Senior Project Manager

Background on South East Asia and the Pacific  Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The Asia Region (AR) - South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries  across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine EAPMCOs: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background on EAPMCO Papua New Guinea 

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was formed in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.  

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time.  Working with an increasing number of development partners, in 2023 EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people. There are a number of projects currently in the pipeline which will expand the portfolio of existing projects for the office.  

EAPMCO Papua New Guinea Project Information 

Ongoing Projects 

The PNG WASH Project is an EU funded initiative jointly implemented by UNICEF, Water PNG and UNOPS. The project budget for the UNOPS and UNICEF work is USD 12 M. In line with the Papua New Guinea National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (WaSH) 2015 - 2030, the proposed activity will contribute towards increased access to and utilization of safe, adequate and sustainable water supply, sanitation and improved hygiene practices in locations with high population concentrations (hospitals, schools, and major market places).  UNOPS is responsible for the technical elements of the project including implementation  of the infrastructure component. 

Papua New Guinea  Covid-19 Emergency Procurement is a $10.4 million project in COVID 19 emergency procurement project funded by the World Bank. UNOPS supports the Government of PNG’s testing capacity for COVID-19 and the implementation of strategies for post Covid recovery. This project includes the procurement and installation of incinerators in health facilities and supply, installation and commissioning of solar in hospitals.

Health Procurement Project PNG (Emergency TB): The World Bank in collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea, and the National Department of Health (NDOH), designed the Emergency Tuberculosis Project to both improve the quality and expand coverage of health services in Western Province, Daru Island and National Capital District (NCD). In collaboration with WHO, UNOPS supports the supply of medical equipment, consumables and other laboratory and medical supplies. 

The Telefomin Rural Electrification Project is one of the projects funded by the Australian government (DFAT)  and Implemented by UNOPS. The project’s main objectives are to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the provision of energy access in Telefomin. The aim is to provide a framework for an optimal set of technologies for the local mini-grid using a solar PV / hydropower hybrid system.

Pipeline  Projects 

UNOPS PNG office has a number of projects in the pipeline expected to be finalised throughout 2023. These are in the areas of health infrastructure and sustainable procurement, climate change resilient infrastructure and community development infrastructure projects. 

Local context

In Papua New Guinea, the staffing contingent is expected to grow over the next few months to implement the current projects as well as pipeline engagements that are expected to materialize over the coming months  in 2023.

To support the planning and implementation of the above projects, UNOPS is hiring a Senior Project Manager for the country office to manage the projects. The Senior Project Manager will become a member of the country project team and provide technical support to new and existing projects in portfolio Project Management. 

Under the direct supervision of the Country Manager based in the country office, the Senior Project Manager will be responsible for carrying out the  activities listed under the functional areas, during the inception and implementation phases.

The Senior Project Manager will be expected to liaise with all country and regional office personnel. The overall purpose of the role is to support the technical team, in particular the Country Manager and Head of Programme, by performing a range of activities to ensure the completion of the project’s work packages and deliverables.

The Senior Project Manager  is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the projects and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries. Senior Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Board to manage the project on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage. The main responsibility of a Senior Project Manager  is to ensure that the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. He/she is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.

Senior Project Manager  has the authority to assign, as per the Project Plan, work packages to Team Managers and approve deliverables produced by them.

Senior Project Manager  is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). Success of the project(s) and hence of the Project Manager/Senior Project Manager  will be based on the defined Success Criteria. 

Under the overall supervision of the Country Manager and in accordance with UNOPS procedures and practices the incumbent will be responsible for the following: 

1. Project Delivery and Performance

2. Procedures 

3. Monitoring and reporting

4. Stakeholder engagement

5. Quality assurance

6. Knowledge management and innovation 

7. Personnel management

• 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. (If applicable)

• 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

• 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. (if applicable)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.)

• 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

7. 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 provide professional development to the 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 

Senior 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 

• Advanced University (Master’s) Degree in a relevant technical (infrastructure development) discipline related to Civil Engineering or other related field is required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant technical (infrastructure development) discipline related to Civil Engineering or other related field with additional two (2) years of experience may be accepted. 

Certification

• Professional license or registration from a recognised professional body or institution is an asset.

• Membership of and Institution of Engineers is an asset.

• PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMI Project Management Professional or other internationally recognised certification is an asset -  the successful candidate is expected to complete the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification or its equivalent within the first six (6) months of taking up the assignment.

Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years' of relevant practical project management experience with at least two (2) years of specific experience in the practice area of health, infrastructure, water supply and sanitation infrastructure or related project/s in combination with an advanced degree is required.

• At least three (3) years experience working on internationally funded and/or local projects in developing economies or post conflict environments is required;

• Experience in writing technical reports, performing data analysis and writing technical specifications is required;

• Experience in  engineering design, feasibility studies , technical assessment  and design review is a strong asset;

• Experience working with UNOPS, UN or other humanitarian/development agencies is an asset;

• Experience working on urban WASH projects is desirable.

• Experience in projects related to infrastructure, sustainable health procurement, emergency procurement, and/or renewable energies is desirable

• Experience in using a recognised project management software and package is required. Familiarity with Google Workspace (formally G Suite) is desirable. 

• Familiarity with civil engineering modeling software relevant to water supply and wastewater engineering; the use of remote monitoring software is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.

• Working knowledge of Tok Pisin is an asset.

• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

1. Contract type: IICA
2. Contract level: ICS 11 / IICA-3
3. 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.

• Port Moresby is a family duty station with R&R (Hardship leave).
  
  

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.