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Deputy Project Manager

Kabul

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Kabul
  • Grade: Mid level - LICA-10, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.


Working with us
We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.


Diversity
With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.



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

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of and in consultation with the Senior Programme Manager (SPM), the Deputy Project Manager (DPM) will contribute to ensuring that the project is performing at highest quality in all aspects and meeting the agreed standards, achieving the project objectives and are in compliance with UNOPS internal project management systems, procedures and requirements. The DPM will be heading the project technical team, responsible to oversee all technical issues, act as a reference person for any engineering issues and provide recommendations to enable the SPM to take relevant decisions. The main responsibility of the DPM 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 and project performance and delivery goals.


Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Deputy Project Manager is responsible for supporting the preparation, updating and implementation of the Project Plan and quarterly plans, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreements and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners and stakeholders, to ensure the project outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). 


Local Context: With more than 20 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office supports emergency humanitarian interventions as well as national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with works, goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS Afghanistan has regional offices in most parts of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including community resilience and livelihoods, infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law. 


Project Information: Since 2008, the Government of Afghanistan has stressed the need for airport systems to comply with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). In 2020, UNOPS was mandated by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the design and construction of an Air Navigation Service (ANS) building and a control tower at the Kabul International Airport. The project aims to support air traffic management, safety and control, facilitating an overall increase of air traffic into and out of Afghanistan, in full alignment with ICAO standards and safety requirements.


The JICA VII Project is seeking the recruitment of a qualified Afghan candidate for the post of Deputy Project Manager (DPM) to be based in Kabul and reporting to the Senior Programme Manager.  The DPM will be part of a Project Team whose members include a Structural Engineer, Quality Engineer, Civil Engineer, Construction Management Engineer, Health and Safety Officer and Community Liaison Officer.  A Project Management Support Officer is assigned to the Project Management Office inside UNOCA Compound and the project work site is located inside the Kabul International Airport compound.  The DPM is expected to be on the site on a regular basis to ensure a smooth and safe implementation of works.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:
  • Project Delivery and Performance

  • Procedures 

  • Monitoring and reporting

  • Stakeholder engagement

  • Quality assurance

  • Knowledge management and innovation 

  • Personnel management


Under the direct supervision, guidance and direction of the Senior Programme Manager (SPM), the DPM shall:
  • Develop, complete and update implementation of Project plan(s)  and quarterly plans

  • Implement the approved plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Senior Management/Project Board; 

  • Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into the 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 Project Plan;

  • Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers;

  • Advise the Senior Programme Manager of any possible deviations from the plan and possible corrective actions;

  • Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages;

  • Manage the invoicing and progress verification of works, payments certification, procurement, managing construction companies, construction sites and dealing with Government authorities and other stakeholders. 

  • Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly;

  • Control project and work packages changes;

  • Accept works, goods or services delivered by suppliers;

  • Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluations;

  • Support the development and implementation of systems for internal control that ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions, in collaboration with the procurement team.

  • Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts. 

  • Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises on 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 new business opportunities for UNOPS;

Procedures:
  • Comply with all organizational policies and specifically the Project Management Manual;

  • Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by Senior Management/Project Board;

  • Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and Project  Plan;

  • Draft the requirements for procurement processes. Support evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team;

  • Effective implementation of corporate directives, guidelines and strategies, and establishment of relevant management targets, as well as monitoring of achievements and results.

  • Responsible for day-to-day coordination with the contractors and suppliers according to the needs and requirements on site;

  • Provide support and guidance to the contractor and assists in resolving site problems, as necessary;

  • Ensure maintenance of the project files, risk management 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);

  • For project closure purposes, support the formal handover of the project to the engagement closure manager;

  • Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow-up on audit observations/recommendations;

  • Conduct and supervise Health & Safety, Social & Environmental (HSSE) issues and concerns, including application of UNOPS standards for HSSE;

  • Performs HSSE management and inspections and maintains the required records;

  • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the SPM;

Monitoring and reporting:
  • Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS legal agreement requirements for reporting;

  • Check contractors’ and suppliers set out and works, including compliance with contracts specifications and ensures that contractors and suppliers comply with their work plans to complete work with specified scope of work, time frame, and budget;

  • 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 oUP dashboard system;

  • Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span;

  • Assess the work activities of contractor/s, measure completed works and make recommendations to the Senior Programme Manager for progress payments to contractors.

  • Review and endorse any design changes that are processed by other parties, and recommend them to SPM for implementation

  • Assist in building and developing capacity of other technical personnel in construction techniques including good practices and troubleshooting methods

  • Provide technical advice and assistance to contractors to ensure that economical and quality materials are purchased

  • Monitor the implementation of the works by conducting site visits and provide guidance for improvement and good results

  • Any situation that may require decision making, which will involve variation and or additional cost shall be brought to the notice of SPM with details of issues encountered at site and appropriate recommendation; 

  • Hold ownership to UNOPS assets at construction site;

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;

Quality assurance:
  • Work with internal stakeholders to ensure the projects complies with audit requirements;

  • Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems;

  • Check all laboratory reports, operation and maintenance manuals, and keep records and report to the SPM accordingly;

  • Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables;

  • Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, plans, reports, etc.);

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 Management Teams (PMT) and the wider PMT 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;

Personnel Management:
  • Lead and motivate the project management team;

  • Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established; 

  • Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely;

  • Select, recruit and train team as required and take into account gender parity, diversity and inclusion 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.

Impact of Results:
The Deputy Project Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates.  This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of  UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration or other relevant field is required;
  • Advanced University Degree in Civil Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration or other relevant discipline preferred; and may substitute some of the required years of experience.    
Certification
  • PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Certification – Preferred;

Experience

  • Minimum 7 years (or less depending on academic credentials) of relevant progressive experience in the construction sector involving project development and management, with focus on planning, monitoring, reporting and coordination in either public or private sector organizations; 
  • Proven experience of project implementation in close collaboration with government authorities preferred; 
  • Previous work experience with the UNOPS or any of the United Nations agencies is preferred; 
  • Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is an advantage;
Languages
  • Fluency in oral and written Dari, Pashto, and English is 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: Local ICA
Contract level: LICA-10
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

  • 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.
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
  • 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.  
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
  • 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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