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Project Manager

Dili

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Dili
  • Grade: Mid level - LICA-11, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Organisational Context:

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the “Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro meteorological hazards in Timor Leste” project and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries. Project Manager acts to manage the project on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage. The main responsibility of a 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 Project Manager is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan, using the GCF- approved funding proposal, Funded Activity Agreement (FAA) between UNEP and the Green Climate Fund, and Project Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) with the Executing Entity and Technical Partners, 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 UNEP, Executing Entity, and technical partners. Success of the project and hence of the Project Manager will be based on the defined Success Criteria.

Project Information:

The project “Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro meteorological hazards in Timor Leste” was approved by the Green Climate Fund Board in October 2021, with a total budget of USD 21.7 million. The United Nations Environment Programme serves as the Accredited Entity for the project. Activities will be executed by the State of Timor-Leste through the Secretary State for the Environment (SSE) and UNEP. The project will be implemented across five years and aims to deliver transformative impact to the entire population of Timor-Leste, including

1.03 million as direct beneficiaries (80% of the population), directly contributing to the attainment of selected targets and indicators of Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action, SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The project will address the urgent need for integrated and end-to-end climate information services and multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) through comprehensive institutional, technical and technological capacity building from national to local level to generate and disseminate robust climate data and information at all stages of the climate services value chain. This will be achieved through four inter-related components – the Project Results:

Result 1. Strengthened delivery model and legislation for climate information and multi-hazard early warning services;

Activity 1.1 Establish institutional and policy frameworks, legislation and delivery models for climate services

Result 2. Strengthened observations, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of climate and its impacts;

Activity  2.1  Enhance  infrastructure  and  technical  support  for  observations  and monitoring

Activity 2.2 Strengthen climate modelling and impact-based forecasting 

Activity 2.3 Establish climate services for health

Result 3. Improved dissemination and communication of risk information and early warning;

Activity 3.1 Establish targeted multi-hazard early warning information systems

Result 4. Enhanced climate risk management capacity.

Activity 4.1 Build capacity to prepare for and respond to climate risks and hazards 

Activity 4.2 Establish Forecast-based Financing (FbF)

Local Context:

Timor-Leste is a Least Developed Country (LDC) and a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) whose infrastructure and governmental systems were devastated by a 25-year war of independence. Timor-Leste is highly vulnerable to both extreme climate and slow-onset events, with very limited capacity to prepare for and recover from climate impacts. As these events increase in frequency and intensity, Timor-Leste needs accurate, timely and actionable information and early warnings on local weather, water, climate and ocean conditions and related risks to human and environmental health.

Functional Responsibilities

  • Summary of functions:

  • Project Management

  • Technical and Institutional Support

  • Implementation and Outreach

  • Monitoring and Reporting

  • Knowledge management and innovation

  • Personnel management

1.   Project Management

  • Oversees the day-to-day implementation of the project, monitor work progress and timelines, and ensure the delivery of outputs and outcomes according to the Funding Proposal and its Annexes as well as the provisions of the Project Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) with Executing Entity (EE) and Technical Partners and the Funded Activity Agreement (FAA) concluded between UNEP and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)

  • Ensures proper project planning, sequencing of activities, scheduling of procurement activities and tracking of actions to ensure timeliness of project implementation by preparing monthly workplans and weekly tasks

  • Provides guidance over financial management and disbursements for compliance with national policies and obligations under the Project Cooperation Agreements and Funded Activity Agreement, and ensure timeliness of cash advance requests to UNEP

  • Leads annual work planning, budgeting, procurement of goods and services, budget and expenditure analysis, and contractual management

  • Monitors budget changes and request budget revisions periodically (e.g. on an annual basis) ensuring that UNEP financial management guidelines are followed

  • Oversee undertaking the direct procurement as part of UNEP’s Executing Entity function (with the support of UNOPS where necessary), provide guidance and support to the national Executing Entity and technical partners on procurement in line with the provisions of the respective Project Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), while ensuring compliance with the UN rules and regulations related to procurement

  • Monitors performance of consultants, contractors, and service providers as required and ensure that outputs are in accordance with terms of references and of high quality

  • Monitors use of funds to ensure effective management of project resources

  • Ensure compliance with national policies on anti-corruption, Anti-Fraud and Corruption Framework of the UN, GCF Prohibited Practices and Grievance Redress Mechanism, and UN and GCF policies on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment at all times

  • Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span, in accordance with the Gender Assessment and Action Plan and the Environmental and Social Safeguards Report.

