Project Manager

Puttalam

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Puttalam
Grade: Junior level - LICA-9, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Sri Lanka

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include development of sustainable infrastructure, procurement and project management in education sector, fisheries sector, roads, health sector, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation facilities; and integrated solid waste management services. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership and sustainability of projects.

Project Information:

Through the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) - Gender promotion initiative, UNWomen and UNOPS are implementing the project – “Promoting Women’s Engagement in Waste Management to Prevent Conflict in Sri Lanka”. The project takes an innovative, integrated approach to peacebuilding, tackling ethno-religious tensions by bringing communities together to provide a sustainable solution for a shared environmental issue, with women at the forefront for conflict prevention. Solid waste management related interventions will be used as a unique vehicle for uniting communities on a common issue. The project will focus on empowering women by supporting their engagement in governance mechanisms and in community resilience initiatives; it will also explore creating economic opportunities and initiating peacebuilding activities to allay communal tensions related to waste management and beyond. UNOPS will take the technical lead on Solid Waste Management (SWM) and on delivering the outcome of: Communities (with a specific focus on women) are effectively engaged and empowered through strengthening of SWM systems focusing on resolving conflicts related to SWM.

“Promoting Women’s Engagement in Waste Management to Prevent Conflict in Sri Lanka” is implemented in 4 local authorities in Puttalam district and improves service provision of solid waste management services. The project will be implemented in partnership with selected UN agency and other local counterparts. It focuses on following key elements.

Improve service delivery
Improve productivity of facilities
Cleaning illegal dumpsites in the target areas

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 Project Manager will be expected to follow the project lifecycle from inception to completion using standard project lifecycle practices and artefacts. They will be provided with guidance and support by the PMO and Project Managers at level 3 and/or 4 to ensure key project components and artefacts are in place. The Project Manager will often find him/herself delivering work-streams within a project and as such will be accountable to level 3 or 4 Project Managers responsible for that project(s).

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 one or more UNOPS Level 1 project(s).

Functional Responsibilities

Project Delivery and Performance

Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s) in a participatory manner
Develop a tailor made solutions for the specific issues.
Facilitate decentralized power distribution in the project area.
Implement the approved plan (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 span.
Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.
Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers
Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages.
Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly
Control project and work packages changes
Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers.
Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation.
Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS

Procedures

Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual.
Comply with UNOPS practices in reviewing technical documents.
Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.
Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan.
Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team.
Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded.
Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
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 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.
For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager.
Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

Monitoring and reporting

Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
Assist third party project evaluation and responds to the recommendations.
Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.
Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span.

Stakeholder engagement

Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies. Handle susceptible political situations and find means to plant rationale behind the project.
Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders.
Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications.
Closely work with law implementing agencies and ensure compliance of national policy.
Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs.

Quality assurance

Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.
Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems.
Coordinate quality reviews of communication materials, project documents and deliverables.
Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.).

Knowledge management and innovation

Introducing innovative steps to implement projects in difficult contexts. Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
Support other project team members to conceptualize engagement initiatives.
Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices.
Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span. Having the project specific research works and introducing innovative practices.
Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Personnel Management

Lead and motivate the project management team and educate them on solid waste management concepts and strategies.
Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established.
Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely.
Select, recruit and train teams as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.
Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced University Degree is required.
University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.
Prince 2 Practitioner desirable.

Experience:

Two 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.
Experience in managing a project team is required.
Minimum two years experience in solid waste management projects is required.
Minimum two years experience in community mobilization is required.
Prior work experience in dealing/working with Local Authorities is an advantage.

Language:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of one of the officially recognized native languages of Sri Lanka is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: LICA Specialist (LICA9)
Contract duration: 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

The position is open to Sri Lankan nationals only.
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.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
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
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
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 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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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