Project Management Support - Officer

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Since 1995, UNOPS Somalia (SOCO), headquartered in Mogadishu and part of the Africa Regional Office, has been a trusted partner to the Government of Somalia and international donors. Through the provision of project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial services, SOCO plays a critical role in supporting national priorities in health, rule of law, security, transport, and resilience. The office has delivered impactful infrastructure projects—including the Immigration Headquarters ($6.8M), Maritime Police Headquarters ($3.7M), and regional hospitals ($20M)—and leads key national initiatives such as the Joint Police Programme ($56.4M). UNOPS also manages large-scale procurement, including over $75M in non-lethal support to security actors. Advisory support to urban resilience and crisis recovery efforts further strengthens institutional capacity, with projects valued at $8.1M, $8.8M, and $7.4M. SOCO’s integrated approach contributes to sustainable peacebuilding and development outcomes across Somalia.

The “Somalia - Horn of Africa Infrastructure Integration Project” (SHIIP) financed by the World Bank, is part of a larger program aimed at instigating economic development and structural transformation of the Horn of Africa (HoA) countries. The envisaged development and transportation are designed to be achieved by enhancing regional integration through the expansion of transport and trade infrastructure. The project aspires to create and expand four major development corridors and over seven thousand kilometers of roads in the HOA countries.

SHIIP improves connectivity among the countries in the Horn of Africa by providing access to seaports, facilitation of domestic and regional trade and economic integration, and road safety. For this project, the Federal Government of Somalia Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing (MoPWR&H) will prepare a spatially coordinated investment pipeline of economic corridor projects to strengthen the National Government’s Management of the Transport and Trade Sectors.

A Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) has been established within and hosted by the MoPWR&H. This unit will be responsible for the overall project implementation and coordination with stakeholders. The technical line ministries will be responsible for technical inputs for activities relevant to their sectors..

UNOPS will support for Feasibility Study, Detailed Engineering Design and ESIA Studies for Economic Corridor from Haleya to Ina Guha highway starting from Halaya town which is located 16 kilometers East of Hargeisa and goes to the Ina Guuha corridor which is situated towards the South of Hargeisa and along the border with Ethiopia. Both Halaya and Ina Guha are in the Waqooyi Galbeed region of Somalia. 

Ina Guha serves as a border town between Somalia and Ethiopia. The road corridor extends approximately 81 kilometers, and connects the two towns, facilitating economic development along the corridor.  

UNOPS will cooperate fully with the concerned agencies of the Government of Somalia and will provide the necessary support services towards the successful completion of the assignment. The scope of services will include all the services necessary to achieve the objectives.

Background: UNOPS 

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.  UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  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: Somalia Country Office (SOCO)

Located in Mogadishu, Somalia, the Somalia Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements. SOCO works with multiple partners including the Governments of Somalia, bilateral and multilateral donors, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. 

Project Specific Information:

The “Somalia - Horn of Africa Infrastructure Integration Project” (SHIIP) financed by the World Bank, is part of a larger program aimed at instigating economic development and structural transformation of the Horn of Africa (HoA) countries. The envisaged development and transportation are designed to be achieved by enhancing regional integration through the expansion of transport and trade infrastructure. The project aspires to create and expand four major development corridors and over seven thousand kilometers of roads in the HOA countries.

SHIIP improves connectivity among the countries in the Horn of Africa by providing access to seaports, facilitation of domestic and regional trade and economic integration, and road safety. For this project, the Federal Government of Somalia Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing (MoPWR&H) will prepare a spatially coordinated investment pipeline of economic corridor projects to strengthen the National Government’s Management of the Transport and Trade Sectors.

A Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) has been established within and hosted by the MoPWR&H. This unit will be responsible for the overall project implementation and coordination with stakeholders. The technical line ministries will be responsible for technical inputs for activities relevant to their sectors.

UNOPS will support for Feasibility Study, Detailed Engineering Design and ESIA Studies for Economic Corridor from Haleya to Ina Guha highway starting from Halaya town which is located 16 kilometers East of Hargeisa and goes to the Ina Guuha corridor which is situated towards the South of Hargeisa and along the border with Ethiopia. Both Halaya and Ina Guha are in the Waqooyi Galbeed region of Somalia. 

Ina Guha serves as a border town between Somalia and Ethiopia. The road corridor extends approximately 81 kilometers, and connects the two towns, facilitating economic development along the corridor.  

UNOPS will cooperate fully with the concerned agencies of the Government of Somalia and will provide the necessary support services towards the successful completion of the assignment. The scope of services will include all the services necessary to achieve the objectives.

Job Specific Information 

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Project Management Support - Officer will be responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of project activities. He/she will contribute to project implementation and reporting while ensuring compliance with UNOPS procedures and donor requirements. The Officer will also maintain coordination with project key stakeholders and will manage activities related to project management support.

1. Project Monitoring and Reporting

2. Project Implementation

3. Operational and Logistic Support

4. Knowledge management and innovation

1.Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Support the Project Manager  in maintaining the following:i. Timely documentationii. Upload relevant documents in oneUNOPS projects both at engagement and project levels, as necessary                                   

• Provide substantive inputs to assist the Project Manager in the preparation of project reports and documents

• Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents on the shared drive as per the organization guideline for record keeping

• Ensure timely entry of project risks, lessons and issues in oneUNOPSprojects.

• Assist Project Manager in updating of risks, issues and lessons 

• Support on the compilation, consolidation and analysis of relevant data for regular portfolio reports and stage plans

• Take minutes of regular team meetings and follow up on action points. 

2. Project Implementation

• Support the Project Manager in ensuring UNOPS Policies and Procedures, Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR) are adhered to for efficient project implementation and progress

• Maintain project progress tracking sheet  and alert the Project Manager  on key project milestones and  and reporting requirements of projects

• In consultation with the relevant stakeholders, assist in preparing amendments of Agreements and Budget revisions when applicable

• Facilitate information flows and support in managing risk registers and issues

• Assist the project planning process, as required

• Prepare draft Pro Forma and Agreements as per the input received from procurement team

• Follow up with partners on project agreement signing, information required for project closure and fund transfer requests.

3. Operational and Logistic Support

• Manage and support on organizing project planning meetings, Project Board meetings and partner’s capacity building trainings as necessary

• In consultation with the Project Manager, prepare amendments for Project Agreements and budget revisions when applicable;

• Coordinate with the internal procurement and logistic team on all transport, inventory and procurement issues for direct support of the project.

• Manage the travel plan of the Team, manage travel booking, and coordinate with Admin Team for DSA and other related requirements for travel.

4. Knowledge management and innovation

• Identify and capture lessons and best practices in oneUNOPSprojects 

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building

• Support that local capacities are built at every level 

Impact of Results

The Project Management Support - Officer directly impacts on achievement of project results by assisting the Project Manager to adhere to project management methods and strategies. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Required

• A Bachelor or equivalent preferably in Public Administration, International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Project Management, Communications or Journalism with two (2) years of experience will be required. 

Desired

• A Masters Degree in the relevant field with relevant experience.

Required

• A minimum six (6) years of relevant professional experience working in the project implementation and/or in the communications field is required. 

• Proficiency in computers and office software packages (MS Office) and experience in handling web-based management systems is required.

Desired

• Experience in use of Enterprise systems including OneUNOPS is desirable.

• Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.

• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures in Project Management, Procurement, Finance, and administrative rules and regulations will be an advantage.