Project Manager

Job categories Project Management

Vacancy code VA/2019/B5314/18927

Level ICS-10

Department/office AFR, GHMCO, Ghana

Duty station Accra, Ghana

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-2

Duration Ongoing

Application period 28-Nov-2019 to 12-Dec-2019

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Ghana Operational Hub based in Accra –Ghana with Country Offices in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone with compelling solid reputation across the globe in delivery of its core mandates in the areas of Project Management, Infrastructure and Procurement.

What drives us is a passion to fight inequalities and to provide opportunities to those most vulnerable. This means we often work in the most challenging environments, building foundations for communities to function and people to live with dignity and respect. To succeed here, he/she need to be able to combine creativity with the organizational skills to manage numerous different projects to tight deadlines simultaneously, as well as working with the different units to meet their expectations.

The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals.

Functional Responsibilities

The project manager is responsible to produce/read the project initiation docume...

The project manager is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the project(s) and hence Project Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the responsibilities described below.

The project manager is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle. S/he will rely on a number of external suppliers for its successful delivery, managing tight timelines with agility and solution orientation. Reporting to the Head of Programme, s/he must be able to apply, with some degree of autonomy, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

Stakeholder Management:

Establish solid working relationship with the project governance structures (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders
Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products
Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance)
Manage the information flows between the Project Board/OC Director and the project(s)

Delivery and Performance:

Develop and maintain project plans
Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board
Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life cycle.
Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary
Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers

Authorise Work Packages
Advise the Project Board and OC Manager of any deviations from the plan
Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved
Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted
Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers
Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor
Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor

Procedures:

Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organisational policy is complied with (Organisational Directives and Administrative Instructions)
Prepare/adapt the following plans for approval by the Project Board: I. Project Initiation Documentation; II. Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions
Prepare the following reports:
1. Highlight Reports
2. End Stage Reports
3. Operational Closure Checklist
4. End Project Report
5. Handover Report
Maintain the following: i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12.
Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
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 and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.

Knowledge Management:

Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
Actively interact with other PMs and the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System.
Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies
Complete lessons learned as per reporting format
Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format

Personnel Management:

Lead and motivate the project management team
Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
Ensure that performance reviews are conducted
Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the Senior Management
Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff)
Take part in selection, recruit and assure training of the team as required by project plans
Perform the Team Manager role, unless appointed to another person(s)
Perform Project Support role, unless appointed to another person or corporate/programme function
Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

Core Values and Principles:

Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles
1. Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project
  
  management
2. Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at work place
3. Champion and communicate project’s sustainability aspects with key stakeholders
Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity
1. Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans
2. Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff
3. Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts
Partnerships and Coordination Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system

i. Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organisations or other relevant partners)

Accountability for results and the use of resources

i. The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the PM to raise the issue with a supervisor

Excellence

i. Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

Additional Requirements:

Ensure that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits;
Responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case(s) and as monitored through the Logical Framework;
Establishes and maintains effective performance management and control systems that ensures the project meets its delivery targets;
Coordinates the work of a multi-disciplinary team;
Ensures effective resources (and talent) management within the project team;

Creates an inclusive work environment that promotes the principles of shared outcomes, mutual respect, consultation, and information sharing;
Demonstrates leadership in the application of the Hub and Region’s Operational Excellenceplans and ensures the project is fully compliant with the Project Management Manual;

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Project meets its annual delivery targets
Accuracy of project planning
Stakeholders satisfaction
Personnel satisfaction and engagement
Effective project governance
Timeliness and accuracy of reporting
Unqualified Audit

General:

Ensure that the project(s) produce(s) the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. The Project Manager is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Business Case(s). Contribute to the overall business targets and needs.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Advanced University Degree in Project Management, Business Admini...

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

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: International Individual Contractual Agreement (IICA) Contrac...

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time Applications ...

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful imp...

This vacancy is closed.

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APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

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.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.