Deputy Project Manager

This opening expired 1 year ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

Open positions at UNOPS
Logo of UNOPS

Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 29 May 2022 at 23:59 UTC

Open application form

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

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a highly fragile country with a history of recurrent conflict, the most recent of which took place in 2013 between multiple armed groups. The violence that followed the 2013 crisis greatly damaged public assets and infrastructure, disrupted service delivery, and further weakened the social fabric, and exacerbated people’s poverty and vulnerability to shocks. As a result, roughly one-quarter of the population was internally displaced or had to flee as refugees to neighboring countries. Forced displacement has disrupted livelihoods, depleted the assets of the poor, and put an additional strain on service delivery in areas of displacement.

Improving a critical mass of rural road connectivity links in agricultural production basins could unlock some of the unrealized potential of agriculture in CAR. The Northeast Basin has been prioritized because of its extreme isolation, with a particular focus on the main access route of this region (Kaga-Bandoro-Ndele-Birao), totaling approximately 680 km. This road is part of a regional corridor linking CAR to Sudan.

The Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) has secured support and funding from the World Bank to implement this road rehabilitation project. The Government of the Central African Republic, represented by the Ministry of Public Works and Road Maintenance (MTPER) has requested UNOPS to design and implementation the “Projet d’Urgence de Rétablissement des Infrastructures et de la Connectivité en Centrafrique” (PURIC), specifically in the North-Eastern basin of the Central African Republic for emergency works on the reopening of the Ndélé-Birao National Road No. 8 and connecting it to to AmDafok on the border with Sudan.

Deputy Project Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

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.
  1. 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) or PhD 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.
  • Proficient in MS Project and Schedule Analysis is an asset
  • Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to manage tasks associated with the development of projects is an asset

  • Experience in planning and applying Health & Safety procedures is an asset

  • Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies is an asset

  • Experience working with UNOPS 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.
  • CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC IS A NON FAMILY DUTY STATION
  • CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
  • NB: This VA is also open to National of Central African Republic (CAR). If a national of CAR 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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org