Deputy Project Manager

Job categories Project Management, Programme Management

Vacancy code VA/2024/B5317/27408

Department/office AFR, WAMCO, Sierra Leone

Duty station Freetown, Sierra Leone

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Duration Open-ended

Application period 26-Feb-2024 to 14-Jun-2024

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

Organizational 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 organizations.

Diversity

With over 5,000 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.

Project Information:
The project aims to expand energy access to remote villages, leading to improved development outcomes in health, education, and economic development for beneficiary communities. This will enable reliable, clean, and affordable electricity and in turn improve social, economic, and health benefits to rural communities. Providing electricity access to isolated communities will result in improved economic benefits, reducing the relative cost of energy access by eliminating the cost of diesel generators for energy-reliant businesses. The project is in support of the Ministry’s objective of increasing access to electricity in rural communities and exploring a variety of alternative sources of renewable energy. It is envisioned that the project will contribute to the Government's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing multiple development initiatives. Furthermore, the project will enhance partnerships between public, private, and social sector stakeholders to address poverty reduction and encourage the participation of the private sector in the provision of commercially viable energy services in rural communities.

The project started implementation over a year ago and will be closing in December, 2025.

Job Specific:
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Deputy Project Manager (Infrastructure) will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provide services to the different donors, partners, and beneficiaries. S/he is expected to meet and exceed the organization's performance and delivery goals.

The Deputy Project Manager is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID) and legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and 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. The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of the project infrastructure life cycle.

S/he must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:

Functional Responsibilities

His/her duties include:

Project Delivery and Performance
Procedures
Monitoring and reporting
Stakeholder engagement
Quality assurance
Knowledge management and innovation
Personnel management

1. Project Delivery and Performance

Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within the set tolerances
Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s) for infrastructure components.
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
Lead the timely and cost-effective implementation of the infrastructure products according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.
Authorize Work Packages
Advise the Project Manager of any deviations from the plan
Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise mitigating measures to the Project Manager and Head of Programme so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
Ensure that quality of infrastructure products comply with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.
Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts.
Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers.
Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly.
Control project and work packages changes.
Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation and accept works delivered by suppliers.
Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted
Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers
Identify and report potential demand for UNOPS services to the Project Manager.

2. Procedures

Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is compiled with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions)
Ensure preparation and maintenance of all project planning, monitoring and reporting requirements.
Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
Manage construction 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)
Manage infrastructure resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.
Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes of infrastructure products. Taking part in technical evaluation committees, if appointed to the evaluation team.
Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded.
Actively contribute to the implementation of financial control mechanisms as they relate to the delivery of infrastructure products, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
Manage expenditures for infrastructure products against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).
Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

3. Monitoring and reporting

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

4. Stakeholder engagement

In consultation with the Project Manager, establish solid working relationship with the project board (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
Report and advise the Project Manager and the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance)

5. Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance

Identify and anticipate potential risks and issues related to the delivery of infrastructure products and advise on appropriate responses to mitigate risks and/or keep projects on track.
Escalate critical issues / risks to the Project Manager and partners so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive quality management strategy for infrastructure products (including business cases/strategies, projects plans, risk assessments and infrastructure-related documents such as site assessments, design package, contract management and works supervision documentation, as-build design, testing and commissioning reports, change orders, completion and handover certificate, etc.)
Ensure document and knowledge management diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.
Establish performance management tools for tracking progress and quality of infrastructure products.
Provide routine oversight, track delivery progress and projects status, evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality), assist with and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
Work with the Programme Management Office (PMO) to establish quality management system that takes into consideration segregation of role.
Provide technical advice and support to project teams, partners, beneficiaries across the multi-country office.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
Actively interact with other Project 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.

7. Personnel Management

Lead and motivate the project management team
Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established
Ensure that performance reviews are conducted
Identify relevant performance issues and bring to the attention of the Project Manager
Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity; providing clear direction, shared objectives and guidance to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Plan, recruit, manage and train the team as required, promoting best practices in infrastructure implementation, talent management and career path development.
Take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
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 own actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
Support the Project Manager to identify necessary resources to successfully deliver infrastructure products.
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.

Impact of results:

Deputy 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 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education

Master’s Degree (Advanced University Degree) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or other relevant disciplines is required.
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or other relevant disciplines with a combination of an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's Degree (Advanced University Degree).

B. Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant work experience in Project/Program Management in a large International and/or corporate organization is required.
Experience working on infrastructure projects is a distinct advantage.
Experience in budget management, construction management monitoring & evaluation is a distinct advantage.
Experience in stabilization, transition, post–conflict environments is an asset.
Experience in team management is an asset.
Experience with management of operations in remote locations is an asset.
Experience with the UN and/or private sector infrastructure development is an asset.
Experience managing projects with multiple sites and complex logistical dimensions in remote locations is an asset.
Experience with the design, procurement stages of the infrastructure life cycle is a distinct advantage.
Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage.
Experience in works contract management (FIDIC contracts) is a distinct advantage.
Experience in the use of google software packages (Google Doc, Sheets and Slides) and experience in handling web-based management systems is an added advantage.

C. Language Requirements

Fluency in written, reading and spoken English Language is required.

D. Certification

PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification is an asset.
Managing Successful Project (MSP) Practitioner Certification is an asset.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA 10/ ICS 10
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance'.

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

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Freetown, Sierra Leone is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is closed.

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APPLICATION TIPS

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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.