Project Manager

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. 

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.

In 2013, UNOPS Afghanistan was transformed into an operational hub and now covers Pakistan and Iran. We are strategically positioned to support important regional interventions necessary for transportation networks, security, trade and economy in the region

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 products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the Project and hence Project Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities. A Project Manager at this level would likely be expected to manage a small or less complex project or work package delivering a limited number of products.  The duties and responsibilities of the Project Manager Level 1 are similar to that of the Project Manager Level 2, with the difference in grades being determined by the project level, complexity and level of responsibility of the specific position.  A Project Manager at this level would normally be responsible for a UNOPS Level 1 project.
This project pertains to vertical and horizontal infrastructures, e.g. construction of a one storey exhibition center, rehabilitation of two roads with asphalt, rehabilitation of two produce markets, and construction of a small community bazaar. There is also a capacity development component and baseline/endline assessment to manage and deliver.
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:
General:
Ensure that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. The Project Manager is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case.  Contribute to the overall business targets and needs.
Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS Head of Programme:

• Review and update the work plan for effective implementation of the project;
• Review and provide inputs to water and sanitation designs for schools and healthcare centers;
• Carry out technical supervision of the design activities and construction works for the project in co-ordination with IPMG Copenhagen and the main contractor;
• Support development, planning and implementation of activities aiming at improving sustainability of hygiene education and operation and maintenance of WASH facilities.
• Support project management works with stakeholders and partners (NGOs, private consultants, and contracting companies);
• Assist in determining capacity gaps and support capacity development of government and/or non-governmental partners in close coordination with the donor;
• Review and provide inputs on WASH programme related M&E activities to track progress and evaluate results. Consultant will work on methodology for baseline studies, monitoring tools, technical assessments for WASH infrastructure and hygiene practices at the community level;
• Facilitate project closure, handover, and manage quarterly reporting to the donor.

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/UNOPS Afghanistan Office PMO and the project

Delivery and Performance:

• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board
• 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.
• Authorize Work Packages
• Advise the Project Board and the supervisors (Head of Programme or delegate), PMO 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 the concerned sections
• Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to the supervisor

Procedures:

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions)
• Prepare/adapt the following plans for approval by the Project Board:  I. Project Initiation Documentation; II. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions
• Prepare the following reports: 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 expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
• 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
• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
• 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.

Personnel Management:

• Lead and motivate the project management team
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted
• Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the Head of Programme or its delegates.
• Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff)
• Select, recruit and train 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 for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

Financial Resources Management

•  Ensure integrity of financial systems, review of budget requirements and the consistent application or rules and regulations
• Proper planning, expenditures tracking and audit of financial resources in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations
• Organization and oversight of project cash management processes, including liquidity management, timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site
• Routine monitoring of financial exception reports for all activities and transactions, and ensure that burn rate is in accordance with the project budget and forecast; oversee and place internal control mechanisms to avoid over-expenditures

Procurement and Logistical Services Management

• Compliance with UN/UNOPS rules and regulations in the field and management of the procurement strategies including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement promotion and introduction, performance measurement
• Management of the contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, managing the contract and contractor, as well as legal implications. Oversight of procurement processes and logistical services in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Establish procurement procedures for deployment of the equipment as stipulated in the project agreement (vehicles, computers and other equipment as described therein). 
• Ensure proper management of project assets, facilities and logistical services.
• Provide integrated administrative support to staff and service providers in terms of premises, maintenance, logistics, office space, equipment, supplies, contract processing, reporting and control;
• Support the procurement activities covering search of potential suppliers; prepare request for quotation, draft bidding documentation, prepare evaluation charts; participate in meetings with service providers, and advise on selection of suitable suppliers; prepare request for contract and liaise with UNOPS staff on the issuance of contract; ensure delivery of goods and services; maintain roster of suppliers, inventory and follow-up on the status of payment of goods and services procured as per approved contracts;
• Perform security check at office level, ensure proper functioning of fire alarm, provide first aid and undertake precautionary measures as required under civil responsibility.
• Provide assistance in the maintenance of the office, assembling of new equipment, proper cable connection, locate areas requiring repairs and perform related tasks or liaise with service providers where necessary

Education

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Civil Engineering, Business Administration or a relevant field of study.
• PRINCE2 certification, at least at Foundation level, is highly desirable
• Complete the UNOPS Project Management Foundation course (within one year after signing this TOR)
• A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.                                                   

Work Experience

• At least seven years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in project development and management, with focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations. Preferably with demonstrated experience in  successfully managing roads construction projects;
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is a distinct advantage

• 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.