Project Management Support - Associate

Contract

This is a LICA-6 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 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-6 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNOPS, Kenya Multi-Country Office (KEMCO) Transactional Projects Office handles multiple work packages across multiple partners in delivery of transactional work across various service lines. The KEMCO, Transactional projects are implementing work packages in human resources, procurement and grant service lines.

The incumbent will assist in the implementation of the transactional portfolio under the broad supervision and guidance of the Transactional Project Manager.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Support Officer, the Project Associate is to support the transactional projects in the day-to-day operations of the projects. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organization’s performance and delivery goals, in the area of project management. S/he must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

• Support implementation of operational strategies
• Portfolio planning, administration and management
• Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Support implementation of operational strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results;

• Full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations of programme/project management, financial processes, financial records and reports and audit follow up, human resources management, procurement processes and implementation of the effective internal control framework.
• Elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Programme/Project Management, in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.

Ensures efficient and effective portfolio planning, administration and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support of all aspects of project implementation and service delivery in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations;
• Monitoring of progress for all projects/services agreements under his/her responsibility, anticipating operational and budgetary issues and taking pre-emptive action.
• Interaction with colleagues, clients and partners and undertaking of missions, as may be required, to guide operational issues and UNOPS service provision.
• Resolution of operational and process issues, referring complex issues to supervisor with clear recommendations for courses of action.
• Review of service requests, assessment of their complexity, level of effort and UNOPS service fee levels for compliance with the UNOPS self-financing principle, and feedback prior to acceptance of projects for execution and/or service requests.
• Preparation of service request documents and analysis of submissions for project and/or UNOPS service acceptance.
• Fostering of client relationships.
• Support in the provision of operational, budgetary and financial guidance to project personnel. Assisting in preparation of project budgets and revisions and other related documents.
• Support in the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for required inputs in the projects (institutional consultancy services, procurement of goods and services, organization of training, seminars, etc.), with expert and/or client support as required. Provide support in the preparation of contracts for services, memoranda of agreement, interagency agreement, grant agreements.
• Monitoring of expenditures and advice to clients/partners and funding agencies on budget status.
• Provide support in interview panels with view to staff selection and recruitment; Identification of consultants/experts, initiation of recruitment and preparation of TOR. Processing of all administrative requirements (e.g. funding source, clearances, and documentation) and request to Global Service Centre and/or integrated teams, to undertake recruitment action; follow-up to completion.
• Support in verification of accuracy of request/transactions and completeness of documentation
• Initiation of action and certification for approval at the higher level as may be required. Monitoring of expenditures, regularly informing supervisor and clients of budget status and any need to reallocate resources to meet objectives.
• Planning, organization and implementation of training, conference and all necessary logistics.
• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials as required for mission travel and/or discussion on project activities.
• Any other duties as assigned

Knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Maintenance of accurate data and information to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of project and service activities, and to institutionalize and disseminate knowledge.
• Coaching and/or mentoring of colleagues on portfolio management and service administration and encouraging feedback to lead to process improvement and standardization.
• Publication and sharing of information and knowledge with colleagues, clients and partners.
• Participation in the trainings for the programme, operations and projects staff on programme/project management.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Education

• Completion of secondary school with 6 years of experience is required.
• Diploma Certificate in Business Administration, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Procurement, Management, International Relations and or other relevant disciplines with four (4) years of relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Procurement, Management, International Relations and or other relevant with two (2) years of relevant professional experience disciplines may be accepted

Experience

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in administration or programme support service is required.
• Experience working in financial reporting, operational transactions and will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of ERP (oneUNOPS) systems is an asset.
• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of UN rules and procedures in Project Management, Procurement, Finance, HR Management and administrative rules and regulations will be an advantage.
• Experience /knowledge of web-based applications and Google Suite products, especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in written and oral English is required.
• Knowledge of the second UN working language is desirable.

Competencies

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.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: LICA 6 ( Local ICA Support) 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.

• This is a local post. As such, it is only open to Kenyan Nationals or persons with valid residence permits.
• This position is based in a family duty station

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.

Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMCO)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMCO) manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC/East and Southern Africa sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, other UN partners, development banks and funds. The multi-country office also supports multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Eritrea. The Nairobi based Technical Services Unit provides UN/OPS and external partners infrastructure assessment, planning, design, feasibility and safeguards services.