Project Manager-Energy Development

Mid Senior Leadership

Overview

Lead energy projects with a focus on stakeholder engagement and management.

You have:

• Master’s degree in economics, law, international relations, political science or engineering is required.
• Five years of experience in the energy field is required.
• Experience working in international organizations or the private/public sector is required.
• Experience managing projects in complex environments is preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE 2 certification is strongly desired.
• Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Arabic or Hebrew is desired.

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 - 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 peace and 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 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 labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the 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

The OQ’s Energy Team is currently supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA) on a number of strategic initiatives in the energy sector, specifically in renewable energy, electricity and natural gas. The OQ is recruiting a Project Manager (PM) to deliver OQ-led energy workstreams. This involves extensive stakeholder engagement, project leadership, and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of Palestinian and regional energy-sector developments.

Initially, the PM will focus on the Gas for Gaza (G4G) project. This project facilitates the agreement and construction of a gas pipeline to Gaza as the long-term solution to Gaza’s energy crisis. G4G is led through the official Task Force platform convened by the OQ. The Task Force brings together the Palestinian and Israeli parties, members of the international community, private sector representatives, and technical experts to facilitate project progress with financial support from the Dutch Government. The PM will be responsible for the project management through the current phase and ensuring the successful transfer to the implementing partner. He/she will provide ongoing project support to the PA and project partners as needed.

In the future, the PM will play a central role in project development and/or be the project manager for other energy projects/initiatives. This could include responsibilities related to developing natural gas, renewable energy or electricity infrastructure and policy. The PM will also be expected to play a mentoring role to more junior team members.The position is highly dynamic role and will benefit from candidates who are versatile in their approach to problem solving, critical thinking and stakeholder engagement.

Functional Responsibilities

The PM is required to contribute to the following areas:

1. Stakeholder engagement
2. Project development and management
3. Procurement and management of external service providers
4. Monitoring and reporting
5. Project communication and outreach
6. Sector monitoring, research, analysis

Project Management and Delivery

• Responsible for all aspects of project development, management, and delivery. This initial focus will be on the G4G project and will, in the future, include responsibilities on other projects/workstreams.
• Provide guidance on project strategy and adapt it as needed in response to changing information.
• Develop and maintain the project management plan (e.g. scope management, schedule management, resources management, cost management, quality management, communication management, risk management, etc.).
• Proactively identify, mitigate, and manage project risks. This includes implementing risk mitigations and effectively communicating risks to key stakeholders.
• Produce robust documentation of stakeholder engagements, field visits, project communications. This includes maintaining a comprehensive and well organized repository of all project files.
• Embed sustainability, social/gender inclusion, and environmental considerations into the project

Project and Workstream Development

• Develop and screen potential opportunities that support the Palestinian energy sector
• Draft initial project plans to define potential opportunities, key risks, high level cost and schedule estimates, project benefits, and project scope.
• Draft initial stakeholder engagement plans needed to develop a project.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Demonstrate a high level of initiative, integrity, and ability to interact with organization personnel, contractors, government representatives, donors, and the private sector.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive overview of key project stakeholders at various levels and develop appropriate stakeholder engagement plans
• Establish strong working relationships with stakeholders at the appropriate level to ensure continued cooperation on the project, access to relevant information and to coordinate outputs. This will require the PM to travel regularly to Ramallah, Gaza, and Tel Aviv.
• Ensure internal and external stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, and challenges.
• Serve as a point of contact with stakeholders on coordination, strategic planning, and risk management
• Create and promote a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and efficient resource utilization across all internal and external stakeholders.

Procurement and management of external service providers

• Lead on procurement processes. This includes drafting Terms of References, contract management, developing procurement strategies and ensuring the success of procurements from initiation to contract signature.
• Manage external suppliers by maintaining effective communication channels, facilitating meetings, ensuring access to data/contacts, and ensuring the quality of delivered services.
• Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages, payments, obligations, and invoices for external providers.
• Lead on contract amendment processes by engaging with donors and external service providers.

