Project Management Support Specialist

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 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.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and 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 - Project Information

Project “Support to Development of Oncology Services Project in Uzbekistan (Phase II)” Funded through a major loan from the Islamic Development Bank and in line with SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), UNOPS will support the Government of Uzbekistan in strengthening the preparedness of its national healthcare system, and preventing and treating oncological cases in an effective and timely manner. By identifying, procuring, delivering and operationalizing urgently needed medical, laboratory, radiological and ICT equipment, the project will significantly contribute to improved access and quality healthcare services for local communities in 14 regional locations including Tashkent and throughout the country.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Programme/project development, planning and coordination - Stay abreast of the context and developments within the ECR region, as well as relating to global/inter-regional environment and climate change, including in terms of cross-cutting issues such as gender, diversity and sustainability. - Contribute to and support the development and articulation of programme management, delivery and monitoring strategies and approaches, as well as the appropriate project documents and agreements. - Ensure that the proposed projects, as well as their documents, results frameworks, initiation plans, work plans, etc. are developed and planned effectively, in line with UNOPS’ mandate and ECR/AUMCO strategy. - Coordinate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders within the MCO and HQ, to ensure aligned and coherent portfolio and project planning and implementation processes. - Coordinate the identification, design, and formulation of activities to meet MCO and project objectives. - Draft and/or review donor agreements and other project documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects. - Ensure that the projects are managed and delivered in line with UNOPS rules and regulations (including the Project Management Manual), as well as system (oneUNOPS and oneUNOPS-Projects) requirements.

2. Project management and delivery support - Analyze project agreements and documents, and develop and implement inception, work and monitoring plans to ensure effective delivery and implementation in consultation with the Senior Programme/Portfolio Manager and other relevant stakeholders, including through the provision of hands-on guidance, capacity development and support to the relevant project teams. - Serve as the Deputy Project Manager where and as assigned, particularly for projects that are limited in size and scope, as well as those being operationalized or closed out, and ensure their delivery as per the respective project agreements/documents and UNOPS’ project management standards, under the guidance of the supervisor. - Help ensure that projects, as well as their outputs and activities, are delivered in line with their agreed scope, time and cost through effective planning, management and monitoring support. - Assist the supervisor and MCO management with effective programme/project planning in line with the respective project agreements/documents, including reviewing, improving, finalizing, managing and monitoring the respective project/work plans, as well as procurement, HR, grants and financial management plans, documents (such as ToRs) and processes (recruitments, solicitations, awarding of contracts, etc.). - Review implementing partners’ documents and reports to ensure compliance to project requirements and UN/UNOPS standards. - Track programme/projects’ progress and results against plans and targets (including scope, time and cost), and alert management on issues, risks and lessons learned, alongside the appropriate action plans to proactively take remedial actions and/or manage the relevant risks. - Under the supervisor’s guidance, take action to reconcile deviations from programme/project plans, including where revisions of legal agreements and relevant budgets are required. - Coordinate and facilitate sharing of information between project teams, donors, HQ, etc. - Compile data and draft high-quality reports for management purposes, including for internal and external stakeholders to support management. - Prepare written summaries for meetings and visits, including through research, and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate. - Help ensure that project information and documentation, including deliverables, budgets, expenditures and financial forecasts, are maintained and managed in a quality manner, and as per UNOPS standards and requirements. - Facilitate the collaboration and communications between projects, the Office Portfolio, the MCO PMO and the partnerships team to ensure compliance to donor requirements and legal agreements, as well as the implementation of policies, processes and methods according to internal standards. - Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations. - As an OIC in the absence of the supervisor, and carry out other relevant duties as assigned.

3. Stakeholder coordination - Contribute to the establishment and development of relationships with UN partners, international organizations, donors, governments, implementing partners for the purposes of facilitating activities and improving the quality and relevance of programme implementation. - Participate in, contribute to and report on the relevant stakeholder meetings, including UN/inter-agency forums where assigned. - As appropriate, support the management team with UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNSDCF, integrated strategic frameworks, etc. - Support the development of office/project level stakeholder and communications management profiles, strategies and plans, where relevant, to maximize communication impact and outreach and build awareness. - As appropriate, establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders. - Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs. - Support the design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms. - Support preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management and senior UN/UNOPS officials.

4. Knowledge management and innovation - In collaboration with the MCO PMO where relevant, help the MCO HoP roll out the relevant standards, SOPs, tools and templates to effectively manage programme development and implementation. - Identify, record, share and facilitate the management of programme/project-level issues, risks and lessons, including using the appropriate UNOPS systems. - Facilitate sharing of best practices, innovative approaches and lessons learned, including through case studies and the appropriate corporate programme/project management related networks. - Provide onboarding support and sustained capacity development to new Project Managers and teams, as well as other relevant personnel, on a variety of topics including UNOPS Project Management Manual, oneUNOPS and oneUNOPS-Projects, MS Projects, etc.

5. People management - As delegated, ensure the effective planning, recruitment and development of a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and in line with UNOPS’ gender and geographical diversity considerations. - Help management lead and motivate the programme unit and relevant project teams. - Foster a positive work environment that is respectful of all genders, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. - Maintain a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff).

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - A Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations or related field. - 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. - PRINCE2 or MSP Foundation and Practitioner Certifications are highly desirable.

Experience: - A minimum of at least 5 years of relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in the development and implementation of projects, is required. At least 3 years of this must be in a Project Manager capacity. - Experience with portfolio and/or programme management, including focus on providing hands-on facilitation and capacity development to facilitate the oversight and delivery of a variety of projects and activities simultaneously, will be considered an important asset. - Experience working in the ECR region and/or with projects with a global/inter-regional focus will be considered an advantage.

Language Requirements: - Fluency in English is required. - Knowledge of Russian language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: IICA-2 Contract duration: 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

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.