Project Manager

Afghanistan

With more than 10 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS in Afghanistan has sub-offices in every region of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law.

Project Management

• Establish full project office capacity in the UNOPS compound in Uruzgan
• Establish, and maintain throughout the duration of the project, the project Blue File
• Develop and submit for approval, and subsequently update and maintain, the project implementation plan, using MS Project’s Gantt Chart format
• Manage project commitments, ensure effective application of project management tools, and monitor achievement of results and other benchmarks
• Manage contractors’ performance while ensuring  full compliance with the terms of contract and advising the contractors on best practices to overcome constraints
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations and policies; establish project management milestones
• Ensure financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the project against approved milestones and targets
• Provide accurate and concise delivery forecasts, using the AGOC Delivery Forecast (DFC) template, and ensure delivery conforms to forecasts submitted
• Provide advice on strategies, policies and plans affecting the project and ensure compliance with the project agreement
• Ensure constant monitoring and analysis of the work environment, quick readjustment of operations, and advise on legal considerations and risk assessment
• Ensure timely preparation and submittal of comprehensive project reports on a regular basis or as may be requested on an ad-hoc basis by the TSP Programme Manager and/or project stakeholders
• Ensure the effective and accurate archiving of project material in accordance with the UNOPS Records Retention Policy
• Ensure effective management and operations of UNOPS site office, supervision and oversight of UNOPS/URAP national field staff
• Ensure effective coordination of  project activities with all project stakeholders, including the Donor, Clients (MRRD and MPW), provincial government and local communities
• Mitigate environmental, heritage and cultural impacts related to  the project implementation activities

Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct periodic reporting to TSP  Management, including financial status report on commitments and disbursements, quarterly progress reports to the Donor and Clients, annual reports (including resources’ allocation and project performance), project completion report, and evaluation report
• Develop and operate a quantitative and qualitative Project Performance Monitoring System (PPMS) to monitor and evaluate the performance of the project in relation to its goals, purposes and outputs
• Disseminate relevant information and PR materials that demonstrate good practices

Technical advisory

• In consultation with the TSP, review and approve detailed design(s) for infrastructure construction in accordance with the applicable standards

• Review all surveys, field investigations, designs, drawings and specifications, recommending required changes needed to provide more cost-effective solutions
• Administer, assess and, where appropriate, make recommendations on applications for extensions of time, claims for additional payment and other contractual disputes
• Issue site instructions, variation orders, provisional sum orders and day work orders as appropriate and in consultation with TSP Management
• Provide substantial advice and assistance in land acquisition and resettlement activities undertaken by the Government and the provincial authorities, and submit monthly progress reports. Ensure any communications and grievances raised by those affected are promptly addressed and conveyed to the relevant authorities.
• Ensure that methods as proposed by the contractor are satisfactory, with particular reference to the technical requirements of sound environmental standards on the basis of environmental guidelines for selected infrastructure development project, inspection of contractors’ equipment, work safety on  property, personal and the general public,.

Financial Resources Management

• Ensure integrity of financial systems, review of budget requirements and the consistent application or rules and regulations

• Proper planning, expenditures tracking and audit of financial resources in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations
• Organization and oversight of project cash management processes, including liquidity management, timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site
• Routine monitoring of financial exception reports for all activities and transactions, and ensure that burn rate is in accordance with the project budget and forecast; oversee and place internal control mechanisms to avoid over-expenditures

Procurement and Logistical Services Management 

• Compliance with UN/UNOPS rules and regulations in the field and management of the procurement strategies including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement promotion and introduction, performance measurement
• Management of the contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, managing the contract and contractor, as well as legal implications. Oversight of procurement processes and logistical services in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Establish procurement procedures for deployment of the equipment as stipulated in the project agreement (vehicles, computers and other equipment as described therein). 
• Ensure proper management of project assets, facilities and logistical services.

 Monitoring and progress controls  

• Timely and accurate reporting to donors and clients on project progress;

• Timely administration of project agreements including budget adjustments, amendments and official correspondence with donors and clients;
• Development of harmonized monitoring, evaluation and reporting tools and procedures

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Good understanding of UNOPS business, operational environment and its clients as well as the UN mandate
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work schedules
• Ability to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Ability to develop, maintain and supervise accountability systems for materials and services
• Ability to manage and mentor a technical team by demonstrating leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentational), including ability to present sensitive issues/positions and to write reports and technical decisions quantitatively justified
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement
• Proficiency in usage of computers, office software packages and advance project management software as well as in handling of web-based management system competent user of project control software, such as MS Project.

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant field of study. Professional Certificate in a relevant field and or a Master’s degree will be an advantage. 
• Minimum 9 years of relevant experience in successfully managing roads construction projects,  
• PRINCE2 certification, at least at Foundation level, is highly desirable
• Previous experience within a conflict and post-conflict/conflict zone setting is highly desirable
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is a distinct advantage
• UN/UNOPS construction experience desirable
• Excellent English Skills, both written and verbal

• This is a local post and only Afghan nationals may apply
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• 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.
• UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below 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.