Deputy Director, Infrastructure and Project Management Group

Reporting to the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards, the Deputy Director of IPMG is accountable for achievement of results for the IPMG, which consists of the following corporate functions:

○ Standards

○ Strategic Initiatives

○ Engagement Assurance

Is responsible for the operational leadership of IPMG. This involves implementing the strategy and plans for continually evolving, sustaining and effectively managing the knowledge and expertise of practitioners in infrastructure and project management as well as developing and implementing the approaches and methodologies they are required to follow.  

1. Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) Leadership
2. Strategic Advisory Services
3. Representation, Business Development and Inter-agency Partnership
4. Knowledge Management and Innovation

1. Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) Leadership

• Under the guidance and oversight from the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards, establish its annual work plan in collaboration with key stakeholders, set objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services..
• Work in close collaboration with the Group and Regional Directors, to capture best practice, develop policy recommendations, implement improvements and invest in infrastructure and project management capability building and capacity support that reinforces regional strategic priorities. 
• Ensure IPMG activities/initiatives align with and support organizational strategic plans, framework and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.
• Under the guidance and oversight from the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards, establish and implement global policies for infrastructure and project management and systematically evaluate performance to ensure compliance with UNOPS standards of performance, ethics and integrity and accountability framework
• Plan and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure the cost effective and appropriate use of resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework.
• Monitor implementation of the IPMG annual work plan, ensure progress and the delivery of results as planned and according to expectations.
• Assess the performance and efficacy of the IPMG and take decisions and/or recommend to the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards appropriate changes in operations to enhance/maximise results.
• Coordinate and manage reporting of organizational contribution results as relevant to the IPMG scope
• Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing the IPMG team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Plan, recruit and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Provide strategic advice to the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards, on infrastructure project management issues, including risks and performance analysis. Lead relevant corporate initiatives for the achievement of UNOPS strategy.
• Contribute to the formulation of UNOPS overall strategies and policies through advisory services to the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards and participation in senior management deliberation on current and future business operations and strategy development and planning. 
• Provide  advice and support to the Director of Regional Portfolios and the respective Regional Directors, with a focus on quality assurance and quality control, costing and cost implications, implementation plans, milestones and adherence to UNOPS project approval processes and procedures.
• Ensure the Director of Implementation Practices and Standards is kept informed of issues, trends, and changes which are relevant to UNOPS strategic positioning regarding Infrastructure and Project Management.
• Collaborate with other Groups and with the Regions,  to communicate a unified vision across the organisation, leading the organisation to high performance.

• Provide strategic advice and support to the Director of Regional Portfolios and the respective Regional Directors, to assist in project development/negotiations with project implementing partners and clients.
• Place UNOPS at the forefront of infrastructure and project management practice / and ensure UNOPS is contributing to industry and sector knowledge e.g. through briefs, white-papers etc. on relevant topics of information.
• As delegated, influence  UNOPS positioning within the United Nations as an expert in the field of Infrastructure and Project Management.
• As delegated, represent UNOPS in senior inter-agency meetings, to promote the organization, influence policy discussion and to identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.
• Represent UNOPS in the development sector to advocate for effective and sustainable infrastructure and project management practices and to collaborate and build alliances with partners and stakeholders.
• Represent UNOPS in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies and academic and professional institutions to keep current on best practices on project management techniques and industry practices and/or to harmonize approaches policies, practices and approaches to ensure UNOPS remains a competent and recognized expert organization in international development and project services.

• Develop and oversee the implementation of UNOPS standards for competencies, education and experience requirements for sustainable infrastructure and project management.
• Guide, monitor and evaluate results/outcomes in enhancing the skills and competencies of practitioners in infrastructure and project management services.
• Keep abreast of and be adept in contemporary project management techniques and industry practices as they impact on development objectives.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and organization of capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders in the area of infrastructure and project management.
• Lead the introduction of innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable project management and operations.
• Constantly monitor and evaluate infrastructure and project management policies, procedures, methods, tools and associated systems to ensure its utility, applicability and efficacy in sustainable project management.

• Advanced degree in engineering, project management, business administration, public administration, economics or other related field is required. 
• University degree (bachelors/first level) with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the above.

The IPMG team is a diverse team in terms of age, nationalities and family situations.  The team is inclusive and values social and athletic activities like team breakfast, Friday evening networking or sports such as sailing, climbing, running and squash. IPMG is very dynamic and welcomes agility, autonomy and self-drive. The work of IPMG is oriented towards exciting opportunities which have a corporate, global impact and is in touch with the whole of UNOPS. UNOPS has a hosting agreement with the Government of Denmark, and as such both national and international candidates are eligible for HQ-based positions. UNOPS officials are exempt fromDanish taxes on UN incomes. EU citizens may opt to be registered with the Danish State Administration as EU migrant worker and keep the rights associated with that status or register through UNOPS with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EU Citizens may apply for the public Danish health insurance or special health card depending on their choice of registration, while the non-EU citizens will be registered by UNOPS under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

IPMG is very respectful of the UNOPS policy on work life balance. IPMG is keen on improving diversity in the team with a current focus on gender equality and equal representation.

• 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
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

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