Senior Project Manager
Tbilisi
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: Tbilisi
- Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
-
Occupational Groups:
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
- Closing Date: Closed
Background Information - Job-specific
Background Information - UNOPS in Georgia
UNOPS Georgia was established in mid-2018 to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ growing portfolio of projects in the country. The office currently provides implementation services to several projects where UNOPS works closely with development partners and the Government focusing on education, security and healthcare sectors.
The office is based in Tbilisi, Georgia with all project sites currently in Tbilisi.
UNOPS Georgia is aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the Government of Georgia achieve its national priorities through citizen-oriented programmes and projects. UNOPS Georgia office operates under the operational support of the Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO).
The ‘European School in Georgia’ Programme
The ‘European School in Georgia’ is the second phase of a wider initiative by the European Union (EU) for the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. It is considered a flagship programme and one of the “Eastern Partnership - 20 Deliverables for 2020”. The programme offers high quality education to students from partner countries to increase employment opportunities, fostering cooperation, multi-cultural understanding, tolerance, and fundamental values, and promoting a better understanding of the EU and its engagement in the region.
The first phase of the programme was launched in 2018. It was implemented by UNOPS and saw the development of a partnership with an existing Georgia based IB school and launch of a scholarship programme for up to 155 students from all EaP countries. In addition, a dormitory building was constructed, and a full Feasibility Study was developed for the second phase of the European School in Georgia project (Phase II).
The overall objective of Phase II is to promote high quality international education in the Easter Neighbourhood. Its specific objective is to establish an EU School in Tbilisi to provide secondary level education to students from all six EU Eastern neighbours (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine) and offer a European-focused learning programme that promotes European values of multiculturalism and multilingualism.
The project will support the Government to build a new European standard campus at the designated site at Lisi Lake, including sports facilities, dormitory, etc. It should be constructed, equipped and become operational for the 2023 school year, offering both a national diploma programme as well as an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Moreover, support will be provided to the Government for curriculum development, establishment of a learning academy, and related teachers training. The project will provide an IB Diploma programme with a focus on European Studies to up to 90 students over four academic years through a competitive and merit-based Scholarship Programme. The IB Diploma programme will target students in the two upper grades of the secondary level (high school) education and will offer a unique, European-focussed teaching in the areas of history, politics, economics as well as languages, arts and culture.
UNOPS Georgia was established in mid-2018 to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ growing portfolio of projects in the country. The office currently provides implementation services to several projects where UNOPS works closely with development partners and the Government focusing on education, security and healthcare sectors.
The office is based in Tbilisi, Georgia with all project sites currently in Tbilisi.
UNOPS Georgia is aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the Government of Georgia achieve its national priorities through citizen-oriented programmes and projects. UNOPS Georgia office operates under the operational support of the Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO).
The ‘European School in Georgia’ Programme
The ‘European School in Georgia’ is the second phase of a wider initiative by the European Union (EU) for the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. It is considered a flagship programme and one of the “Eastern Partnership - 20 Deliverables for 2020”. The programme offers high quality education to students from partner countries to increase employment opportunities, fostering cooperation, multi-cultural understanding, tolerance, and fundamental values, and promoting a better understanding of the EU and its engagement in the region.
The first phase of the programme was launched in 2018. It was implemented by UNOPS and saw the development of a partnership with an existing Georgia based IB school and launch of a scholarship programme for up to 155 students from all EaP countries. In addition, a dormitory building was constructed, and a full Feasibility Study was developed for the second phase of the European School in Georgia project (Phase II).
The overall objective of Phase II is to promote high quality international education in the Easter Neighbourhood. Its specific objective is to establish an EU School in Tbilisi to provide secondary level education to students from all six EU Eastern neighbours (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine) and offer a European-focused learning programme that promotes European values of multiculturalism and multilingualism.
The project will support the Government to build a new European standard campus at the designated site at Lisi Lake, including sports facilities, dormitory, etc. It should be constructed, equipped and become operational for the 2023 school year, offering both a national diploma programme as well as an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Moreover, support will be provided to the Government for curriculum development, establishment of a learning academy, and related teachers training. The project will provide an IB Diploma programme with a focus on European Studies to up to 90 students over four academic years through a competitive and merit-based Scholarship Programme. The IB Diploma programme will target students in the two upper grades of the secondary level (high school) education and will offer a unique, European-focussed teaching in the areas of history, politics, economics as well as languages, arts and culture.
