Project Management Support Specialist (Cash for work)

1. Planning, implementation, management and monitoring of all cash activities

• Keep up to date with all other cash and voucher based programmes and services being implemented in Cabo Delgado by Governmental agencies, other development and humanitarian players, and commercial enterprises and use this information to help select and design optimal solutions for C4W interventions.

• Engage with relevant government counterparts and UNOPS teams to identify works at district level and compile beneficiary lists. 

• Develop detailed implementation plans for the C4W component implementation at district level. 

• Engage and supervise Implementing Partners where relevant.  

• Support the establishment of an efficient mechanism for cash transfers to beneficiaries, either directly by UNOPS or through an engagement of a third party. 

• Overall day to day oversight and monitoring of all C4W activities implemented under NCRP. 

• Liaise closely with other UNOPS teams which have direct responsibilities for elements of the operational management of cash delivery to beneficiary level e.g. Logistics, Finance, Procurement, MIS and ICT. Advise supervisor of any bottlenecks that may impede the timely delivery of cash transfers to beneficiaries.

• Facilitate and support communication and discussions, and ensure an adequate level of coordination, between relevant UNOPS units review any contractual arrangements made.

• Liaise closely with relevant government authorities, UN agencies and NGOs engaged in cash based activities.

• Periodically review the appropriateness for cash based responses in accordance with the community needs and project guidelines. Draw up plans for timely delivery of cash transfers in coordination with government, NGO and UN partners, donors, and commercially contracted companies, and monitor their implementation.

• Closely coordinate with UNOPS M&E team to ensure that relevant output and outcome indicators for C4W interventions are systematically being collected and analyzed in a manner that will help the project determine efficiency and effectiveness, 

• Undertake visits to project sites and meet beneficiaries in order to ensure that progress is made in the achievement of project objectives.

• Advise the project on risk management for C4W activities implementation.

• Ensure adherence of the implementing partners and contractors with the reporting obligations as stipulated in any Letters of Agreement, MoUs, GSAs or contracts.

• Prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on C4W, activities including proposals for operational improvements and potential scope for NCRP cash activities and reconciliations.

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS’s policies and procedures for C4W programming.

• Supervise other project staff involved in the planning and implementation of C4W activities and provide training and technical guidance in their work (for example the Community Mobilizers). 

• Develop necessary C4W training manuals, SOPs and tools in liaison with the C4W working group.

2. Other Project Management activities

• Monitor, coordinate, and communicate strategic objectives of the project to relevant stakeholders. 

• Facilitate communications between UNOPS and other UN agencies with regard to C4W programming. 

• Work with project field personnel to develop a greater understanding of the project and any other issues that arise.

• Provide substantive inputs to assist the Social Cohesion Unit Lead and the Team Lead in the preparation of project reports and documents.

• Assist the Social Cohesion Unit Lead / Team Lead in the preparation of project completion reports and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

• Support the coordination and management of communications. 

• Participate in meetings with UN agencies, NGOs and other Stakeholders as required.

3. Knowledge management and innovation

• Actively interact with other work package 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

Impact of results

The Project Management Support Specialist (cash-for-work) directly impacts on achievement of  results of the livelihood recovery and economic strengthening component of NCRP, by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, managing stakeholders 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, working in partnership with national governments. 

• Masters degree or advanced degree in Economics or Agriculture or International Affairs or Business Administration or Social Sciences or Development Studies or relevant field is required.

• Bachelor degree in Economics or Agriculture or International Affairs or Business Administration or Social Sciences or Development Studies or relevant field with additional 2 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree.