Head of Programme Management Unit

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-11 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-11 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS is undertaking a project to support the establishment and management of the Programme Management Unit” (PMU) funded by BMZ through the KfW. The PMU will be incorporated into the Development Cooperation Unit (DCU) at the Ministry of Education (MoE), and it aims to support the establishment of the function of coordination and facilitation for the German School Construction Projects at the DCU, and to support the implementation of the Development Policy Loan (DPL) and any other future projects financed by the German Government.

The main objectives of the PMU include: i) to facilitate and create the function of coordination for all the German projects and activities at MoE, ii) to act as a focal point for KfW/Government of Germany and the School Construction Projects and DPL; iii) support communication and coordination with other stakeholders, and iv) to provide quality assurance, according to international standards, of the outputs related to these projects prepared by the concerned departments and managements at MoE.

The DPL aims at supporting reforms in the Ministry of Education (MoE) and related entities to improve Facility Management (FM) in Jordanian public schools.The reform agenda for the DPL will primarily focus on facility management at three levels: i) policy, ii) school administration and iii) schools.

Functional Responsibilities

The Head of the PMU will be responsible for fulfilling the key objectives of the Programme Management Unit (PMU). In addition, he/she will manage and oversee the support function of the PMU to the Ministry of Education (MoE) towards the implementation of the “School Construction Projects, the Development Policy Loan (DPL) Programme, and any other school construction project funded by the German government through KfW. The Head of PMU will lead, manage, advise and guide the PMU team and will ensure necessary support is extended to the Development Coordination Unit (DCU), and other relevant units of the MoE throughout the different phases of the project including the planning, and implementation phases, to ensure achieving the desired quality within the allocated budget(s) and timeframe(s), and effectively resolve all issues and concerns. The Head of the PMU must be able to undertake independently, the following functional/ technical tasks: Governance, Monitoring, and Reporting (Technical Committee, Steering Committee, team management, reporting requirements, monitoring of the agreed results matrix, follow up on work plans of units relevant to SCP/ DPL)

• Review the PMU TOR and suggest amendments to the terms, tasks, staffing, and timeline of employment that need to be approved by KfW and MoE.
• Prepare a detailed annual work plan and follow up on the achievement of the PMU objectives.
• Manage the Programme Management Unit (PMU) throughout the phases of the projects including planning, budgeting, and forecasting, implementation, as well as lead and supervise the PMU team members.
• Serve as a member of the “PMU Technical Committee”.
• Provide technical assistance, advice, and guidance to the staff of respective relevant departments and management units at MoE, and find ways to increase the quality of work and productivity of staff.
• Lead on the preparation of informative periodic progress reports to H.E the Minister of Education and KfW.
• Maintain follow up with the KfW team to ensure that the “Projects’ Responsibilities Matrix” is followed and updated as necessary.
• Provide technical advice that all operations are in adherence to the KfW health & safety and environment standards and regulations.
• Provide technical advice for monitoring and controlling the actual expenses vs. the budget as well as the status of activities in conjunction with the project’s schedules.
• Monitor and track the flow of related work inside and outside MoE at the different phases of the projects.
• Identify and monitor potential risks and associated risk mitigation measures and plans.

• Provide advice to the “Coordination, Communication and Design Control Officer” and the “CRM Administrator” on the creation of a system for documentation, and monitoring the documentation process at the PMU.

• Provide with the support of PMU timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting.

• Identify any need for recruitment of short term experts (TA) where and as needed.
• Delegate responsibility and authority effectively and efficiently, and ensure accountability to subordinate PMU staff for the delivery of agreed outputs.

Knowledge Management

• Share knowledge with the PMU team and other relevant key stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery of activities and synergies.
• Contribute to the identification and dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for PMU development planning and knowledge building.
• Support the MoE in capacity building planning and transfer of programme-related knowledge among MoE staff.

Coordination and Stakeholder Management

• Maintain effective communication* and coordination with all relevant partners and key stakeholders, including but not limited to, MoE, MoPWH, KfW, implementation consultants, contractors, suppliers, etc.
• Attend and participate in all relevant coordination meetings to address technical problems and the associated needed mitigation measures on a timely basis.
• Develop schemes with MoE, KfW and other stakeholders to conquer identified challenges/ bottlenecks in relation to process structures in MoE, in particular, all related issues of school design, needs assessment, curricula development affecting spatial requirements, construction, defects liability, handover, and facility management.

Support to SCP component (capacity building, technical advice, review of documentation with recommendation/ feedback, drafting of documentation for MoE’s review and approval) - Follow-up on the related works conducted by the “Management of Buildings and Projects” Unit at the planning and implementation phases, through: - Reviewing and approving designs, assessing the variation/ change orders, approving the time schedules for the different projects, and the “Construction Handing Over” activities. As well as provide approvals, advice, and feedback where/ when necessary according to the approved projects’ responsibilities matrix.

• Provide technical support to the “Operation & Facility Management Officer” at the PMU as needed, through the provision of technical advice on the general outline of maintenance and service provision plans for the different KfW funded and implemented school construction projects.

Support Development Policy Loan (DPL) Component

• Facilitate and monitor MoE’s implementation of the Facility Management reform as outlined in the DPL Policy Matrix (agreed with the MoE)
• Provide support to the Policy Development & Implementation Advisor in the implementation of the DPL in line with the DPL Task Description in Annex 3, as needed.

Quality Control and Assurance

• Provide quality assurance on the project’s outputs to ensure it is being executed as per the standard construction methods and procedures, and that it complies with international standards and regulations.
• Develop, update, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidance to all projects, particularly in infrastructure/school construction-related projects.
• Oversee and create functions of the PMU at the DCU to ensure sustainability.

Internal and External Communication:

Outside MoE:

Supporting the communication with the following stakeholders outside MoE:

• KfW
• MoPWH
• MoPIC
• MoF
• Consultants
• Contractors
• Suppliers of furniture and equipment
• Government entities/ authorities for approvals and regulations.
• Utility providers
• Local communities
• Donors/Implementing Agencies/International Partners

Inside MoE:

• PMU Steering Committee
• PMU Technical Committee
• Development and Coordination Unit (DCU)
• Management of Buildings and Projects
• Planning & Educational Research Department
• Management of Queen Rania Center for Education & Information Technology
• Management of Supplies and Equipping
• MOE off-center Directorates
• Financial Affairs Administration

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in education, construction management, project management, international relations, business management, public administration, social sciences, or other related fields is preferred.

• A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience - Minimum of 7 years of successful experience in leading and managing projects in public or private sector institutions in the humanitarian and/or development sector is required; - Demonstrated ability to develop staff capacity and train others, as well as to engage effectively with staff at national and/or governorate levels is required; - Demonstrated experience in developing and managing relationships with donors and governments, as well as engaging with bilateral and/or multilateral partners is required; - Demonstrated progressive experience in organizational leadership; - Progressive experience in management and implementation of major strategic programme/ project(s) in education sector is desired; - Familiarity with German school construction projects implemented in the Education sector in Jordan is desired; - Excellent communication skills; - High proficiency with computers, and other software/ platforms related to the positions field of expertise. Good experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides; - Demonstrated experience in Gender mainstreaming in public sector is desired; - Experience of working in the UN/ International Organization is desired.

Certification - International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B) or Project Management Professional (PMP - PMI) or PRINCE2 foundation is an asset.

Language - Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

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 Contractual Agreement (ICA) Contract level: Local ICA Specialist 11 (LICA 11) 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.
• Amman is a family duty station.
• This position is open to nationals only.
• 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
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

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.