Functional Responsibilities
Senior Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries. Senior Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Board to manage the project on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage. The main responsibility of a Senior Project Manager is to ensure that the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. He/she is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.
The Senior Project Manager has the authority to assign, as per the Project Plan, work packages to Team Managers and approve deliverables produced by them.
Senior Project Manager is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). Success of the project(s) and hence of the Senior Project Manager will be based on the defined Success Criteria.
Summary of functions:
1. Project Delivery and Performance
2. Procedures
3. Monitoring and reporting
4. Stakeholder engagement
5. Quality assurance
6. Knowledge management and innovation
7. Personnel management
1. Project Delivery and Performance
● Develop, complete and update implementation/project plan(s).
● 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.
● Authorize Work Packages and manage the design and delivery of construction/infrastructure works, including design reviews of in-house and or outsource designs. Analyse structural designs and/or construction works recommendations.
● Liaise with design review teams and ensure design review certificates are obtained on time
● Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers; including relevant education institutions and consultancy companies.
● 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; including thorough review of deliverables produced within the education development component of the programme related to curriculum development, scholarship scheme, student enrolment, learning academy and other.
● 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
2. Procedures
● Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual
● 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.
3. Monitoring and reporting
● Review/Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
● 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.
● Conduct regular monitoring visits to the construction site/s
● 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
4. Stakeholder engagement
● Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
● 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
● 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.
5. 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 project documents and deliverables
● Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)
6. Knowledge management and innovation
● Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
● 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.
● Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies
7. Personnel Management
● Lead and motivate the infrastructure and project management teams
● Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
● Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely
● Select, recruit and train team members 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
The Senior Project Manager has the authority to assign, as per the Project Plan, work packages to Team Managers and approve deliverables produced by them.
Senior Project Manager is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). Success of the project(s) and hence of the Senior Project Manager will be based on the defined Success Criteria.
Summary of functions:
1. Project Delivery and Performance
2. Procedures
3. Monitoring and reporting
4. Stakeholder engagement
5. Quality assurance
6. Knowledge management and innovation
7. Personnel management
1. Project Delivery and Performance
● Develop, complete and update implementation/project plan(s).
● 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.
● Authorize Work Packages and manage the design and delivery of construction/infrastructure works, including design reviews of in-house and or outsource designs. Analyse structural designs and/or construction works recommendations.
● Liaise with design review teams and ensure design review certificates are obtained on time
● Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers; including relevant education institutions and consultancy companies.
● 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; including thorough review of deliverables produced within the education development component of the programme related to curriculum development, scholarship scheme, student enrolment, learning academy and other.
● 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
2. Procedures
● Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual
● 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.
3. Monitoring and reporting
● Review/Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
● 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.
● Conduct regular monitoring visits to the construction site/s
● 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
4. Stakeholder engagement
● Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
● 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
● 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.
5. 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 project documents and deliverables
● Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)
6. Knowledge management and innovation
● Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
● 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.
● Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies
7. Personnel Management
● Lead and motivate the infrastructure and project management teams
● Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
● Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely
● Select, recruit and train team members 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 in Engineering, Social Sciences or other relevant discipline is required
or 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 or A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree in Engineering with additional 4 years of experience.
Certification: PRINCE2® Practitioner certification will be considered as an asset
Work Experience:
Seven years (or more based on academic credentials) of experience in overall project management with focus on implementation and monitoring, reporting, development and coordination is required, of which experience in infrastructure/construction project management and/or development, particularly with education related projects will be given preference.
Experience in conducting, supervising, and managing Health & Safety, Social & Environmental (HSSE) issues and concerns, including their application as per the standards is highly desired.
Previous work experience with, and knowledge of UNOPS/UN is desired.
Prior experience in managing EU funded projects is an advantage .
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.
Advanced University Degree in Engineering, Social Sciences or other relevant discipline is required
or 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 or A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree in Engineering with additional 4 years of experience.
Certification: PRINCE2® Practitioner certification will be considered as an asset
Work Experience:
Seven years (or more based on academic credentials) of experience in overall project management with focus on implementation and monitoring, reporting, development and coordination is required, of which experience in infrastructure/construction project management and/or development, particularly with education related projects will be given preference.
Experience in conducting, supervising, and managing Health & Safety, Social & Environmental (HSSE) issues and concerns, including their application as per the standards is highly desired.
Previous work experience with, and knowledge of UNOPS/UN is desired.
Prior experience in managing EU funded projects is an advantage .
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type:IICA Contract level: IICA 3 ICS 11
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
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
- 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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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