Project Manager

Job categories Project Management

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5514/30717

Level ICS-10

Department/office APR, SAMCO, Bangladesh

Duty station Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-2

Duration 42 months

Application period 11-Sep-2025 to 24-Sep-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.

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Background Information - Job-specific

Local Context

UNOPS has been present in Bangladesh since 2003. In 2014, UNOPS established as formal representation as a response to the UNOPS Executive Board in order to provide more substantial support to the Government of Bangladesh and other clients in the different areas focusing to Resilient Infrastructure Approach, Programme and Project Management, Fund Management, Procurement, Human Resources, Financial Management emphasizing on building national capacities, improving resilience of communities with a view of contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS operates in Bangladesh through a Host Country Agreement signed between the People's Republic of Bangladesh and UNOPS in September 2023.

Project Background

The NAGORIKATA Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) is a multi-donor Trust Fund designed to empower Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and citizens in Bangladesh. The fund aims to support the CSOs to better engage with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) on the development and implementation of policies and laws towards the achievement of SDGs 5 and 16.

The CEF programme will provide grants, technical assistance to and capacity development of CSOs working to strengthen democratic governance, accountability, and rule of law by increasing voice, representation, recognition and participation of citizens. The CEF programme will particularly support CSOs that facilitate and enhance the role of women, youth, and members of marginalised communities in these civic engagement efforts, and organisations led by women, youth, and members of marginalised communities, as well as research institutes, think tanks and media organisations.

The current Development Partners of the CEF Programme include the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) – the pioneer of the programme design - and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The European Union (EU), as a long standing and steadfast Development Partner to Bangladesh, shares policy objectives and aspirations with the current CEF Programme Development Partners and the design of the programme. The EU in partnership with UNOPS has recently joined the Trust Fund, further strengthening it. The EU seeks to harmonise and promote inter-Development Partner collaboration and policy dialogue with a particular focus on priority areas aligned with SDG 5 and SDG 16. To ensure effective management and implementation of its actions under the Indirect Management modality, the EU engaged UNOPS as an implementing partner through a Contribution Agreement.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Project Manager will play a key supporting role in strengthening the Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme in Bangladesh under the overall supervision of the UNOPS Country Manager and in close coordination with the European Union (EU). The incumbent will also closely collaborate with the Fund Management Agent(FMA) Director.

The position is designed to assist and work directly with the EU, which will serve as the primary point of contact for all activities undertaken by the incumbent. This pivotal role requires active engagement, coordination, collaboration, and co-creation with the EU to help shape and implement programme priorities while contributing to the advancement of the inter Development Partner coalition and policy dialogues under the CEF.

The incumbent will support the identification of gaps and jointly develop solutions with the EU, co-owning the CEF's operational success. This position further contributes significantly to the development of the EU’s thematic priorities during implementation. Working in cooperation with the Fund Management Agent (FMA) and other donors supporting the multi partner fund, the Project Manager will help ensure that the CEF consistently advances its core objective; promoting meaningful, sustained, and policy-relevant participation of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in national governance and decision-making processes.

This role requires extensive knowledge of civic engagement, proven experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to identify joint approaches and ensure strategic coherence, and solid expertise in EU project management. The PM will also act as a technical focal point for the EU, ensuring its priorities and strategies are effectively represented in dialogues with government counterparts and other stakeholders, while maintaining a co-implementation approach with the Fund Management Agent (FMA).

Functional Responsibilities

Project Delivery and Performance Develop, complete and update impleme...

Project Delivery and Performance

Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s)
Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.
Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.
Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.
Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers
Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages
Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly
Control project and work packages changes
Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers.Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation.
Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts.
Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved
Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS

Procedures

Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual
Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.
Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan
Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team. Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded
Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project
Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.
For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager
Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations

Monitoring and reporting

Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.
Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span

Stakeholder engagement

Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders
Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications
Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs

Quality assurance

Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements
Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems
Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables
Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)

Knowledge management and innovation

Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices
Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.
Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies

Personnel Management

Lead and motivate the project management team
Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely
Select, recruit and train team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards
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.

Impact of Results

Project Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: A master’s degree or equivalent in business administration...

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: International ICA Contract level: ICS10/ IICA 2 (P3 Equival...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

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