Head of Projects

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

UNMAS

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, or at the request of the UN Secretary-General or his designated official. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. When instructed by the Security Council or called upon by Member States, UNMAS deploys under humanitarian, peace and security mandates. UNMAS main headquarters is in the UN Secretariat, New York with a sub-office in Geneva. UNMAS provides direct support and assistance in the areas of explosive hazard threat mitigation to 18 countries/territories/missions, has a standby rapid response capacity and global technical advisors in the field of IEDs and Weapons and Ammunition Management.

UNMAS Iraq

1. Explosive Hazard Management; 
2. Capacity Enhancement of Government and 
3. Risk Education.

Under the supervision of the UNMAS Iraq Senior Programme Manager (SPM), the Head of Projects is responsible for the following tasks:

1. Programme Management and Coordination 

• Proactively monitor the Programme’s overall progress;
• Manage and resolve risks and issues and initiate corrective action as appropriate;
• Effectively coordinate projects and their interdependencies;
• Ensure successful delivery of new capabilities as per the Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) standard;
• Ensure that the delivery of outputs or services from the projects meet programme requirements in line with the programme blueprint and projects dossier, and is to the appropriate quality, on time and within budget;
• Mentor and assist the Project Managers with planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects/service agreements, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management in the service delivery processes;
• Develop standard project management and service costing tools, and develop the project management and technical skills of the Project Managers and other project personnel;
• Provide timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting;
• Develop and drive a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and performance optimization across all projects;
• Establish clear performance objectives, with appropriate measures for all projects and project staff within the programme;
• Identify potential new business and customer opportunities;
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with donors, Governments and clients; and
• Report progress of the programme at regular intervals to the SPM.

2. Fiscal Responsibilities

• Manage the programme’s budget; monitor the expenditures and costs as the programme progresses.
• Provide guidance and oversight to the Programme Management Team with overall resource planning for the programme.
• Provide strategic advice on the development of pricing strategies, in full compliance with UNOPS pricing policy, with a disciplined approach to business case development and pricing models which balances revenues and development capacity, within the mandate and spirit of the United Nations.
• Supervise the development of revenue and expenditure forecasts based on established financial goals and resource mobilisation plans.
• Responsible for certifying and authorizing disbursements.

3. Technical Functions

• Ultimately responsible for the delivering capabilities and relevant outcomes of the Programme, meeting and exceeding donor and client expectations.
• Research, identify, and introduce appropriate new technologies to assist delivery of capabilities and outcomes across the programme.
• Plan, develop, implement and maintain appropriate standards, best practices and procedures across the programme.

4. Human Resource Responsibilities

• In consultation with the SPM, facilitate the appointment of individuals to project delivery teams and ensure relevant induction of personnel into organizational policies and processes
• Ensure that all roles have clearly defined responsibilities
• Conduct personnel skills gap assessments and initiate relevant trainings
• Conduct personnel performance reviews in accordance with current UNOPS HR Policies, conduct personnel surveys, analyse results and initiate appropriate responses.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other members of the programme management team, senior managers, project teams and third-party service providers.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful performance by the Head of Projects directly impacts on achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of the 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.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in project management, public administration, social science or other related fields, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or
• First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in project management, public administration, social science or other related fields, with a  minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in leadership, project management, programme management, or portfolio management roles
• Experience in project management, supporting operations in military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts with public or private sector organizations is required
• Previous experience of United Nations Mission contexts is desired
• Formal project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2 , PMP) is desired

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required
• Fluency in Arabic (speaking, reading and writing) is highly desired
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired

• **Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.**
• **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**
• 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.
• 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.
Recruitment 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.