Project Management Support - Senior Assistant (Internal Applicants Only)

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency.  At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services. 

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need. 

Project Information

Following the political events in Afghanistan in August 2021, the subsequent economic collapse has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis putting over 24 million people in immediate need of aid. To provide immediate short-term livelihood opportunities and deliver urgent essential services in rural and urban areas, UNOPS is working with funders to implement a large-scale community resilience program. The initiative aims to reach an  estimated 1.1 million households, or 7.5 million Afghans,with livelihoods and income support. In addition, 9 million Afghans in some 6,200 rural communities and 8 cities will benefit from improved access to essential social services through strengthening the capacity of community institutions in inclusive service delivery.  

Job-Specific Information

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager (who reports to the Head of Project), the Project Management Support - Senior Assistant provides administrative and coordination support to the Senior Project Manager in the effective planning, management and delivery of the project in line with the project framework. They provide support on monitoring and reporting of progress, risks and issues for the project and contribute to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the project capabilities.

Summary of Key Functions  

1. Administrative support

2. Coordination and reporting

3. Knowledge management 

1. Administrative support

• Provide administrative support in the regular organization of the Project Steering Committee/Board meetings and internal project management team meetings.

• Ensure agenda  and minutes of meetings are prepared, approved and circulated in a timely manner and that agreed action points are followed up on.

• Provide administrative and substantive support in organizing quarterly donor coordination sessions, including the documentation to update donors on the Project’s overall progress, funding needs, challenges, etc.

• Manage the Head of Project’s field travel calendar and key appointments with external stakeholders.

• Perform any other responsibilities or activities that may be reasonably required by the Senior Project Manager.

2. Coordination and reporting 

• Ensure that weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual updates of the project against key milestones are prepared in a timely manner, highlighting areas needing improvement.

• Coordinate and follow up with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in preparing the quarterly report sections related to key achievements, coordination with stakeholders, implementation schedule and key challenges, before final approval by the Senior Project Manager. 

• Coordinate with and support the Communications Officer in preparing for key events and media related workshops, press conferences, etc. involving UNOPS management team and others.

• Support the Senior Project Manager in following up on donor Implementation Support Mission (ISM) action point updates and in preparing presentations for key events, including donor missions.

3. Knowledge management 

• Assist with logistics support and organization of webinars, training and learning initiatives on project related topics (including the technical set-up of such events).

• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices.

3. Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Project Management Support - Senior Assistant directly impacts on the performance of the project, in particular through ensuring smooth and effective implementation. It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS  in the global humanitarian context. 

Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment.   

Qualifications and Experience

a.  Education

• Completion of secondary school is required. 

• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in Business Administration, Management, Project Management, or other Social/Behavioral Science is considered an asset and may be considered as a substitute for 4 years of work experience.

b. Work Experience 

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience related to project support for candidates with a High School Diploma, or

• A minimum of 1 year of experience related to  project support for candidates with a Bachelor degree.

• Experience working with national and international organizations that are contributing to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan is a significant advantage.

• Knowledge of UNOPS’ project management tools is an asset.

c.  Languages

• Fluency (oral and written) in English is required.

• Pashto and Dari languages are desired.

Contract type: Local Specialist, Level 5, ICS-5
Contract level: LICA 5
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance 

• 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.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• 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.