Planning and Performance Monitoring Officer

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. 

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. The UNOPS Afghanistan Operation Center (AFOC) 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 AFOC 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 Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Government of Afghanistan, with the support of the World Bank (WB), aims to construct the Trans-Hindukush Road Connectivity Project (THRCP).  This includes improving and upgrading the 156km Baghlan to Bamyan Highway, rehabilitation of the 86km Salang Pass and developing new modalities to ensure sustainable future maintenance of this critical infrastructure. This road has a significant role to play, not only for the current traffic movement, including strategic movement of goods and freight between Northern provinces and Capital of the Country; but also as part of a wider regional resource corridor, which is already targeted as a priority to construct.

The overall objectives are to improve the Trans-Hindukush road connectivity in order to provide all year-round access and enhance local as well as international trade and regional integration. Furthermore, the improved roads will increase security by reducing the time to respond to local, regional, or national incidents, facilitate access to social services and provide new regional trade opportunities including agriculture and mining.

UNOPS has been selected as the Implementation Consultant (IC) to support the government Project Management Team (PMT) who are tasked with the design, implementation and overall management of the THRCP. This UNOPS IC remit includes technical assistance, capacity building and institutional strengthening of the PMT, along with supporting overarching strategic development needs of the Ministry of Public Works as appropriate.

Reporting to and under the guidance of the  Planning and Performance Monitoring Specialist, the Planning and Performance Monitoring Officer will provide support for the IC and PMT in all planning, performance monitoring and evaluation related activities of THRCP. To include:

• Provide technical assistance support to help project requirements and outputs to be planned and monitored in line with international best practice approaches, THRCP project development objectives and related WB results framework.
• Support the development of relevant capacity, capability and approaches for the PMT to enhance their understanding, knowledge, ability and overall institutional capacity.
• Support the achievement of compliance with all UNOPS planning, performance monitoring and reporting requirements, taking a lead responsibility where appropriate.
• Assist with implementing and maintaining a planning and performance monitoring system that supports management of the THRCP; respective IC and PMT requirements; and to meet the strategic and mandatory needs of the project.

Specific responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist with the development and review of project level Monitoring and Evaluation plan and associated work-plans for each component/activity (as reflected in the results framework); including, under the guidance of the  Planning and Performance Monitoring Specialist, assessing validity of the information and indicators that contribute to that plan.
• Assist with managing issues and challenges arising from supporting planning, monitoring and evaluation matters in the project.
• Support the  Planning and Performance Monitoring Specialist with sourcing of data and information for specific monitoring and evaluation needs directly from other agencies, stakeholders and sources as required.
• Support and undertake research associated with planning and performance monitoring best practices to ensure a strong basis and consideration of local context for any recommendations.
• Support the International Specialist in developing and implementing, as appropriate, review of service planning and performance monitoring, including development of strategies, processes and associated manual and ICT systems.
• Support the preparation, production and timely delivery of monthly, quarterly and annual reports in line with project and organizational requirements.
• Advise and assist with the publication of performance reports in a variety of formats to suit a number of audiences, including World Bank, Ministry of Public Works, UNOPS and the Afghan Government.
• Support the provision of research, where and when necessary, on planning and performance issues of strategic importance to management and implementation of THRCP.
• Support assist the  Planning and Performance Monitoring Specialist to identify gaps, recommends policies and develops strategies, standards and guidelines along with tools and processes relating to planning, performance and reporting.
• Support the  Planning and Performance Monitoring Specialist in provision of capacity building activities, including self-learning, seminars, workshops and practical experience to support project staff in developing basic knowledge, skills and understanding in applying modern planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation policies, tools and methods to fulfill their responsibilities.

• 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.
• 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.