Head of Project Unit - Operations

Job categories Programme Management

Level ICS-11

Application period 24-Dec-2024 to 12-Jan-2025

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.

Apply

Expand all [+]

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

For over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs.

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its partners.

The Head of PSC [Country] Project Unit (HPU) operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The HPU (Operations) reports to the PSC Senior Portfolio Manager / Head of Programme (SPM/HoP) who provides direction and guidance. The HPU is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering their mandates. The HPU (Operations) is a critical role that combines leadership, management and technical operations.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results: Project im...

Summary of key results:

Project implementation planning
Project implementation delivery
Project Unit leadership and management
Operational leadership and management
Stakeholder management
Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project implementation planning

As UNOPS representative responsible for implementing project(s), provide input to partners on programme and project design documents such as:
- Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.).
- Programme Workplan and Budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.).
- Project proposals to donors.
Input into the documents above includes operational and technical aspects encompassing mine action pillars (e.g., clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, advocacy and stockpile destruction).
Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:
- UNOPS Project Agreements.
- Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees).
- Human resources plans.

2. Project implementation delivery

In accordance with project agreements, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of the Project Unit projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC New York Office, for action and/or intervention.
Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:
- Financial and procurement rules
- Contract and grant management policies
- Project management standards
- Health, safety, social and environmental standards
- Gender parity and mainstreaming policies
- Information management systems and standards
- Organizational design standards and human resources policies
Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with mine action sector standards, such as:
- International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and corresponding National Technical Specifications and Guidelines (NTSGs)
- International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)
- Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)
Ensure third-party contracts and grants are delivered in accordance with contractual / grant terms and conditions, including in accordance with mine action technical, operational and quality assurance processes (Implementation Plan, SOPs, task orders issuance, accreditation).
Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the Project Unit

3. Project Unit leadership and management

Build and strengthen strategic partnership with partners through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements.
Keep the PSC New York Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management.
Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible Project Unit workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
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.
Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.
In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security, act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

4. Operational leadership and technical advice

Manage operational activities and personnel, including the current operations and future planning; oversee the daily operational activities.
Coordinate, oversee, and ensure the quality of the programme’s technical, operational, and quality assurance processes for humanitarian mine action (HMA), explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) and threat mitigation, and weapons and ammunition management (WAM).
Provide contextually relevant advice, guidance and technical assistance in HMA, explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), EOD, IEDD and WAM to national authorities in line with national and international standards.
Advise on potential technical operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme / project outcomes and appropriate solutions.
Design, implement and oversee robust quality management and information management systems in line with the requirements set in the UNMAS minimum data requirements.
Develop Scopes of Work and Statements of Requirement to engage services or contracts in line with the programme work plan, and ensure the quality of technical oversight and contributions to evaluation panels as required.
Lead or participate in Boards of Inquiry as relevant.
Ensure operational plans are outcome oriented and cost effective, and are reviewed regularly to align with changes to the in-country needs and context.

5. Stakeholder management

Manage relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders
Support the CMAP in managing relationships with:

National authorities (particularly for purposes of coordination and capacity building, relating to review/implementation of NTSGs, IMAS, and other relevant international standards as well as treaty implementation/obligations), UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget / programme performance and programmatic / substantive issues.

Participate in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.
Participate in UN mission / country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures as required.
In coordination with the UNOPS country office and relevant partners, keep the UN Mission leadership / Resident Coordinator informed of programme activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting on implementation of activities led by UNOPS, as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones.
Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

IV. Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of the Project Unit directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Unit, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Additional Considerations

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

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Adva...

Education

Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience.

First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.

Military or police experience with 13 years of relevant experience.

Certification

PRINCE 2 Foundation or equivalent is desired.
EOD Level 3, EOD Level 3+, IEDD or WAM certification is desired.

Work Experience

Relevant is defined as experience in project management in the security sector, military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts is required.
A minimum of two (2) years of leadership experience including supervising teams and managing complex projects and budgets is required.
Experience either delivering or managing explosive threat management operations is required; including one or more of the following:
- Explosive ordnance disposal
- Non-technical survey
- Technical survey
- Mechanical clearance and ground preparation
- Manual mine clearance
- Battle area clearance
- Road clearance
- Explosive ordnance risk education
- Weapons and/or ammunition management
- Improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) or threat mitigation
Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.
Experience designing and delivering training and/or capacity development programs for national or multilateral police, security or law enforcement, focusing on sustainable skills transfer and institutional strengthening is desired.
Experience working in a developing country is desired.

Language Skills

Fluency in English is required (speaking, reading, and writing); or
Fluency in French (speak, read and write) and intermediate knowledge of English is required.
Knowledge of other UN official languages (Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) is desired.

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: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) / Temporary Appointment (T...

Background Information - UNOPS

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

Apply

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.