Project Manager

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS office for the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean is based in St Lucia and currently oversees several infrastructure projects (both implementation and technical assistance) in Belize, Jamaica, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad and Curacao.

In Jamaica, there is a plan for the establishment of a UN House in an existing 4-story Conference Centre building located in Kingston designated by the government, to collocate most of the UN Agencies present in Jamaica.  To accommodate the new activities, the building requires refurbishment to:

• Reduce operation costs
• Incorporate UN values into design. Including gender and climate sensitivity reviews (green concepts such as energy efficient ventilation and air conditioning system, lighting, etc. will be analysed and proposed in a phased approached).
• Foster interagency cooperation
• Provide a secure, effective and conducive work environment for employees
• Provide more opportunity for team work/collegiality
• Improve flexibility in space use
• Allocation of office space in rationalized, simplified and streamlined ways
• Realize organizational values of openness
• Maximal use of daylight and views
• Reduce wasted double circulation

UNOPS is to be engaged to manage the refurbishment project on behalf of the UN Agencies. The project will be carried out in two main phases, the first being feasibility/concept development, with a duration of 6 months, and the second being design/construction, estimated to take another year or two.

Functional Responsibilities

The Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project and ensures that the project(s) produce(s) the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. In this project, the Project Manager will also coordinate the production of the Architectural concept design in the first phase of the project.  The Project Manager is responsible overall for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Project Brief.

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

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/OC Director and the project(s)
• Securing commitment of project funding 
• Propose governance structure for the implementation of the project including Government of Jamaica state agencies (different scenarios)
• Negotiation and signature of UN House MOU between UN and Government of Jamaica including cabinet approval of project budget

Concept Building Design

• Development of a common vision for the project and facility and agreement of preferred approach with stakeholders
• Development of concept design associated with equipment and functional plans, in agreement with obligations of Construction norms, the minimum standard requirements, good practices in design and the requirements and established parameters specified by the different user UN Agencies, including
  • sizing of spaces
  • environment, accessibility and analysis of user flows
  • ventilation and natural lighting
  • compatibility between spaces and equipment
  • materials and finishing works
• Prepare technical reports and coordinate with other disciplines
• Use of computer assisted software for the production of architectural plans and layouts
• Development of preliminary budget and timelines for the execution of the project
• Develop further the current business case with the analysis of current location of offices of UN agencies and compare with the UN House refurbishment project.
• Capacity to coordinate work with other disciplines.

Delivery and Performance:

• Develop and maintain project plans
• 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
• Authorize Work Packages
• Advise the Project Board and 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 partnership opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor
• Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor

To access the full list of roles and responsibilities, pelase download the terms of references attached to the announcemnet. 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 Education 

• Advanced University Degree (Masters) preferably in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or other relevant discipline.
• University Degree (Bachelors) preferably in  Architecture, Civil Engineering or other relevant discipline  may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree.
• PRINCE2® Foundation is an asset

Work Experience

• Betwen 7 and 9 years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in design and/or refurbishment of buildings, as well as supervision of building construction for private/public purposes.  
• Experience in infrastructure, project development and/or management.
• Experience with project reporting and stakeholder management and knowledge of the UN system is an advantage.
• Experience from developing countries is an advantage.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English (read/write/speak)

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

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: I-ICA (International Individual Contractor Agreement)
Contract level: I-ICA 3
Contract duration: 6 months with a possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Regular Monthly Contract: This contract is established in the regular monthly Contract modality, that is, a continuous presentation of services is required during the contract period, making the payments associated with the contract at the end of each calendar month.

UNOPS is an equal opportunity employer and all quialified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We encoourage female candidates to apply. 

Work life harmonization: UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.

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. 17:00 hours Jamaica
• 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.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.