Senior Project Manager

Contract

This is a IICA-3 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS will be leading the implementation of a three-year World bank funded multi million USD Project “Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance (ECRP)' in South Sudan starting in August 2020 with the Objective to improve access to basic services and strengthen community institutions in South Sudan.

The ECRP is a follow on Project to the Local Governance and Service Delivery Project (LGSDP) that was implemented in South Sudan from 2014 and involved the transfer of block grants from the national government directly to county government with the Objective of helping develop an annual intergovernmental fiscal transfer system for local development.

The ECRP Project will be implemented by UNOPS and the International Organisation for Migration, with UNOPS being the primary grant recipient and responsible authority for the establishment and implementation of the Project Management Unit (PMU) whose primary tasks will include: project management, stakeholder and communication management, fiduciary and procurement management, community engagement, results management and risk management. UNOPS will be the grant recipient and will be directly accountable to the World Bank in all aspects related project delivery (Project Management - Social and Environmental Safeguards, Fiduciary Oversight and Procurement Planning, Infrastructure Quality and Standards; Project Implementation – of community infrastructure as per agreed scope; as well as directly liaising with the Government of South Sudan).

The ECRP comprises the following four components

Component 1: Community Infrastructure and Services:- This component will provide block grants to boma-level communities to fund infrastructure and service delivery initiatives based on the priorities established by Boma Development Councils (BDCs). Other than a short negative menu of projects that the program cannot fund, communities are free to identify a wide variety of other types of initiatives to meet their needs.

Component 2: Local Institution Strengthening:- This component will provide support and capacity building assistance to boma and payam level institutions as well as county governments. The primary focus of ECRP’s capacity-building will be among boma level counterparts, followed by payam and county level institutions.

Component 3: Project Management and Learning:- This component will support (a) project management including technical planning, financial management (FM), procurement, social and environment risk management, and communications; (b) project monitoring which includes a geo-enabled monitoring system and beneficiary feedback/grievance redress mechanism (GRM); (c) continuous data collection on beneficiary impacts and social dynamics; and (d) just-in-time studies as and when needs arise. Such studies may include O&M study, technical assessment of the subprojects, GBV assessment, and so on.

Component 4: Contingency emergency response. A contingency emergency response component (CERC), initially without a budget allocation, will allow for the rapid reallocation of project funds in the event of natural or man-made crisis and major disease outbreaks of public health importance during the implementation of the project,

The ECRP will be implemented throughout the country’s 10 states and select target counties. The community infrastructure sub-projects are divided by area and implemented by IOM and UNOPS separately. While the two UN-agencies will implement their respective projects, a harmonized approach will be managed and governed by UNOPS through the Infrastructure Compliance Guidelines and the Project Implementation Manual. The anticipated sectors for sub-projects will include water supply and sanitation; rural roads; primary health facilities; primary schools; small scale irrigation schemes and community markets. UNOPS will be responsible for quality assurance of all sub-projects during the planning, design and construction stages, through a monitoring plan. IOM will be responsible for community mobilization and capacity support envisioned in Component 2.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The senior project Manager is responsible to go through all relevant project documents and consult with the UNOPS, World Bank, IOM and the Government teams who were involved in the project design to develop a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project is implemented accordingly and achieves the intended results. Mandatory materials to study include: the Project Appraisal Document (PAD), the Financing Agreement (LA), the draft Project Implementation Manual (PIM), all safeguards instruments, the predecessor Local Governance and Service Delivery Project (LGSDP) related documents and assessments, as well as relevant assessments that fed into the project design. Success of the Project and hence the success of the Project Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle. S/he must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

Functional Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management:

• Establish, facilitate, and maintain constructive and positive working relationships within the PMU, with the project board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), the client, and key stakeholders;
• Manage communications, in conjunction with the communication officer of the PMU, and ensure all relevant stakeholders (the Government, the World Bank, external aid agencies, civil society, etc.) are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products;
• Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of anticipated outcomes (including issues of accessibility, geographic targeting, relationship management with government and non-government counterparts, grievance or other concerns arising in implementation, progress against timelines, and general performance of the project within each component;
• Ensure that information sharing at technical levels between the project staff and the Bank team on the ground for timely troubleshooting;
• Manage the information flows between the Project Board/OC Director and the project(s)

Delivery and Performance:

