Project Management Support - Senior Associate

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), headquartered in Bangkok, supports UNOPS operations across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. Established in January 2023, EAPMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, and quality assurance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of projects across its portfolio. EAPMCO implements initiatives in priority areas such as energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development, drawing on UNOPS' core expertise in human resources, procurement, infrastructure, fund management, and programme management.

Established in 2016, UNOPS Philippines supports the government and development partners in advancing sustainable development through services including sustainable procurement, project and grant management, infrastructure, and logistical support. UNOPS projects in the Philippines focus on key areas such as governance, justice, health, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, community resilience, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Established in 2016, UNOPS Philippines provides technical expertise in project management, procurement, infrastructure, and logistics to support national development priorities. Working in partnership with government institutions and development partners, UNOPS delivers operational support that strengthens institutional capacity and ensures the effective implementation of complex programmes. Key areas of engagement include rule of law and governance, health procurement and supply chains, infrastructure development, and public sector capacity strengthening.

Through funding from the European Union (EU), UNOPS supports justice sector reform in the Philippines under the EU’s Governance in Justice (EU-GOJUST) programme. Previous phases of the programme have supported the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government through project management, procurement, logistics, and grants administration, while also working with civil society organizations to improve access to justice for marginalized communities. UNOPS Philippines also implements other major programmes with development partners, including the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme supporting institutional development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and health sector initiatives with the Department of Health under the World Bank–supported Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Program.

Building on the achievements of previous EU justice programmes—including GOJUST I, GOJUST II, and the EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme (EPJUST II)—the European Union, in partnership with UNOPS and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), is implementing the third phase of the Enabling Justice and the Rule of Law Programme, known as EU-GOJUST III. The programme aims to strengthen the rule of law in the Philippines through more coordinated, efficient, and people-centred justice services while improving access to justice, particularly for women and people in vulnerable situations.

EU-GOJUST III places a stronger emphasis on localized justice delivery and institutional sustainability. The programme supports legal aid services, strengthens the capacity of local governments as entry points to the justice system, enhances rights awareness, and improves the ability of justice sector actors to respond to the needs of marginalized communities. The programme works closely with national justice institutions, civil society organizations, and local government units through established coordination mechanisms such as the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) and the Justice Zones (JZs).

The action aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

As an implementing partner, UNOPS provides operational and implementation support for EU-GOJUST III, including procurement, grants management, training, project coordination, and behavior change campaigns in support of justice sector reforms. Working in close collaboration with IDLO as the Technical Lead, UNOPS ensures efficient programme delivery and coordination with key justice sector stakeholders.

The Project Management Support Senior Associate provides technical, administrative and logistical support to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of project operations. The incumbent contributes to the coordination and execution of day-to-day project management processes, ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards and procedures. Working closely with the UNOPS EU-GOJUST Senior Project Manager, PMS SO and the EU-GOJUST Senior Advisor under IDLO, the Project Management Support Associate (PMSSA) for Justice Zone Coordination supports the implementation of the Specific Objective 1 (SO1): Justice Coordination component of EU-GOJUST III. The role contributes to strengthening more coordinated, efficient, gender-sensitive, and people-centered justice services by supporting engagement with Justice Zones (JZs) and key justice sector institutions across the Philippines. The PMSSA assists in coordinating activities across the existing 19 Justice Zones, with anticipated expansion to up to 30 additional JZs during the programme’s implementation. The position supports the implementation of interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of Justice Zone Working Committees and facilitating localized justice sector reforms in line with the programme’s approved work plan.

The PMSSA provides technical, administrative, and operational support to ensure effective project delivery, including assisting in the coordination of planned activities, partner capacity development initiatives, and the monitoring of programme implementation across the Justice Zones. The role also supports the coordination of Justice Zone Coordinators in areas such as budget planning, operational support, monitoring, and reporting for the SO1 component, ensuring alignment with approved programme work plans and budgets. Through strong coordination, compliance with UNOPS project management standards, and a client-focused approach, the PMSSA contributes to the efficient and timely implementation of EU-GOJUST III activities and the achievement of programme results. The role is client-focused and results-oriented in supporting timely project implementation.

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, the Project Management Support Senior Associate will be responsible for the following:

1. Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Support the supervisor in monitoring project implementation and financial performance to ensure compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, and reporting standards.

• Support the tracking of project budgets under the SO1 (JS Workstream), cash flow, and expenditures. Identify variances, propose budget revisions, and initiate corrective actions when necessary.

• Record project data and updates in relevant logs and registers, ensuring information accuracy for reporting and audits.

• Take minutes of meetings, track action points, and assist in compiling periodic project performance reports and completion reports

• Support the EU-GOJUST joint program team in detailing the monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan for the justice sector coordination component (SO 1);

• Support in the data gathering for baseline, periodic monitoring, and evaluation as contained in the Program MEL plan

• Support in updating the database and means of verification evidence for the MEL

2. Project Implementation and Delivery Support

• Support in the coordination of the EU-GOJUST III Justice Sector Workstream or SO1 component in the implementation of the annual plans for the local justice coordination, including implementation of justice sector initiatives, in accordance with the PSC approved workplan and budget.

• Assist in day-to-day project execution, ensuring adherence to UNOPS project management methodologies, financial regulations and quality standards.

• Support the preparation, amendment, and monitoring of project work plans, agreements and budget revisions.

• Facilitate communication between partners, service providers and internal teams to ensure the timely delivery of project activities.

• Track project milestones, risks and issues, maintaining updated records and assisting with mitigation planning.

• Support preparation and review of contractors’ invoices, verification of supporting documents, and coordination of deliverables.

• Contribute to identifying operational or administrative bottlenecks and propose practical solutions to enhance project efficiency.

3. Operational and Administrative Support

• Provide administrative assistance in project operations, including HR coordination, procurement planning and logistical arrangements.

• Support the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), contracts and purchase orders. Review supporting documentation before submission for approval.

• Coordinate and organize workshops, trainings, meetings and missions, ensuring timely logistical, financial and travel arrangements.

• Liaise with Finance, HR and Procurement units to process payments, monitor commitments, and ensure compliance with internal control systems. 

• Maintain project correspondence, records and filing systems in accordance with UNOPS document management policies.

• Support onboarding, induction, and contract management processes for project personnel and consultants.

4. Financial and Procurement Management

• Assist in the preparation of project budgets, forecasts, and expenditure reports, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.

• Monitor financial transactions, disbursements, and vendor payments in alignment with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations

• Coordinate procurement processes, including requisition preparation, evaluation support, and tracking of contracts and purchase orders.

• Facilitate communication with vendors, manage documentation for procurement and financial activities, and ensure timely service delivery.

• Support project audits by maintaining complete financial documentation and assisting in implementing audit recommendations.

5. Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management.

• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.

• Conduct research on project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience OR

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 3 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate is desired.

Required

• Relevant experience is work in project managementor related areas. 

• Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.

Desired

• Experience in working in the Justice Zone and supporting the planning and implementation of activities with justice sectors.

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

• Field experience or exposure to local and national levels of planning, implementation, and monitoring multi-stakeholder programs/projects is an asset.

• Experience in producing project and activity documentation reports is desired.

• Experience in preparing and coordinating partner and project reporting processes is an advantage.

• Experience in workshop/seminar/events facilitation, management, and facilitation is an asset.

• Experience in networking with development partners, justice sector agencies, local government units, and national agencies (regional or local offices) in the Philippines is an advantage

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.