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Team Leader

Kabul

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Kabul
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

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. 

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNOPS Afghanistan Operations Hub (AFOH) under the UNOPS Asia Region Office (AR) has been established to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ portfolio of programmes and projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to ensure that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed. AFOH plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
UNOPS strategy for Afghanistan is aimed at providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan though the delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s own priorities. UNOPS Afghanistan has been established as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS Afghanistan is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads and schools) development, capacity building to various ministries, and environmental protection, among others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community.
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) launched the National Rural Access Programme (NRAP) in 2002 to promote equitable economic growth by providing year- round access to basic services and facilities in rural Afghanistan. In order to supplement this programme, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) started financing the Rural Access Improvement Project (RAIP) in the four northern provinces of Samangan, Balkh, Jawzjan and Sari Pul with the objective to contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas, bridge regional disparities, and support equitable growth. The project has been implemented by UNOPS in association with the four provincial authorities. 
The Government of Afghanistan’s GIRoA’s strategy is consistent with the Swedish International Development Cooperation, Sida’s objectives which aim to create opportunities for people living in poverty and under oppression to improve their living conditions (particularly women, girls and young men) and to live to enjoy better living conditions in a peaceful, democratic and lawful societies. RAIP has been facilitating achievement of these goals since its initiation. 
The Phase 1 of Rural Access Improvement Project (RAIP) was initiated in December 2007 and was completed in December 2010. The Phase 2 started in February 2010 and ended in December 2013. Phase 3 started in April 2013 and will end on 31th October 2016. Following the successful completion of the third phase (RAIP III), the fourth phase (RAIP IV) is planned to start from November 2016 for the duration of four years.

Background Information - Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS Afghanistan has regional offices in most parts of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law.

Functional Responsibilities

The Team Leader will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following functions and responsibilities:

Programme Management and Coordination:

  • Determines programme resource requirements in conjunction with the AFOC Head of Programme, other Managers and the Programme Management Office;
  • Defines the programme’s governance framework (resource management, monitoring and control, quality and risk management, stakeholder engagement and benefits management);
  • Maintains overall integrity and coherence of the programme, and develops and maintains the programme environment to support each individual project within it.
  • Handles the day-to-day management of the programme and oversees the delivery of all projects in the programme, monitoring delivery in terms of quality, costs and time;
  • Ensures that the delivery of new outputs or services from the projects meets the programme’s requirements;
  • Ensures that security considerations are assessed and implicated in programme conception.
  • Mentors and assists the project managers in planning, execution and delivery of projects, ensuring that best practice project management processes are incorporated;
  • Ensures maximum efficiency in the allocation of resources and skills within the programme;
  • Works closely with the project managers to identify potential project-cost overruns, time delays or quality deficiencies, and implements actions for rectification;
  • Analyses project results, and interprets these results into recommendations for the Head of Programme to assist him/her in the development of UNOPS as the service Provider of Choice in Afghanistan;
  • Ensures that clear communication and good relationships are developed and maintained within the programme, with internal support units (Human Resources, Procurement, Logistics, etc.) and with external parties such as donors, the Government, etc.;
  • Plans, develops, coordinates, communicates and directs the internal policies and procedures of the Programme Section;
  • Effectively and efficiently delegates responsibility and authority to subordinate staff for the delivery of agreed outputs while ensuring accountability;
  • Provides timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting;
  • Develops and drives a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and performance optimization across all projects in the programme;
  • Establishes performance objectives with appropriate measures for project managers and other programme staff;
  • Initiates activities and other management interventions wherever gaps in the programme are identified or issues arise.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

  • Has responsibility for programme budgeting and resource planning;
  • Implements UNOPS pricing strategies, with a disciplined approach to business case development and pricing models which balances revenues and capacity development, within the mandate and spirit of the United Nations;
  • Prepares and submits for approval, revenue and expenditure forecasts based on established financial goals;
  • Supports the Head of Programme in the development of the business model for AFOC in Afghanistan assessing costs and revenue streams as well as margins.

Business & Corporate Development:

  • Develops current and future growth plans for the programme (1 – 3 years), ensuring that those plans conform to UNOPS overall strategic plans;
  • Supports and provides inputs to the Head of Programme in developing business opportunities in preparing and delivering complex proposals and partnerships;
  • Ensures subordinate programme staff with the relevant authority are properly trained in proposal development and presentation;
  • Identifies and develops potential new business and customer opportunities;
  • Develops and maintains close working relationships with Donors, the Government and other clients.

Technical Functions:

  • Plans, develops, implements and maintains appropriate standards, best practices and procedures in the programme;
  • Researches, identifies and introduces appropriate new technologies for the execution of projects across the programme.

Human Resource Responsibilities:

  • Assumes responsibility for all staffing issues as required by the demands of the various projects in the AFOC programme including adherence to UNOPS security regulations and guidelines;
  • Conducts Staff Performance Reviews of project staff and other staff on the programme in accordance with UNOPS HR Policies, and initiates appropriate responses;
  • In conjunction with the Project Managers and the HR Unit, identifies and recruits appropriate project staff for the programme;
  • Encourages and develops the technical and project management skills and attitudes of the programme’s personnel.

Communication Functions:

  • Reports to the Head of Programme with regard to all matters concerning the delivery of projects in the AFOC programme including security matters;
  • Works closely with other departments to continuously improve interface processes;
  • Directs the preparation and updating of information materials used for external dissemination of UNOPS Afghanistan activities and capacities.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • The incumbent is also responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS;
  • Carries out any other duties as specified by the Head of Programme.

Monitoring and Project Controls:

  • Puts in place and continuously implements solid reporting mechanisms in the programme on a regular basis against set targets and indicators.
  • Provides reports to the Head of Programme, Donors and other stakeholders on the AFOC project portfolio as required.
  • Maintains a systematic filing system of all programme and support documents with off-site backup for continuity security and in line with audit requirements specific to project agreements.

Final Product:

The programme and its projects are delivered to the satisfaction of AFOC senior management, clients, donors and stakeholders, in compliance with UNOPS procedures and requirements.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

  • Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, Project Management or any other most relevant field.  A first level University Degree in most relevant field with combination of additional 2 years relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the Advance University Degree.
  • Minimum 10 years of work experience in successfully conducting and implementing similar programs.
  • Knowledge and experience in using IDA Procedures preferable.
  • Experience in implementation of World Bank or similar projects in infrastructure and rural rehabilitation considered an asset.
  • Previous work experience in similar rural rehabilitation and/or road construction field in Afghanistan highly desirable.
  • Proven experience and demonstrated ability to manage large scale rural road rehabilitation projects using labor-intensive and/or LBAT methods and utilizing private sector and community contractors.
  • Knowledge of UN rules and regulations, administrative and programme practices is a must
  • Experience of working in UNOPS is highly desirable.
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration:12 months with possibility of extension 

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.  
This vacancy is now closed.
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