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Project Manager

Addis Ababa

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Addis Ababa
  • Grade: Mid/Senior level - Mid/Senior - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS signed different project agreements with different ministries in order to supply and instal specialized equipment including but not limited to PV Solar panels and Design, supply and installation of CCTV, Intrusion and Smoke Detection Devices. The Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of these projects and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries.  He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals.

The project manager is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project’s products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the projects and hence Project Management will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.

The Project Manager will be expected to follow the project lifecycle from inception to completion using standard project lifecycle practices and artefacts. They will be provided with guidance and support by the Transactional Projects Manager to ensure key project components and artefacts are in place. The Project Manager will often find him/herself delivering work-streams within a project and as such will be accountable and responsible for the projects.

The project manager is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle. S/he must be able to apply, with directions, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

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Functional Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management:

  • Establish solid working relationship with the project board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders
  • Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products.
  • Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance)
  • Manage the information flows between the Project Board/Head of Programme/ Transactional Projects Manager/OC Diretor and the projects team.
  • Work closely with Project Procurement Team on supplier performance management and delivery and inspection of goods.

Delivery and Performance:

  • Develop and maintain project plans and site supervision and inspection schedule
  • 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 the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary
  • Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers.
  • Advise the Project Board and Procurement Projects Manager/OC Manager 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 and ensure products are accepted
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers
  • Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor
  • Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor

Project Management

  • Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions)
  • Prepare and contribute to the following reports and plan:

                                i.   Quarterly stage plan

                              ii.  Monthly Project Report

                            iii.  Prepare and maintain risk register using UNOPS online tool

                            iv. Highlight Reports

                              v.  End Stage Reports

                            vi. Operational Closure Checklist

                          vii. End Project Report

                        viii. Handover Report

  • Maintain the following: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per the relevant Organizational Directives.
  • Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
  • Ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
  • Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
  • Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.
  • Ensure that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits.
  •  The Project Manager is responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving its objective.

HR Management:

  • Lead and motivate supervison and control experts
  • Receive site inspection report and endorse report for retainers (outsourced service providers) payment
  • Ensure that behavioural expectations these team members are established
  • Participate in selection, recruition, induction and trainining team as required by project plans
  • Perform the Team Manager role, unless appointed to another person(s)
  • Perform Project Support role, unless appointed to another person or corporate/programme function
  • Ensure safety and security of project team and comply with UNDSS standards

Knowledge Management:

  • Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
  • Actively interact with other PMs and 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
  • Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format

Perform other duties as assigned by Head of Program

Core Values and Principles:

  • Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles

                         I.  Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project management

                        II. Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at work place

                       III. Champion and communicate project’s sustainability aspects with key stakeholders

  • Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity

                       i.   Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans

                       ii.  Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff

                      iii. Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts

  • Partnerships and Coordination

                      i. Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system

                     ii.  Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners)

  • Accountability for results and the use of resources

                     i. The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the PM to raise the issue to a supervisor

  • Excellence

                    i.    Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality. 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education

Masters Degree in Project Management, Business Administration,  Development Studies , Social Science or other relevant discipline. Additional 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant Bachelor, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree.

B. Work Experience

  • Five years of experience in project management, partner management, coordination, monitoring and reporting
  • Experience in networking is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage. Knowledge of UN procurement and financial rules and regulations is an asset.
  • Computer skills with word processing, spread sheets, email and internet are required.

Certifications

  • PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner is an asset (successful candidate who may not have the certificate will be required to do the certification within 6 month of employment)

Language Requirements:             Full working knowledge of English is essential.

Fluency in one or more additional official UNOPS languages is an advantage.

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

  • Exhibits original innovative thinking in his/her work and is solutions-oriented.
  • Effective planning and organization skills required
  • 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
  • Builds internal and external partnerships for exchange of knowledge and experiences
  • Works in teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills

Contract type, level and duration

This is  a local position and therefore it is open to only Nationals of Ethiopia
Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement 
Contract level: LICA 10
Contract duration: One year with possibility of extension ( Subject to satisfactory performance and funds 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 

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. 

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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