Project Management Support - Officer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 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 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, Governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information – EAPMCO

The Southeast Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO), supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises five main business units: Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Indonesia, Pacific Operations Cluster, Papua New Guinea and Philippines.

Background Information – Project

The two UN joint programmes (North Pacific and South Pacific) support the integration of digital solutions to the Pacific to assist the region’s socio economic recovery post COVID19. The project has two components a) accelerating the adoption of digital transformation related enabling policies, legislation and strategies across the various sectors and b) Pilot smart islands approach

‘Smart Islands’ introduces innovative approaches to deliver connectivity along with an integrated suite of scalable and sustainable services to disadvantaged island communities that leverages interoperability, multi-functionality and reuse of ICT infrastructure. Smart Islands can improve the provision of digital services across various sectors: health, education, agriculture, multi hazard warning, employment (e-commerce), digital financial services, tourism and fishing.

Micronesia SDG Fund - Accelerating SDG achievement through digital transformation to strengthen community resilience in Micronesia

Aim of the initiative is to accelerate SDG achievement through digital transformation to strengthen community resilience in Micronesia. ITU as the lead UN agency for the SDG Fund Joint Programme“ Accelerating SDG achievement through digital transformation to strengthen community resilience in Micronesia” will be responsible for coordination with all participating and technical UN organizations (PUNOs) under the overall leadership of United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC), and governments in the beneficiary countries to achieve the outputs and outcomes of this programme. The UNRCOs will lead the strategic coordination with the national governments of the target countries. ITU, in cooperation with other UN agencies, will lead the joint programme on technical modules of the project, including the creation of training materials, identification of appropriate ICT solutions, deploying necessary toolkits, digital strategy, policy and regulatory reform, capacity building, and digital inclusion activities for beneficiaries. UNOPS will lead the project management, operations and procurement of all ICT solutions.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will provide a strong contribution to the overall success of the project. S/he will assist the Project Manager with project activities related to operation, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and communication.

The Project Management Support Officer will also support in providing technical inputs relating to digital transformation and ICT- focused policies, knowledge management and sharing, and capacity building, under the supervision of Project Manager and in close collaboration with the ITU and relevant stakeholders.

S/he will assist the Project Manager in design, manage, monitor, supervise and evaluate the Smart Islands programme in close collaboration with the connectivity providers, service providers, rural community, ITU, government departments and other stakeholders to implement the pilot implementation in the identified village(s). S/he will support in coordinating the implementation of project activities while continuously monitoring performance and providing recommendations for improvements based on follow up meetings and project timelines.

The Project Management Support Officer will contribute to the effective delivery and implementation of effective procurement services, for a select group of goods and services. These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.

The Project Management Support Officer is also responsible for the quality of administrative support services provided within the programme portfolio. S/he analyzes and interprets the administrative rules and regulations and provides solutions to complex issues related to administration. The Project Management Support Officer will work in close collaboration with the support services within the Multi-Country Office to successfully deliver programme outcomes.

The Project Management Support Officer will support the Project Manager in creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Project Delivery and Performance
2. Procedures
3. Monitoring and reporting
4. Stakeholder engagement and coordination
5. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project Delivery and Performance

• Support activities during the inception, implementation and closure phases of the Project, as requested by the Project Manager
• Support in the implementation and update of the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to Project Manager so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved
• Identify and report to the Project Manager potential business opportunities for UNOPS
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.

2. Procedures

• Ensure respect of relevant project management requirements
• Ensure respect of UNOPS procurement procedures
• Ensure that all expenditure complies with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR)
• Ensure respect of UNOPS administrative procedures
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality inputs needed for monitoring of the project’s performance, outputs and benefits as required by the Project Manager

3. Monitoring and Reporting

• Contribute in preparing and issuing regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner requirements for reporting.
• Support the Project Manager with reporting to the Project Board and provide updates and information as required to the Project Advisory Board
• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system
• Regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span
• Collect data for the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, provide M&E reports

4. Stakeholder engagement and coordination

• Act as focal point in the country and support coordination in the country amongst the different stakeholders.
• Assist in conducting assessments, identify and implement the strategies agreed in the country;
• Assist in preparing proposals, contribute and provide technical feedback, relating to digital transformation, Smart Islands and other ICT components of the programme, on country studies and coordinate with other national, international and regional experts involved.
• Foster partnerships with the key national, regional and local media;
• Follow-up on project plans and documents, goals, deliverables, KPIs and timelines agreed with partners, and support management on allocation of appropriate resources.

• Support the implementation of Smart Islands programme in the country including needs analysis, stakeholder engagement (at community and national level), design and implement the work plan in identified pilot areas, partnership identification, capacity building and monitoring the implementation of the programme

• Support the enhancement of visibility/promotional material in accordance with the approved communication and visibility plan

• Monitor Media coverage, and support the implementation of the outreach and communication strategy

5. Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted
• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.

Impact of Results

Project Management Support - Senior Officer 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

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.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Undergraduate accredited university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in Engineering, Digital Management, Digital Media, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Business Administration, International Administration, Project Management or related fields is required - Postgraduate (Advanced) accredited university degree (master or equivalent) or higher degree in the above-mentioned field is preferred and may substitute some of the required years of experience.

Certification

• Project Management certification PRINCE2 Foundation is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in any of the following areas: project management support, administration, procurement, coordination with multi-stakeholders or related field in combination with undergraduate degree is required.
• Experience in digital government services at local or international level is a strong asset.
• Experience in writing project progress reports, communication strategies and M&E frameworks is an asset.
• Experience working with UNOPS, UN or other humanitarian/development agencies is an asset.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (G Suite applications) is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Award
• Contract level: ICS-8 / LICA 8
• Contract duration: 12 months with the possibility of an extension

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

******The position is open for application only from Palau nationals or with a valid residence.******

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.