Deputy Project Manager

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Agriculture plays a major role in the entire Great Lakes region and in the DRC's economy, which has 80 million hectares of arable land, a diverse climate, adapted to agricultural diversity, and extensive areas for agriculture. In addition to having abundant water resources for agriculture, the DRC has many lakes and rivers that offer great opportunities for fishing and aquaculture. Agriculture is the largest sector in terms of GDP and employment, accounting for 42.5% of GDP(Gross Domestic Product) and employing 70% of the labor force (62% men and 84% women). The sector consists mainly of small family farms based on low-intensity production of crops, livestock and fish. Staple food production remains stagnant and has fallen behind. Some agricultural sub-sectors, including coffee, oil palm, and cassava and maize production, are more dynamic. In addition to cassava and maize, small and large commercial farmers grow rice, sugar cane and banana. Congolese agriculture is characterized by low productivity. Quality inputs and appropriate technologies are lacking, such as improved seeds (especially hybrids), fertilizers and other agrochemicals, vaccines and sanitary zoo supplies. The emergence of a more productive and dynamic agricultural sector is also limited by the lack of protection of regional watersheds (threatening the sustainability of soil and other natural resources), weak market access, and the lack of information on markets and prices. Poor productive infrastructure and equipment (water, electricity, roads) and limited agri-food processing facilities add to the high costs of production, processing and transaction, in addition to the high post-harvest losses for crop, livestock and fish production. Removing these constraints that limit the performance of the sector should strengthen the contribution of agriculture to food security, employment, household nutrition, and poverty reduction.

Agriculture is therefore a critical economic and employment activity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Project Information:

With funding from the World Bank, UNOPS CDOH is implementing on behalf of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC- Ministry of Agriculture) the infrastructure of subcomponent of the project whose objectives is to increase agricultural productivity and marketing in targeted areas in eastern DRC, improve regional integration in the agriculture sector and thereby improve and strengthen the overall agricultural value chains.

The project comprises of:

a. Rehabilitation of 540 kilometers of agricultural feeder roads linking production

areas and markets;

b. The rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems in the Ruzizi Valley River in the

Ruzizi and Rugumba plains and other lowlands and valleys, and;

c. Rehabilitation of micro hydroelectric power plants (small dams) and access to

water (construction / rehabilitation of boreholes).

UNOPS will work in close collaboration with the rural infrastructure engineers of the provincial delivery units, the Directorate of Agricultural Servicing (DVDA), the National Rural Hydraulic Service (SNHR). The Ministry of Rural Development in charge of road and water supply programs as well as the Office of Roads (OdR) for long-span bridges on these roads.

The rural roads program will take a regional dimension of the proposed project into consideration and improve connectivity between DRC and Burundi. It will also establish a community program focused on road maintenance mechanisms and develop institutional capacity of the Directorate of Agricultural Servicing (DVDA), water user associations will also receive training on irrigation project management.

Background information - DR Congo

Located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo the UNOPS Multi-Country office covers eleven countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Rwanda, and has an active portfolio of over $300 million, with many infrastructure projects. The office has developed strong working relations with international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments across Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors; procurement, project management and sectoral advisory services; peace and security, environmental preservation and protection among others.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Project Delivery and Performance - Develop and maintain project plans - Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board - Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life cycle - Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary - Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers - Authorize Work Packages - Advise the Project Board and OC Manager of any deviations from the plan - Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved - Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted - Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers - Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor - Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor

2. Procedures

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions)
• Prepare/adapt the following plans for approval by the Project Board: I. Project Initiation Documentation; II. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions

• Prepare the following reports:

  I. Highlight Reports II. End Stage Report III. Operational Closure Checklist IV. End Project Report V. Handover Report - Maintain the following: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12.

• Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project
• Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)

• Where the Deputy Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.

  Coordination of Procurement of goods and services:- Coordinates strategic Planning, implementation and oversight of procurement of goods and services in coordination with the CDOH procurement unit;

• Develops and maintains the strategic role of procurement in provision of cost effective and efficient supply and service solutions that contribute to achievement of broader office and organizational objectives;
• Adheres to tools and guidelines to assist customer units/portfolios in procurement activities. Ensures that risk assessments are undertaken as needed particularly for large value procurement contracting in consultation with relevant business owner;
• Supports the Procurement Advisor to secure compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules & Regulations, General Terms & Conditions, and Auditor's recommendations/ observations in all procurement activities;
• Supports in preparations of all Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposal, Award Recommendations above $50K, CPC Submissions (HQCPC/LCPC) and Contracts;
• Coordinates development of procurement plans and strategies for the project;
• Supports in overseeing adherence to contractual agreements, recommend amendments and contract extensions, advise concerned parties with respect to contractual rights/obligations;
• Assists in development and maintenance of appropriate supplier performance management system.

3. Monitoring and reporting- Ensure that the project(s) produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits.

- The Deputy Project Manager is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case. Contribute to the overall business targets and needs. - Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span

4**. Stakeholder engagement** - Establish solid working relationship with the project board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders - Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products - Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance)

• Manage the information flows between the Project Board/OC Director and the project(s)

  5. Quality assurance- Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements

• Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems
• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables
• Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)
• The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the PM to raise the issue to a supervisor

6. Knowledge management and innovation- Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff. - Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices - Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice - Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span. - Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies - Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality

7. Personnel Management - Lead and motivate the project management team - Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established - Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely - Select, recruit and train team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives. - Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards - Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree) in Engineering, Project Management or other relevant discipline is required;
• First level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Engineering, Project Management or other relevant discipline in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Project Management is required;
• Experience working in emergency, post-crisis environment and/or with UN missions is a strong asset;
• Experience in Engineering and construction with UNOPS is a strong asset;
• Proven experience in financial management is an asset.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in French is required.

CERTIFICATION

• PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification – Preferred

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level: I-ICA2 ( ISC10)

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
• NB: This VA is also open to National of Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC). If a national of DRC is selected, He will be contracted under a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 10)

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.