Manager of Standards
Copenhagen
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: Copenhagen
- Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
-
Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: Closed
Background Information - Job-specific
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. To achieve this goal, UNOPS has established the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG).
Within UNOPS, IPMG’s objectives are to serve the organization’s personnel and partners by broadening their infrastructure and project management capabilities, while disseminating best-practices in both of these areas. Through this work, the group helps facilitate the successful delivery of programmes and projects around the world.
To achieve its objectives, IPMG has established three interrelated and interdependant work streams, namely, Strategic Positioning, Standardsand Implementation Support. The Standards work stream has two sub-work streams, namely, Design Review and Infrastructure and Project Management Standards. IPMG is managed overall by the Director of IPMG and supported by a Programme Support Unit, which includes a Programme Management Office. The Standards Work Stream aims to reduce organizational risks, improve project performance, and promote excellence across UNOPS projects by having fit for purpose infrastructure and project management standards framework in place, which includes the development and maintenance of project management and infrastructure related technical content, as well as knowledge management, gender, sustainability and tools development associated with this content. This work stream enables IPMG to elevate organizational maturity and contributes to corporate excellence agenda such as ISO certifications and EFQM.
The Management Team for the Standards Work Stream consists of the Head of Standards (responsible for the overall Standards Work Stream), , the Manager of Design Review, and the Manager of Standards. These managers report directly to the Head of Standards who reports in turn to the Director of IPMG.
Working within the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG), the successful incumbent can be expected to be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance as well as coordinating the development of Infrastructure and Project Management standards for UNOPS, globally. The Manager of Standards will be responsible for ensuring that Infrastructure and Project Management best practices, standards, tools and guidances are established and disseminated throughout the organization through leadership in guidance development, knowledge management initiatives and various advisory services.
Functional Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Standards, the Manager of Standards will act as primary technical advisor, leading the development, dissemination and adaptation of Infrastructure and Project Management guidance(s), standards and tool kits within the organization.
Functional Responsibilities:
- Management of the personnel under the Standards sub-work stream, including Personnel’s performance evaluation
- Leading the development, revision and implementation of the Standards Management Framework content comprising a broad range of publications, knowledge related products and best practice examples. tailored to UNOPS development context;
- Developing roll out strategies and capacity building initiatives specific to the elements of the Framework
- Liaision and support to UNOPS ERP implementation, specific to Infrastructure and Project Management functionality (including Enterprise Project Management).
- Establishing key initiatives and forums for PM Knowledge Management and dissemination, organizationally
- Leading social and gender inclusion initiatives within infrastructure and project management, through the use of tools and guidance, with particular focus on the integration within UNOPS projects;
- Liaison and support to audit resolution and any associated content development specific to Infrastructure and Project Management activities
- Ensuring IPMG maintains accreditations and is in compliance with Accredited Training Organization, Accredited Consulting Organization and Project Management Institute Standards, among others
- Oversight and maintenance responsibility for all standards related publications from within IPMG
- Liaising with various UNOPS groups and country offices to ensure effective support for all Infrastructure and Project Management Standards and best practices adaptation and inclusion.
- Travel to country offices as needed to support mainstreaming of Standards work in infrastructure and project management.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
- Setting standard, personal and development objectives (PER) for self and direct reports. Ongoing assessment of task completion, which meets quality expectations;
- Achievement the targets on IPMG Balance Score Card assigned to the Manager of Standards;
- Successfully meeting deadlines based on work plan;
- Completing progress reports as required;
- Completion of PRINCE2® Foundation Certification within first 3 months of on-boarding;
- Completion of PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification within first 6 months of on boarding.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in related discipline;
- A Bachelor’s Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree (total 9 years of experience);
- PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner highly desired;
- PMP Certification highly desired;
- Professional certification in Civil Engineering or Architecture (CEng, PE, P. Eng.) highly desired.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in project management or relevant field out of which 3 years in the UN system is required;
- Minimum of 2 years in managerial and strategic leadership is required;
- Experience in development and/or post-conflict related infrastructure and/or project management is an asset.
- In-depth knowledge of Gender Mainstreaming, Knowledge Management and Technical Leadership is highly desired.
- Relevant experience working in developing countries is an asset.
- Working knowledge of buildings and transport related infrastructure is highly desired..
- Full working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and editing skills;
- Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.
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. |
Functional competencies
- Creativity and Innovation: S/he is able to challenge mindsets and think outside the box, as well as improvise in dynamic situations. Exhibits original and innovative thinking in his/her work. S/he is solutions oriented. Demonstrated experience in forging innovating concepts and advocating best practices.
- Result Orientation: Is focused and ambitious. S/he displays tenacity, resilience, and has the capability to tolerate stress. S/he has effective planning and organization skills.
- Decision Making: Shows risk awareness and is able to evaluate options and solutions. S/he exercises judgment in making sound decisions. S/he is decisive.
- People, Performance, and Development: Facilitates personal and professional development by giving others constructive feedback, coaches, mentors, manages, and empowers for performance, competence, and career development. Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.
- Communicates with Impact: Makes a positive personal impact in all forms of communication. Listens actively and is able to articulate own thoughts convincingly in both verbal and written form. Makes effective presentations and deliver effective training.
- Networking Skills: Builds internal and external partnerships and alliances for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and services for mutual benefit. Able to add value and act as partner with other practices and across regional structures to ensure optimal resource mobilization within the organization.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract level: IICA3
Contract duration: one year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
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
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.
- 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.
Background Information - UNOPS
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.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: