World Bank Project Preparation Advisor, Multiple positions

The UNOPS Washington Liaison Office (WLO), which an outreach function of the UNOPS Partnerships and Liaisons Group, aims to bring the organization closer to key global partners who are based in Washington, DC. In this context, UNOPS is stepping up its partnership with the World Bank Group with a view of supporting the absorption capacity of borrowing countries through a range of tailored project services.

UNOPS strategic focus places increased emphasis on national capacity development and sustainable approaches to project management, procurement and infrastructure services.  A key objective is to be recognized as an organization that delivers world-class infrastructure and project management, which is both economically and socially sustainable, even in the most challenging environments

In this context, the incumbent will be responsible for providing Project/Programme Management Advisory services for various projects which are funded by the World Bank and/or similar Multilateral Development Banks (MDB’s). Accordingly, this role will provide advice and support with regard to the preparation and/or management of projects, possibly including (but not limited to) project setup, project assurance, financial management, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, and the implementation of project management best practices and guidance. Additionally, skills strategic partnerships would also be considered an asset.

The incumbent will be required to work in a collaborative manner, with colleagues at all levels across the organization.

This role will be home-based, but depending on the project needs, extensive travel can be expected.

The Project Preparation Advisor will play an integral role in advising either UNOPS project staff and/or client government teams on the application, interpretation, preparation and adoption of World Bank policies, guidelines and best practice to implement World Bank projects, and/or provide expertise and support in implementation of the IDA/IBRD funded projects.  This role will also be involved in the support of training and internal consulting in project and programme management for delivering World Bank oriented projects.  This role may be required to support surge capacity requirements for special initiatives and requests from within UNOPS – including partnerships management, business development, project setup, and project/program management.

Key to this role, the successful candidate willProvide necessary advice and support during the “formulation phase” of new initiatives with focus on project structure, institutional implementation arrangements and governance, risk management, financial management, procurement and/or safeguards.. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Implementation Support

The incumbent will provide substantive support to Programme Managers/Project Managers/Team Managers in the planning, preparation, appraisal and/or implementation of projects and programmes throughout their whole life cycle, with a specific focus on World Bank and other MDB-funded projects.

Undertake missions to country offices and project sites to review and advise accordingly with regard new projects under preparation or on-going engagements.

S/he will drive and support world-class performance, organizational excellence and continuous improvement.

Participate in the review of proposals for new initiatives (as appropriate), and providing advice to the relevant authorities as necessary

Technical Advice and Quality Assurance

Provide advice to the Washington Office and/or relevant country teams on how to embed best practices from WB and/or other MDB’s in the context of UNOPS projects and programmes, in particular in relation to institutional implementation arrangements and governance, risk management, financial management, procurement and/or safeguards..

Partnership Development

Support UNOPS Partnership development priorities led by the Partnerships Group and (in particular) the WLO through his/her expertise, regional contacts and ability to demonstrate a depth of experience in the preparation and management of WB/MDB funded-projects.

Knowledge Sharing and Technical leadership

In coordination with the Partnerships Group, and in particular the Washington Office, the incumbent will provide advisory support to HQ and field staff on relevant WB and/or MDB best practices, tools, and systems.

S/he may also support country offices in the establishment of project management teams and roll-out of projects.

General Knowledge of World Bank Environmental and / or Social Safeguards

Where needed, s/he will advise in the definition and operationalization of the environmental and social safeguard aspects of World Bank projects, including where appropriate, preparing Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), and other relevant activities to ensure compliance with WB safeguard requirements.

General Knowledge of World Bank Procurement Framework

S/he will advise UNOPS Partnerships team and Country Offices’ personnel, programme and project management practitioners on the application and compliance with the WB Procurement Framework.

Education requirements

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in international affairs, business administration, project management, economics, law, social science or related field. 
• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in combination with relevant years of experience can be considered in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

• At least 10 years of experience in the context of development project preparation and appraisal, project management and/or project advice, of which at least 5 years should with Multilateral Development Banks, preferably the World Bank;

• Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas of World Bank projects: (1) Project preparation, management, performance review, monitoring and evaluation; (2) Procurement and Financial Management; and/or (3) Social and Environmental Safeguards. Experience in more than one of these areas will be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated experience of working in support of Fragile and Conflict State’s is a requirement.

• Excellent writing and oral skills in English is a requirement; 
• Fluency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic is an asset.

• Certification in a project management methodology, such as PRINCE2 or PMI, is an asset.

• Knowledge of the construction industry, or a background in civil engineering / engineering services, is an asset.

• Analytical skills – ability to deliver fact-based competitor and partner/customer analysis  

• Business development -  ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data in support of the identification of business opportunities 

• Knowledge Management - knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint, Power BI, Microsoft Office, CRM, key account management tools
• Communication – ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels in the organization
• Project Management - ability to lead projects including change management
• Displays openness and flexibility in daily work

• Consistently delivers excellent quality on time and according to plan

Leadership and Self-Management

• Ability to adhere to work assignments and meet designated deadlines;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure; and
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views.

• 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.

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.