Monitoring and reporting

• Lead on the reporting requirements for donors with respect to the project workstream, by drafting all necessary reports and having regular update meetings
• Closely monitor and provide updates on project status (e.g. budget, scope, schedule, and quality)
• Plan and lead weekly meetings with the core project team and monthly progress meetings.
• Support Task Forces and other key meetings. This includes, among other activities, engaging with government officials and leading the preparation of key content to ensure successful outcomes.

Project Communication and Outreach

• Prepare a range of written documents, such as reports, briefing notes, background research, and presentations for internal and external project stakeholders as required.
• Plan, organize and lead meetings related to the project.
• Establish and implement effective project communication plans.
• Support fundraising efforts by engaging with potential/existing donors and drafting fundraising proposals.

Sector Monitoring, Research, Analysis

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Palestinian and regional energy sector developments
• Support data and information gathering relevant to energy sector work-streams.
• Identify potential opportunities and areas within the energy sector that the OQ could support
• Support team members with central office work, as well as supporting drafting relevant materials for office and energy wide high-level meetings.
• Completion of other relevant duties and tasks

All these deliverables are to be reached in close coordination and cooperation with the wider OQ team, under the leadership of the Director of Energy

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Master’s degree is required preferably in a relevant discipline such as economics, law, international relations, political science or engineering - University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience can substitute the MA.

Work Experience - - Five years (or more based on academic credentials) is required, preferably in the energy field (e.g. infrastructure, policy, economics, design).

• Experience working in international organizations, the private sector, or the public sector is required
• Experience managing projects in complex and sensitive environments is an advantage
• Experience working with international stakeholders, donors or governments is an advantage
• Experience working in a variety of international settings is an advantage.
• Project/program management experience is an advantage. Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE 2 certification is strongly desired
• Experience in implementing donor-funded projects is an asset
• Demonstrated understanding of the Palestinian political and energy context is desirable

Organization Skills and abilities: - Project management skills: Ability to develop and deliver project(s); ability to plan in a coordinated manner, manage priorities and meet deadlines; management experience (preferable delivery teams); ability to accurately monitor, evaluate and report on project progress; ability to manage and mitigate risks; budgeting and financial management for the project; skilled at facilitating meetings, including developing agendas, documenting notes and following up on action items; strong organization skills - Skilled in research, analysis and technical writing: Strong qualitative and analytical skills; attention to detail and data accuracy; skilled in drafting procurement documents; memos; briefing notes; talking points; presentations etc - Excellent communication skills: Strong writing ability, with business and report writing skills preferred; ability to work under tight deadlines, juggling multiple competing tasks and prioritizing demands; making sure that the team members and stakeholders are informed about the project plan, timeline, and budget and updated on the project’s latest developments - Strong team player: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to interact with high-level individuals across a range of organizations and build strong professional relationships; ability to consistently demonstrate a professional manner in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally to the organization; team player and flexible as tasks and priorities shift; ability to self-start and troubleshoot without supervision; ability to work independently and in teams in a small office environment; demonstrated ability to excel in a multi-cultural environment.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills: ability to identify and prioritize key stakeholders; understand and align stakeholder expectations; assess stakeholders’ power, influence and interest; anticipate future problems and address potential concerns throughout the lifetime of the project
• Other: Demonstrated competence with using standard office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Language requirements - English fluency is required with a preference for native speakers - Knowledge of Arabic and/or Hebrew is desired.

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

The contract for this position will be issued by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of its Client the Office of Quartet pursuant to an agreement between both parties whereby the successful candidate's contractual rights and responsibilities will be managed by the Office of Quartet (OQ) office and not by UNOPS. Contract type: International Individual Contract IICA 2 or Local individual contract LICA10 Contract level: ICS 10/ IICA 2 Contract duration: Six months, with possibility of extension based on performance and available funding

NB: A resume (in addition to the UNOPS online profile) is required as part of the application. In addition, a cover letter describing the applicant’s motivations for working for the Office of the Quartet is also required.

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.

***NB: A resume (in addition to the UNOPS online profile) is required as part of the application. In addition, a cover letter describing the applicant’s motivations for working for the Office of the Quartet is also required.****

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org