Project Manager, Multiple positions

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The UNOPS Hub in Amman implements projects on behalf of UN agencies and bilateral donors and in close coordination with the Government and national authorities. With an established presence across the region, the office runs operations including large-scale procurement, project development and technical management, and provides financial, human resources and infrastructure-related services. The functional objective of UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner and in line with the principles, rules and regulations of UNOPS, so as to achieve the outcomes sought by the clients.

The current conflict in Yemen has resulted in wide-spread humanitarian crisis, and has left 80 per cent of the population (21.1 million people) in need of assistance .  Also the conflict has caused widespread damage to Infrastructure all over Yemen. Recovery and reconstruction is crucial for the people of Yemen, its neighbors, and the global security.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

UNOPS is committed to achieving a fully diverse workforce.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

The PM is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle for all the projects under his/her responsibility.  He/She must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

Stakeholder Management:

·         Establish solid working relationship with the project board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders;

·         In coordination with the Head of Programme and Partnerships Advisor Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products;

Delivery and Performance:

·         Develop and maintain the Project Implementation Plan ;

·         Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones within tolerances set by the project board;

·         Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life cycle;

·         Manage and supervise the realization of agreed deliverables, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary;

·         Liaise with any external suppliers or Account Managers; Work Package Authorization; Advise the Project Board/s and Head of Programme, and if needed the Partnership Advisor, 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 to ensure products are accepted;

·         Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers; and Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor.

·         Fully comply with UNOPS Project management procedures and practices and ensure compliance with organizational policy including Financial Rules and Regulations, UNOPS Procurement Manual, Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions;

·         Prepare/adapt the following plans for approval by the Project Board/s: i. Project Initiation Documentation; ii. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions;

·         Prepare i. Highlight Reports; ii. End Stage Reports; iii. Operational Closure

·         Checklist; iv. End Project Report; v. Handover Report;

·         Maintain the following: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12;

·         Ensure that all expenditures comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations;

·         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; (UN Years of experience should be a requirement for this post).

·         Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports);

Procurement:

In consultation with the relevant stakeholders,

·         In full coordination with the partnerships team assist in preparing amendments of Agreements and budget revisions when applicable;

·         Review and input of financial information, expenditures etc in OneUNOPS;

·         Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with procedures, work plans, and availability of resources for expenditure;

·         Support development and maintenance of OneUNOPS based management information systems to  ensure real time tracking and asset management under the project activities;

·         Liaise with the Finance Unit to process and monitor all payment requests within the Project;

·         Monitor all Procurement and HR requirements and related activities under the Project;  

·         In full coordination with the Head of Programme organize all project and stakeholder meetings as and when necessary, and maintain records of these meetings;

·         Maintain records of project files and Activity reports in hard and soft copy;

·         Prepare budget forecast and periodic financial reports as requested;

·         Review weekly Activity reports and quarterly financial reports with respect to outputs based on work plans and budget forecasts;

·         Liaise with finance and logistics/procurement units in tracking commitments and disbursements;

·         Identify operational, administrative, financial and other bottlenecks that may impede project delivery; recommend solutions and take appropriate remedial action;

·         Contract management of all contracts (Procurement, Service Contracts etc) under the Project;

·         Proactively coordinate/liaise with support units on all operational matters related to the project(s) under responsibility.

·          Timely and duly prepared procurement plans for every project under responsibility while monitoring their implementation;

Knowledge Management:

·         Participate in the relevant communities of practice;

·         Actively interact with 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;

·         Complete lessons learned as per reporting format; and incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format.

Ensure that the project(s) produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. The PM is also responsible for the realization of project results as defined in the Business Case and will contribute to the overall business targets and needs.

·         Advanced degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Development/ Social Studies is required.

·          A first-level university degree in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

·         At least 5 years of progressive experience required in project management.

·         UN Work experience is an asset.

·         PRINCE2® Foundation or equivalent such as PMP , PRINCE2® Practitioner an asset, but require completion within first 6 months of onboarding

·         Fluency in Arabic and English is required

·         International organisations experience is  an asset

·         Experience in and Knowledge of the Middle East Region is an asset

• 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.
• 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.