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Project Manager Humanitarian Mine Action and Protection of Civilians

Bamako

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Bamako
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Human Resources
    • Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
    • Mine Action and Weapon Contamination
    • Protection Officer (Refugee)
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Mali is facing a problem of weapons and explosive hazard contamination, as a result of protracted and recent armed conflicts. The presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW), improvised explosive devices (IED) and insecure stockpiles of weapons and ammunition (obsolete, abandoned or neglected), poses a serious threat to civilians as well as to United Nations and humanitarian personnel operating in the country.

UNMAS deployed to Mali in January 2013 to conduct an emergency assessment of the situation with regard to explosive threats. In July 2013, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established under Security Council resolution 2100 and is currently operating under Security Council resolution 2354 (2017). In accordance with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS PSC to implement a mine action programme in Mali to:

  • Improve the protection of civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance;
  • Enhance national capacity to mitigate explosive threats and enable compliance with international treaty obligations;
  • Reduce the explosive threat to MINUSMA and United Nations personnel.

Functional Responsibilities

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 Project(s) and hence Project Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.  The duties and responsibilities of the Project Manager Level 3 are similar to that of the Project Manager Level 4, with the difference in grades being determined by the project(s) level, complexity and level of responsibility of the specific position. A project manager at this level would normally be responsible for one or more UNOPS Level 3 project. A project manager at this level would likely be expected to manage one or more complex and risky projects. The project(s) would rely on a number of external suppliers for its successful delivery and would be working with firm deadlines. The project manager is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle. S/he must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

Reporting to the Programme Manager, and working closely with the UNMAS Mali management team, the Project Manager is responsible for delivery of the project activities throughout all aspects of the project life cycle, as well as the execution of post-specific thematic duties. He/she is expected to coordinate regularly with stakeholders at the working level on humanitarian issues.

a. Stakeholder Management:

  • Advise the Programme Manager on issues that may impact the achievement of project outcomes;
  • Manage the information flows between the management hierarchy and the project;
  • Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, changes and are in a position to accept handover products;
  • Liaise with relevant ministries and government entities on the development of a national mine action authority or equivalent structure;
  • Ensure the project is accurately and appropriately represented to external audiences, under the strategic guidance of the Programme Manager.  This includes via various consolidated and participatory processes (annual and multi-annual budget planning, ISF, UNDAF+, CAP, HRP), as well as with UN agencies, funds and programmes, government counterparts, donors, and other key stakeholders;
  • Ensure accurate, complete, representative and timely substantive reporting on the project, its activities, and key milestones to all stakeholders in collaboration with the Programme unit;

b. Delivery and Performance:

  • Develop, justify, and implement project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances established at programme level, and in line with programme strategy;
  • Manage the delivery toward project outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources, as well as initiating corrective action where necessary;
  • Advise the Programme Manager of changes or deviations from plans, including through the identification and management of risks and issues, ensuring maximum benefit to clients and stakeholders;
  • Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted, including, with the technical guidance and oversight of Operations and Support Services, the tasking, monitoring, quality control and evaluation of the performance of service providers, grantees and implementing partners;
  • Identify and report opportunities and threats to the Programme Manager, in the pursuit of transparency, excellence and results;
  • Manage all resources allocated to the project, including, but not limited to, personnel, contractors and equipment, in line with approved budgets, and in pursuit of the delivery of project objectives.

c. Knowledge Management:

  • Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the programme and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms within UNMAS and UNOPS, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

d. Personnel Management: if applicable

  • Ensure project team members (1-5 personnel in total), as well as the Support and Operations teams are fully appraised of the goals, orientation, outputs, and key time and resource constraints of the project, are included and consulted in the decision-making process as required, and are valued as key contributors in the delivery of the project objectives;
  • Recruit, guide, empower and develop staff for the project, with consideration for individual training and development needs within the overall delivery of the project;
  • Establish expectations, set benchmarks for performance, and undertake systematic and regular review of personnel performance, including disciplinary measures if and when required.

e. Promote and uphold the values of the United Nations in all actions.

Second, the Project Manager is responsible for the following thematic duties associated with the humanitarian mine action portfolio:

f. Coordination:

  • On delegation by the Government of Mali, coordinate mine actors, with the objective of ensuring effective prioritization of tasks, utilization of resources, and encouraging common messaging by all UN, governmental, non-governmental and commercial implementers of mine action activities countrywide;
  • On delegation by the Government of Mali, collect, coordinate, analyse, and disseminate data relating to humanitarian mine action activities, including population of the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA);
  • Co-Chair, with UNICEF, the Sub-Cluster on Mine Action under the auspices of the Protection Cluster;
  • Support the fundraising activities of mine action actors in priority need areas, including through leadership on the development of the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects as required;
  • Advise the Programme Manager on the evolution of the humanitarian situation in Mali, including potential measures and actions to be taken by UNMAS Mali to protect civilians.

g. Resource Mobilization

  • Working closely with the Programme team, develop project concepts, proposals and funding requests for priority needs not covered by existing funding sources, in line with humanitarian needs;
  • Engage in in-country resource mobilization efforts with the Programme Manager, with focus on humanitarian, and Mali specific donors;
  • Ensure adequate and timely representation of UNMAS’ humanitarian needs in consolidated funding appeals processes, including, but not limited to, the Humanitarian Response Plan, the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects.

h. Other duties as required by the Programme Manager.

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.

General: 

Ensure that the project(s) 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A.  Education

  • Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Science Politique and International Relations or other related field with 7 years of relevant working experience; or
  • First level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Science Politique and International Relations or other related field with 9 years of relevant working experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree.
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification – Preferred (should be obtained within 6 months after signing this TOR)
  • A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications with 18 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.                                                  

B. Work Experience

  • Relevant experience is defined as experience in humanitarian coordination and project management
  • Within relevant experience, five years’ experience of managing teams is required;
  • Within relevant experience, five years’ coordination experience, with preference for humanitarian coordination is required;
  • Within relevant experience three years’ of project management experience is required;
  • Experience in hostile/conflict environments is desired;
  • Experience delivering humanitarian projects in a challenging context highly desirable.
  • Relevant experience in inter-agency coordination of a Mine Action in emergency response and/or emergency response coordination (e.g. clusters and/or sectors) is desirable;
  • Understanding of international mine action standards, relevant treaties and global trends, and coordination mechanisms is desirable;
  • Experience in the Sahel, particularly the political and social context in Mali, is desired;
  • Experience in advocacy is desirable;

C. Language Requirements

  • Although the working language with all national partners in Mali is French, the UNMAS Mali programme operates in both French and English.
  • For this position, fluency in French with a minimum basic written and oral English proficiency are 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.(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: International Individual Contractual Agreement
Contract level: IICA3 (ICS11)
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’


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

  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Work life harmonization
We value our 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 across the globe. 

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


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