Project Manager

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 - 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 - Job-specific

UNOPS is undertaking a project that aims at enhancing and increasing the operational capacity of selected therapeutic feeding centres (TFCs) by rehabilitating and enhancing their basic functionalities and structure such as WASH, floors, and walls according to WHO pre-approved typical structural designs and UNOPS developed quality criteria.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the Project Manager (PM) provides overall strategic direction and close oversight to ensure successful implementation and delivery of activities under the project in line with UNOPS Project Management Methodology. The PM will ensure effective coordination with stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for successful implementation and delivery of subprojects.

The PM is responsible for the day-to-day operations of subproject(s) and managing the works of the participating partners. S/he is expected to meet and exceed the organization's performance and delivery goals.

Success of the project(s) and hence project manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Functional Responsibilities

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the Director Amman Operational Hub and under direct supervision of the Head of programme; the Project Manager will be responsible for the following:

1. Stakeholder Management:

• Establish solid working relationship with the technical committee, the participating partners and other key stakeholders;
• Manage communications and ensure all stakeholders are aware of activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products;
• Advise the management on issues that may impact the achievement of the project outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance);
• Manage the information flows between the Project Technical Committee, UNOPS Hub in Amman and the donor as needed.

1. Delivery and Performance:

• Develop and maintain project and subproject plans;
• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the technical committee;
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life cycle;
• Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary;
• Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers;
• Authorize Work Packages;
• Liaise closely with the established project governance structures and, as relevant, advise the project Technical Committee and UNOPS Hub management of any deviations from the plan;
• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to the donor and stakeholders is achieved;
• Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted;
• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers;
• Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor;
• Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor.

1. Procedures:

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions);
• Prepare/adapt the following plans for approval by the technical committee: I. Project Initiation Documentation; II. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions
• Prepare the following reports:

1. Highlight Reports
2. End Stage Reports
3. Operational Closure Checklist
4. End Project Report
5. Handover Report

• Maintain the following: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12;
• Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR);
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time;
• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project;
• Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel;
• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).

1. Knowledge Management:

• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice;
• Actively interact with other PMs and the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System;
• Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies;
• Complete lessons learned as per reporting format;
• Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format.

1. Personnel Management

• Lead and motivate the project management team;
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established;
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted;
• Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the OC Director;
• Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff);
• Select, recruit and train team as required by project plans;
• Perform the Team Manager role, unless appointed to another person(s);
• Perform Project Support role, unless appointed to another person or corporate/programme function;
• Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

1. Coordination:

• Engage and coordinate with other UN agencies, as well as national and international partners, as needed;
• Represent UNOPS in the relevant coordination forums;
• Facilitate programmatic and operational synergies and alignments with other interventions in the solar power sector;
• Contribute to UNCT and HCT planning and reporting requirements, in coordination with the Partnerships Advisor in the UNOPS Hub in Amman;
• Contribute to the programmatic and operational direction of UNOPS in Yemen;
• Perform other related duties as required.

1. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The project manager will comply with the UNOPS monitoring processes and procedures. In addition, the project manager will be supported by the Third Party Monitoring to reinforce the performance of the project.

1. General:

Ensure that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. The Project Manager is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case. Contribute to the overall business targets and needs.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced University Degree preferably in Finance, Project Management, Business Administration, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant discipline
• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience preferably in Finance, Project Management, Business Administration, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
• Completion of UNOPS Project Management Foundation course (within one year after signing this TOR)
• A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in project development and management, with focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations;
• Desired experience in the implementation of similar projects / programmes;
• Previous similar experience in Yemen or similar hard-ship duty stations is an asset;
• Prior experience in project’s assessment, design and implementation as well as management experience in rehabilitation projects, building construction or equivalent;
• Experience in the humanitarian and/or development sector is required;
• Experience with an international organization and/or UN agencies is desirable;
• Computer literacy in particular MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required;
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

Certificates:

• PRINCE2® Foundation certificate is required.
• PRINCE2® Practitioner is desired.
• Certified Senior Project Manager - International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B) or Project Management Professional (PMP - PMI) will be an advantage.

Language:

• Fluency in both English and Arabic.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: ICA
2. Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - level 10
3. 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 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.