• Develop and update the PIM as needed,in consultation with the World Bank, the Government, and IOM. The PIM should include detailed monitoring and reporting mechanisms as well as regular reporting tools;
• Based on the approved PIM, develop and maintain project plans;
• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board;
• As the project manager, oversee all components – including activities to be implemented by IOM – and ensure that all activities are achieving their intended objectives; that they are being implemented effectively, and help address any bottlenecks that may arise during implementation. For Component 1, ensure that the process and quality of the outputs for both UNOPS and IOM areas are harmonized. For Component 2, ensure that institution building measures are implemented effectively, that all necessary training and assessments are conducted with adequate quality. For Component 3, keep track of arising needs of just-in-time analytics, M&E, grievance redress mechanism, and project management;
• Adjust the project plans taking into account the dynamic conditions on the ground in consultation with the World Bank and the Government;
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental, institutional and economic aspects into the 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;
• Ensure a seamless “one-team” approach is observed and used between UNOPS and IOM when implementing the components of the project, particularly in new counties where mobilization and sub-projects are to be implemented under Components 1 and 2d;
• Authorize Work Packages;
• Advise the Project Board and Head of Programmes of any deviations from the plan;
• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved;
• Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted;
• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers, take measures to address any bottlenecks and come up with remedial measures;
• Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor;
• Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor;

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 Project Board: I. Project Initiation Documentation; II. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions.

• Prepare all relevant routine and adhoc reports for the Project and oversee the maintenance of the following files: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12.

• Ensure that meetings where critical decisions have been made have their minutes promptly produced, circulated to relevant stakeholders and properly filed.

• Ensure that all expenditures 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)
• 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.

Knowledge Management:

• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
• Consistently use project analytics to adjust program methods and approaches in real time. Use evidence and data collection as a learning tool to keep the PMU and clients informed of best practices.
• 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.
• Develop robust analytics agenda based on the arising needs on the ground and carve out necessary budget and staffing to effectively implement them.
• Complete lessons learned as per reporting format.
• Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format.

Personnel Management:

• Lead and motivate the PMU and the entire ECRP 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)
• Chair and organize the content and conduct of team meetings.
• 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.

Core Values and Principles:

• Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles.
• Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project management.
• Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at work place.
• Champion and communicate project’s sustainability aspects with key stakeholders.

• Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity.

• Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans.

• Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff.
• Advocate for and develop a “one team” approach to implementation within the PMU and avoid making sharp (often difficult to understand) distinctions, especially among external community counterparts, between UNOPS and IOM staff.
• Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts.

Partnerships and Coordination

• Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system.
• Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners.

Accountability for results and the use of resources

• The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the PM to raise the issue to a supervisor.

Excellence

• Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Ensure that the project(s) 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.

Relevant Project reporting based

• World Bank Reporting requirements
• PIU reporting Requirements
• UNOPS internal Project Assurance reports

Education

• Advanced University Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Security Management, Development Studies, Construction Management or Civil Engineering or other relevant discipline is required
• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Security Management, Development Studies, Construction management or Civil Engineering or other relevant discipline, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Certification

• PRINCE2® Foundation is an added advantage
• PRINCE2® Practitioners is an added advantage

Experience

• Seven years of work experience in international development and project management is required.
• Experience managing community development, local service delivery and/or local governance projects as a team leader in post conflict settings is an asset.
• At least 2 years managing reconstruction projects is required.
• Experience working in conflict-affected countries in community development, local service delivery and/or local governance projects in East Africa is an advantage.
• Experience working with UN agencies or World Bank-funded projects is an advantage.
• Experience working on Community Infrastructure projects preferably in developing country context is an added advantage.

• Previous experience working in South Sudan in relevant sectors is an added advantage.

• International organisations experience is an added advantage.

• Skills in Budget Management, stakeholder management, people management required (5 years of each) is an added advantage.

• Financial Rules and Regulations and multistage reporting and knowledge management skills are an added advantage.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (3 years) skills is an added advantage.
• Skills in Project Design/Project Development, capacity building and risk analysis are an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in English (writing, reading and speaking) 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. 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.
• 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
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• 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: International Contractor Agreement Contract level: IICA-3 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 -South Sudan

The UNOPS South Sudan office helps a wide range of local and international partners improve the lives of the South Sudanese people by implementing infrastructure and procurement projects. All UNOPS operations have an increasing emphasis on developing national capacities and considering gender, environmental and community concerns. UNOPS is working in a range of sectors in South Sudan including: transport, education, health, post-conflict stabilization and emergency response.

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. 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

Juba is a non-family duty station