Project Management Support - Advisor

Contract

This is a IICA-3 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

AUMCO The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was set up in August 2019 as a part of the UNOPS Europe & Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on: - Infrastructure - Procurement - Project Management (full service, back on track) - HR and Transactional Services - Grants Management - Technical and Advisory Services

Background: Project UNOPS established its presence in Albania following the earthquake in 2019, and has been managing a large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation project with a socioeconomic development focus. Moreover, UNOPS was asked to provide project and procurement management services to the government and other development partners to facilitate the ongoing national COVID-19 response efforts.

Functional Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the AUMCO Albania Country Manager, and in close coordination with the AUMCO HoSS and PMO, the Project Management Support – Advisor will play a key role in helping the AUMCO Albania Country Management with ensuring the effective planning, management and monitoring of these projects, while coordinating the delivery of their operations services and activities.

• Operational leadership, advisory and technical support
• Project planning and coordination support
• Procurement
• Financial and grants management
• Human resources management
• Administration and ICTs
• Knowledge management and innovation

1. Operational Leadership, Advisory and Technical Support

• As a key role for the UNOPS Office in Albania, the Project Management Support - Advisor facilitates the day to day management and oversight of the projects under the management of the office.
• Oversees and manages the delivery of UNOPS’ operations services in the country (including finance, HR, procurement, HSSE, ICT and administration personnel) that are in support of these projects, ensuring effective project implementation in compliance with UNOPS’ strategic plan, rules, regulations, policies, standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.
• Coordinates with AUMCO HoSS and PMO, as well as other relevant AUMCO and HQ units, to coordinate project delivery and operations as per partner requirements and expectations.
• Facilitates the formulation of AUMCO’s strategy and plans in Albania.
• Assists the Country Manager in setting goals, targets and performance standards for projects, and recommends tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing.
• Provides technical advice and operational guidance on innovative approaches to facilitate project delivery, issue and risk management, resource management, governance mechanisms, legal issues, etc.
• Helps identify operational needs, cost and recovery requirements of potential and existing projects, and proposes service lines accordingly.
• At the request of the Country Manager, participates in UN forum discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered in the country.
• Coordinates the health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) matters in Albania to ensure they are integrated into all aspects of the operations and relevant risks are managed effectively.

1. Project Planning and Coordination Support

• Provides assistance and support to programme and project budget preparation, revisions and work planning.
• Provides input into project engagement and acceptance documents including assisting with contract negotiations.
• Provides advice on goal setting, targets and performance standards for projects and recommends tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing.
• Monitors project financial projections, and refers critical issues to the Country Manager for action.
• Provides advice on programme and project cost sharing, deployment of funds and closure.
• Constantly monitors and analyzes the operating environment to identify potential risks and take action/refer critical issues for intervention to ensure delivery of results.

1. Procurement

• Oversees the procurement processes, including tendering processes and evaluation and supplier selection, to ensure viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and compliance with UNOPS procurement procedures, regulations and standard of accountability, ethics, integrity and performance.
• Evaluate contractual arrangements and legal commitments/risks for appropriate action.
• In consultation with relevant experts, review, administer and issue contracts, agreements/amendments with institutions and UN agencies.

1. Financial and Compliance Management

• Contributes to preparation of the office’s financial plan and supports the budget process/cycle to ensure timely revisions and reallocation of funds.
• Facilitates monitoring, tracking and control project expenditure to ensure optimum and appropriate use of resources.
• Ensures the availability of required project financial reports and exception reports including investigating anomalies to resolve problems, reporting or recommending any action required to relevant stakeholders.
• Supports the monitoring of resourcing of various support units and functions, as well as the relevant LMDC and management budgets.
• Acts as a focal point for any internal/external audit exercise .

1. Human Resource Management

• Facilitates resource planning, and personnel required for the projects in Albania.
• Promotes and supports a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility.
• Fosters a positive work environment, respectful of all genders, and ensures that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Assists the Country Manager control all staffing issues for the personnel under the office, including project personnel’s recruitment, onboarding, learning and development and performance management considerations.

1. Administration and Information Technology

• In close collaboration with relevant AUMCO experts, supports maintenance of a secure and reliable ICT environment, including adequate plans for disaster recovery, in Albania.

1. Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Contributes to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches in the UNOPS office.
• Contributes to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
• At the request of the Country Manager, and in collaboration with the personnel, plans, implements and organizes capacity building of project personnel, partners and stakeholders

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• A Master's degree in a relevant related field is required, including international development, project management, business administration, economics, political science.
• A combination of a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience covering at least two of the following operations functions: Procurement, Finance, Logistics/ Asset Management and Human Resources. Knowledge of the other functions is desirable.
• A minimum of 3 years of leadership experience, including a proven track record managing staff and operational systems is required.
• Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
• Past UNOPS experience will be considered a strong asset.
• Experience dealing with UN/UNOPS regulations, rules and policies in the areas of contracting, procurement and human resources is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement (IICA), Ongoing

Contract level: ICS-11/IICA-3

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

Duty Station: Albania

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

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.

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.

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.