  • Liaise with the government of Timor-Leste, technical partners, and local stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project activities

  • Lead the coordination and handover of accepting goods, services or work delivered by suppliers, in accordance with the Equipment Operations and Maintenance Plan when relevant

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

  • Lead project closure activities, ensuring appropriate disposal of project assets, timely and effective final completion reporting, and effective handover of closed projects to UNEP for financial closure processes

  • Performs other duties as requested by the Project Steering Committee, the Supervisor and UNEP HQ

2.   Technical and Institutional Support

  • Monitor the delivery of activities where UNEP acts as Executing Entity and manage for results and outcomes

  • Coordinate structured collaboration and communication with the national Executing Entity and Technical Partners for the successful delivery of project activities

  • Support the work of the country-level focal points

  • Provide secretariat support to the Project Steering Committee (PSC), coordinating and arranging PSC meetings, and provides up to date reporting, workplans, budgets, procurement plans, and issues for consideration and decisions

  • Arrange PMU and other meetings as needed

  • Provide operational management support, including measures to address challenges to Project implementation, participates in training activities, writes reports and facilitates relevant expert activities

  • Support project audit and evaluation activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits, midterm evaluation and terminal evaluation, and follow up on observations/recommendations, assist UNEP with developing management responses to findings of the audits and mid-term and terminal evaluations

3.   Implementation and Outreach

  • Ensure participatory approaches are followed and that stakeholders and community members are informed and involved in the implementation of activities, as relevant

  • Ensure communication, and gathering of lessons learned across the Project Steering Committee and focal points

  • Coordinate the project work with other activities in the country and region that relate to climate information and multi-hazard early warning services; observations, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of climate and its impacts; dissemination and communication of risk information and early warning and related activities with a view to facilitate synergy and share project experiences and lessons learned

  • 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 beneficiaries and stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs

4.   Monitoring and Reporting

  • Support the Project Team in generating technical and financial reports based on the GCF report templates, particularly in obtaining information from country-level project focal points and consolidating reports from the Executing Entity and technical partners

  • Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded and acquire on-the- ground information to inform UNEP progress reports

  • Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).

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

  • Embed monitoring and evaluation practices into project implementation, in line with the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

  • Monitor project progress and propose corrective actions, risk mitigation options, and practice adaptive management in the event of delays and implementation challenges in coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor, Project Steering Committee, and UNEP HQ

  • Ensure high quality preparation of all required technical and financial reports and documents (Annual Performance Reports, Half-yearly Progress Reports, Financial Information, Quarterly Expenditure Reports, Budget Revisions, Cash Advance Requests, Co-financing Reports, etc.)

5.   Knowledge management and innovation

  • Ensure the exchange of information and knowledge across the Executing Entity and Technical Partners

  • Identify, analyze and communicate lessons learned to UNEP HQ that may be useful in design and implementation of similar projects. The duty of identifying and analyzing lessons learned is an on-going one, and the duty to communicate those lessons is on an as-needed basis

  • Share knowledge on the Project and its achievements. Promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from Project implementation, for organizational sharing and learning. Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture

  • Contribute to the analytical work of the project and ensure high quality knowledge products. Promote the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensures effective integration thereof with other pillars.

  • Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.

6. Personnel Management

  • Supervise the staff of the project management unit (including the Fund Management Monitoring and Procurement Officer and the Finance and Admin Assistant)

  • 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 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.Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables

Impact of Results

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 UNEP as an effective Executing Entity and Accredited Entity in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

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:

  • A Master’s Degree in environmental science, climate change, meteorology, or a related field.

  • A relevant first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required

  • Previous experience of working with government entities and other stakeholders in implementing activities at national levels, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, is desirable

  • Demonstrated project experience in strengthening climate information services and early warning systems is desirable

  • Demonstrated experience working with and reporting on bilateral or multilateral funding, such as the Green Climate Fund, is desirable

  • Experience in the United Nations system or other comparable international organization is desirable

Language:

  • Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

  1. Contract type: LICA 
  2. Contract level:  ICS 11 / LICA 11
  3. Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
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 

The position is open for application only for Timor-Leste nationals or with valid residence.

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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