Deputy Project Manager

Support the implementation of programme activities in accordance with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, strategies and PMO requirements.

Support the development and implementation of strategy, tools and techniques for capacity and needs assessment of programme partners under the guidance of the programme manager and  in cooperation with the programme team, external consultants and other relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Support the development of the programme work plan based on analysis of partner capacity assessments while ensuring compliance with programme objectives, values  and deliverables.

Coordinate closely with the procurement, logistics and finance team members to ensure application of standard guidelines and procedures aimed at ensuring an appropriate, efficient and transparent use of funds.

Contribute constructively to the development of terms of references to support initiation of HR processes to hire programme team members and consultants as advised by the Programme Manager.

Oversee HR processes to ensure timely hiring of programme staff, consultants and any other personnel in line with established UNOPS policies and procedures to support the implementation of the programme.

Provide support and guidance to conduct training analysis for project team members to identify training gaps and provide recommendations on learning and development programs and initiatives that provide internal development opportunities for team members.

Support performance management of programme team members as requested by the Programme Manager.

Contribute to team development, the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building and promoting synergy, learning and joint problem solving.

Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment 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.

Support the development, implementation and monitoring of the procurement plan in close coordination with the  procurement and programme teams. 

Contribute constructively to the development of specifications/terms of references to support  initiation of procurement processes to procure goods and services to facilitate programme implementation.

Oversee procurement processes to ensure procurement and delivery of goods and services  in line with established UNOPS policies and procedures and the procurement plan. 

Support field visits and site visits to oversee programme implementation activities and direct provision of goods and services to beneficiaries.

Coordinate and liaise with UNOPS Colombo Support Units (Such as Finance, Procurement, Human Resources etc.) on administrative management issues related to the programme when needed.

Oversee programme logistics including vehicle fleet management and fulfilling of  administrative and logistical requirements needed to ensure smooth operations of Colombo and the field offices dedicated to the programme.

Assist in writing and reviewing programme assessment reports, M&E reports, research reports, strategies/policies corresponding to key project deliverables in close collaboration with the programme team as advised by the Programme Manager.

Support identification of new/innovative and context specific areas of engagement and support the Programme Manager in the development of concept notes/programme documents for future programming.

Contribute to donor coordination and timely information sharing in collaboration with the programme team as required by the Programme Manager.

Ensure timely preparation of documents, briefing notes, reports, and related documentation for project review/ board meetings and related events as advised by the Programme Manager.

Oversee overall programme communications and ensure all programme communications comply with established visual/branding guidelines.

Oversee the development and maintenance of the programme website in coordination with the ICT team based in Colombo and headquarters, programme team and other relevant  internal and external stakeholders.

Support the Programme Manager in developing programme budget(s), budget revisions and related activities.

Support overall budget management via undertaking regular budget monitoring activities including conducting variance analysis in close coordination with programme, operation and finance teams and the project support officer, to ensure that the financial and operational plans that were developed and approved for implementation as part of the budget processes are being implemented.

In coordination with the project support officer, prepare and submit budgetary reports to the  Programme Manager on a periodic basis  highlighting areas of concerns, providing alerts on any financial shortfalls and over-expenditures together with recommendations on corrective actions required if any.

Provide inputs and suggestions as appropriate to streamline workflows/business processes and document templates/formats.

Promote knowledge building and sharing through synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices and sound contributions to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives.

Arrange and support technical guidance and on-the-job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed.

A Master’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g. Business Administration, Logistics, Development,Emergency Management, International Relations,Engineering) with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

A  Bachelor's degree in combination with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree.