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 - Job-specific

Modernization of the facilities, infrastructure and other capacities of MIREX 22343: this project consists of providing technical support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve the conditions of its facilities through the acquisition of goods and services, as well as the intervention of two specific areas of the Ministry infrastructure. The project is located in Panama City, Casco Antiguo. The amount of the project is $1,154,909.00 The first infrastructure component is related to the repair of an undermining of the perimeter wall that adjoins the sea and that is part of the old walled structure that protected the city (now known as Casco Antiguo). This intervention requires a structural design, approvals with the authorities, bidding/contracting, works supervision, contract management.

The second infrastructure component has to do with the repair of a steel structure that supports a glass floor that, as a result of exposure to saltpeter, presents a lot of oxidation and deterioration. The scope of the intervention is the same as that of the undermining explained in the previous paragraph.

These infrastructure components were recently added under Amendment 1 to the Agreement, so the scope of the work is being defined, gathering technical information (plans, technical studies, etc.); to proceed with the final designs, approvals, bids, works, etc.

The products to be delivered are: goods and services, technical studies for the infrastructure components, repaired infrastructures (undercut and steel structure)

The project team is made up of approximately 7 people: project manager, restorative architect, project associate, HSSE specialist, GD&I specialist, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer.

The interested parties are: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of Historical Heritage, Ministry of Environment

Assistance to INADEH in the implementation of the CAF loan agreement to finance the plan "Comprehensive Transformation and Improvement of INADEH" This project has the general objectives of supporting INADEH in the execution of the aforementioned project financed with resources from a loan granted by the Andean Corporation Development Bank (Development Bank of Latin America) aimed at: Improving the quality and relevance of the educational offer for employment and entrepreneurship; b. Expand the skills and opportunities for active participation of the beneficiaries of the training processes, based on the current and future demand of the productive sector of Panama; c. Reposition INADEH as the governing body of the State in terms of vocational training, job training and business management in the country; and c. Renew the infrastructures for professional training linked to INADEH's Mission and Values. In general terms, the products to be delivered are grouped into three components: Academic Strengthening, Institutional Strengthening, and Infrastructure and Equipment. In this context, the products include, among others: a modern training offer, a management model in accordance with the needs of the sectors and a complex of equipped and functional buildings, as well as other works of Training Centers in the interior of the Country.

The project team is made up of approximately 10 people: (1) Officer project manager for institutional component, (1) officer project manager for academic component, (2) officers project managers for infrastructure component, (1) infrastructure supervisor, (2) project assistants, (1) infrastructure associate, (2) administrative assistants. Besides, a roster of specialists such as: architects, HSSE specialist, GD&I specialist, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, electromechanical engineers, etc.

The interested parties are: INADEH, the Ministry of Labor and the Development Bank of Latin America.

Functional Responsibilities

Project Delivery and Performance - Develop, complete and update implementation plans

• Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.

• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.

  Procedures

• Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual

• Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.

• Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan

  Monitoring and reporting

• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and 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

Stakeholder engagement

• Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
• Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), 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 internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements

• Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems

• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables

  Knowledge management and innovation

• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.

• Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices

Personnel Management

• Lead and motivate the project management team
• Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely

To access the full list of roles and responsibilities, please download the terms of references attached to the announcement.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Higher University Degree (Master's degree) preferably in Project Management, Architecture or Civil Engineering, is mandatory.
• Second University degree (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) will be accepted preferably in one of the aforementioned areas as long as it accredits a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

Certification

• Certificate of Professional suitability issued by the Technical Board of Engineers and Architects of the Republic of Panama. Mandatory.
• Certificate of Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI,or similar). Mandatory

Experience - A minimum of seven (7) years of experience (or less based on academic merits) in the area of ​​architecture or engineering in the implementation and management of infrastructure projects, (institutional/educational, logistics or similar buildings) is mandatory. - (4) years of previous experience working with UNOPS in the management of similar infrastructure projects is desirable. - Significant experience in contract management is desirable. - Experience in report writing, data analysis and writing technical documents is desirable - Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies is desirable. - Experience in leading planning and in applying Health and Safety procedures at project level is desirable. - Experience in the development of Acquisitions strategies is desirable. - Proficient in MS Project and Programming Analysis is desirable. - Experience in risk management for infrastructure implementation projects is desirable. - Experience in team management is desirable. - Experience in working with multicultural teams is desirable.

Language Full knowledge of English and Spanish is required.

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: Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level: LICA 10 The vacancy is open to national candidates in Panama.

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

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.

*UNOPS is an equal opportunity employer and all quialified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We encoourage female candidates to apply.

**UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.

**Please attach your academic credentials***** 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.
• 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Additional information