, enforces protection frameworks against SEA/SH, and directs project audits. The role also involves directing the knowledge agenda, overseeing evidence-based outputs, and leading the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) with a focus on compliance, integrity, and gender parity, while maintaining oversight of safety and security protocols.

Work Experience

Required experience includes senior-level, progressively responsible roles in program management, large-scale operations, or international development leadership. A minimum of 5 years directing multi-million dollar economic development or private sector portfolios in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) settings is essential. Experience in project/programme management, with a focus on private sector development or economic development in complex environments, is also required. Experience with complex multi-layered implementation, contract management, and rigorous fiduciary frameworks is desired.

Skills

Agribusiness, Economic Development, Federal Grants Management, Program Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership

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