PSC Head of Project Unit (HPU)

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

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 organizations.

Background Information - UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs.

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

Background Information - PSC [Colombia] Project Unit

The PSC Colombia Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the PSC Colombia Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate.

In the country, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a RACI responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

UNMAS Colombia Programme

In Colombia, UNOPS implements an UNMAS programme principally aiming to support the Colombian National Mine Action Center (currently part of the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace, OACP for its Spanish acronym). The goal of this programme is to enhance the managerial and operational coordination capacity, as well as the efficiency of the Colombian mine action sector in order to provide a more robust and holistic mine action response to affected communities and contribute to broader protection, security, peace- building and development objectives. In this context, the programme also undertakes significant work in support of the implementation of the mine action elements of peace agreement, signed between the Government and the armed groups.

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the PSC Director, the Head of Project Unit is responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

Summary of key results:

1. Project implementation planning
2. Project implementation delivery
3. Project Unit leadership and management
4. Stakeholder management
5. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project implementation planning

• In accordance with project agreements with UNMAS, coordinate and collaborate with project key stakeholders to support the establishment and maintenance of appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of the Project Unit projects.
• In close collaboration with the Portfolio Management Team, coordinate project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC New York Office, for action and/or intervention.

• In cooperation with the Portfolio Manager ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

  • Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.)
  • Programme Workplan and Budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.)
  • Resource mobilization Strategy (e.g. monitor trends humanitarian and development needs to identify potential areas of intervention within UN mandates and existing capacity;
  • Project proposals to donors.

• Support the CMAP in applications of policies, practices and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms, where relevant, in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office.

• In cooperation with the Portfolio Manager ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:

• UNMAS / UNOPS Project Agreements

• Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees)
• Human resources plans

2. Project implementation delivery

• In accordance with project agreements with UNMAS, coordinate and collaborate with project key stakeholders to support the establishment and maintenance of appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of the Project Unit projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
• Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC New York Office, for action and/or intervention.

• In cooperation with the Portfolio Manager ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:

  • Financial and procurement rules
  • Contract and grant management policies
  • Project management standards
  • Health, safety, social and environmental standards
  • Gender parity and mainstreaming policies
  • Information management systems and standards
  • Organizational design standards and human resources policies
  • Mine action technical standards (with support from the Head of Operations)
• Depending on the circumstance, either in support of CMAP or as part of UNOPS obligations, draft high quality reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports.
• Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents.
• Under the direction and cooperation of the Portfolio Management Team, take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the Project Unit

3. Project Unit leadership and management

• Support the establishment of strategic partnership with CMAP through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements.
• Keep the PSC New York Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management.
• In cooperation with the Portfolio Manager Team, collaborate in the planning, coordination of the recruitment, managing and developing of a flexible Project Unit workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
• Under the guidance of the Portfolio Management Team, promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both women and men, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Create, foster and role-model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• In collaboration with the Portfolio Management Team, ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
• Coordinate the monitoring and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.
• In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security, act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.
• In support of the CMAP, support design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms.
• Support CMAP preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials.
• Act as CMAP OIC upon request of UNMAS and concurrence from PSC Director.

4. Stakeholder management

• Support the CMAP in the overall managing of relationships with key stakeholders, by:

• Liaise with national authorities, UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget / programme performance and programmatic / substantive issues.

• Participate in any UN mission / country team meetings to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.
• Keep the UN Mission leadership / Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting on implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.
• Collaborate and fostering relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders.

5. Knowledge management and innovation

• Keep abreast of and coordinate the incorporation of best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education and Relevant Years of Experience - Master’s Degree or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience; Or - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience

Work Experience - Relevant experience is defined as experience in project management in humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts is required; - A minimum of one year of leadership experience including supervising teams and managing projects and budgets is required; - Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required; - Experience working in a developing country is desirable; - Experience working in mine action is desirable; And - Experience working with UNOPS or the UN System is highly desirable.

Certification:

• PRINCE 2 Foundation or equivalent is an asset, but required completion within the first 6 months of onboarding.

Language

• Fluency (speak, read and write) Spanish and English is required; And
• Knowledge of another official United Nations 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. 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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
• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: LICA-10 (ICS-10) 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

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.