Head of Implementation Support

UNOPS strategic focus places increased emphasis on national capacity development and sustainable approaches to project management, procurement and infrastructure services.  A key objective is to be recognized as an organization that delivers world-class infrastructure and project management, which is both economically and socially sustainable, even in the most challenging environments. To achieve this goal, UNOPS has established the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG).

Within UNOPS, it is IPMG’s objective to serve the organization’s personnel and partners by broadening their infrastructure and project management capabilities, while disseminating best-practices in both of these areas. Through this work, the group helps facilitate the successful delivery of programmes and projects around the world.

To achieve its objectives, IPMG has established three interrelated and interdependant work streams, namely, Strategic Positioning, Standards, and Implementation Support. IPMG is managed overall by the Director of IPMG and supported by a Programme Support Unit, which includes a Programme Management Office. The Implementation Support Work Stream supports the country offices with the adequate design, planning, implementation, monitoring and closure of projects, thereby contributing towards successful delivery and increased partner satisfaction. This work stream bridges standard and capacity building with the provision of practical support in the application of UNOPS approach to the delivery of infrastructure and project management services, as well as specific expertise in inter alia Project Management, Engineering Architecture and Grants Management.

The Management Team for the Implementation Support Work Stream consists of the Head of Implementation Support (responsible for the management of the team and providing guidance on day-to-day operational effectiveness of the work stream), the Head of Infrastructure Implementation (responsible for technical infrastructure related matters) and the Principal Advisor in Project Management Implementation (responsible for technical project management related matters). The Head of Infrastructure Implementation and the Principal Advisor in Project Management Implementation report to  the Head of Implementation Support, who reports in return to the Director of IPMG

• Management of the personnel under the Implementation Support Work Stream, including Infrastructure and Project Management (IPM) retainers;
• Development, planning, and execution of the work plan for the Implementation Support Work Stream;
• As a member of IPMG management team, contributes to development, and execution of the IPMG strategy and Business Plan;

• Provision of management reports to the IPMG Director as required;

• Lead and participate in the provision of an integrated delivery support and exception response to the projects and programmes either from Copenhagen or directly in the relevant Country Offices;
• Quarterly assess the results of the Engagement Assurance and reach out to projects that may be experiencing implementation challenges;
• Development and application of a comprehensive framework to support the Country Offices in implementing Project Management Offices (PMOs);
• Ensure the review of engagements and provision of advice to engagement authorities for the design of better project and management of UNOPS;
• Management of Long-Term Agreements for Project Management and Infrastructure;
• Support on the application of infrastructure and project management services (including grants management);
• In collaboration with the relevant regions develop and oversee the work plan for regional infrastructure and project management advisors;

• Show leadership within and contribute to  the community of practice, by maintaining contact and building relationships by addressing questions, providing support and acting as an available resource;

• Lead and participate in the provision of  capacity building activities in project management and infrastructure;
• Lead and participate in rolling out the project management maturity agenda with the objective of having UNOPS operating at a project management maturity level 3 and above;
• Supporting, strengthening and improving change initiatives that will lead to enhanced knowledge, and effective application, of UNOPS’ project management processes and tool;
• Keep abreast of and be adept in contemporary project management and infrastructure techniques and industry practices as they impact UNOPS to implement projects;
• Carry out other IPMG related tasks as assigned by the Director of IPMG.

• Setting standard, personal and development objectives (PER) for self and direct reports. Ongoing assessment of task completion, which meets quality expectations;
• Achievement the targets on IPMG Balance Score Card assigned to the Head of Implementation Support;
• Successfully meeting time, cost and quality expectations of the Implementation Support work plan;
• Completing progress reports as required;
• Completion of satisfactory 3 months probationary period, based on completion of tasks;
• Completion of PRINCE2® Foundation Certification within first 3 months of onboarding
• Completion of PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification within first 6 months of onboarding.

The Head of Implementation Support will be accountable for the delivery of both targeted and ad hoc support to the country offices throughout each phase of the project cycle. Working closely with and supervising the Implementation Support team within IPMG, the Head of Implementation Support will contribute to operational support, strategy development and knowledge sharing within UNOPS infrastructure and project management operations with colleagues at all levels and across offices of the organization.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in related discipline ;
• A Bachelor’s Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree (total 9 years of experience)
• PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner highly desired;
• P3O Practitioner highly desired;
• PMP Certification highly desired.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in managing projects, including in an infrastructure context for at least 3 years, combined with a minimum of 3 years in strategic and managerial leadership, is required;
• Experience in engineering, architecture, grants management or any other relevant field is an asset;
• In-depth understanding in project management and infrastructure is required;
• Experience in post-conflict project management is an asset;
• Relevant experience working in developing countries is an asset;
• Experience in UN highly desired.

• 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.
• 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 supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.