Project Manager

Mid Senior Engineering Leadership

Overview

Manage project delivery and resources effectively to exceed stakeholder expectations.

You have:

• Advanced Degree or equivalent preferably in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in civil works design, supervision or implementation of buildings construction projects in Afghanistan is required.
• Comprehensive knowledge in computer software, particularly “AutoCAD” (latest Versions – 2009 and higher) is desirable.
• Proficiency in computers and office software packages is required.
• Strong writing and reporting skills.
• Experience in risk management.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in multicultural teams.
• Strong communication, presentation, and client service skills.
• Full working knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of a second UN or regional working language is an asset.

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s national priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads, bridges, justice and security, health, and water supply) development, procurement services, HR services, capacity building, and humanitarian protection, amongst others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, the international donor community, and other UN agencies.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to the achievement of the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the reconstruction and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO’s services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to significantly improve the lives of all Afghans in need.

Background Information - Job-specific

Project Information:

In 2004, UNOPS established the Herat Multi Agency Compound (HMAC) in Herat, where multiple UN agencies are co-located. UNOPS is responsible for compound and facility management, overseeing common services. Additionally, UNOPS project teams, with significant representation, contribute to project implementation in the Western region of the country. As HMAC operates under the UNOPS Cost Recovery model, it is important to deliver high-quality and timely facilities and common services to both internal and external tenants. The Cost Recovery Project team is vital in ensuring client satisfaction and maintaining regular engagement with stakeholders.

Job-Specific Information:

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Support Services and direct supervision of the Facility Manager, the incumbent coordinates all aspects of the construction projects in Herat compound The project manager is responsible for assessing the needs of prospective tenants at HMAC, analyzing their specific facility requirements, and developing move-in schedules. This includes effective resource allocation and overseeing infrastructure setup, ensuring utilities are connected, safety regulations are met, and stakeholders are well-informed. Additionally, the project manager will handle project planning and execution, adopt a holistic approach to tenant needs, coordinate between teams, and address challenges related to cost recovery projects at HMAC.

Initially the duty station is Kabul with frequent travels to Herat and once the implementation of the project starts, the incumbent is expected to deploy to Herat as the final duty station. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for planning and designing programmatic activities, for monitoring and reporting these activities, and for carrying out on-site supervision of work performed by Contractors. Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project. Project Manager manages the project activities on an ongoing basis during the Implementation stage. The main responsibility of a Project Manager is to ensure that the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. He/she is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions: 1. Project Delivery and Performance 2. Procedures 3. Monitoring and reporting 4. Stakeholder engagement 5. Quality assurance 6. Knowledge management and innovation

Project Delivery and Performance - Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s).

• Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by Cost Recovery Project Team.
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.
• Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.
• Liaise with any external suppliers.
• Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages
• Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly
• Control project and work packages changes
• Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers.
• Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation.
• Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts.
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to AFCO senior management / Cost Recovery Project Team so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved

• Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS

  Procedures

• Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual.
• Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Cost Recovery Project Team.
• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team.
• Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded.
• Ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
• Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.
• For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager

• Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

  Monitoring and reporting

• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with UNOPS requirements for reporting.
• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.

• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.

  Stakeholder engagement

• Establish solid working relationships with the Cost Recovery Project Team, client and key stakeholders.

• Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications.

  Quality assurance

• Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems.
• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables.

• Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)

  Knowledge management and innovation

• Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices
• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice

• Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.

  IV. Impact of Results Project Manager/Senior Project Manager 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced Degree or equivalent preferably in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related field. - A first-level university degree in combination with four (4) years' experience at the national or international level in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related fields may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience - Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in civil works design, supervision or implementation of buildings construction projects in Afghanistan is required. - Comprehensive knowledge in computer software, particularly “AutoCAD” (latest Versions – 2009 and higher) is desirable. - Proficiency in computers and office software packages is required - Strong writing and reporting skills. - Experience in risk management. - Strong problem-solving skills. - Experience working in multicultural teams. - Strong communication, presentation, and client service skills.

Language Requirements

• Full working knowledge of English,
• Knowledge of a second UN or regional working language is an asset.

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: Local ICA

Contract level: LICA 10 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 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org