Senior Project Manager

Jerusalem Office – UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence

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. 

Since the opening of the Jerusalem Office in 2006, UNOPS has significantly strengthened its operations in Palestine. Our expert knowledge, skills and management systems contribute to the sustainable development of public infrastructure in Gaza, and the West Bank, including Area C and East Jerusalem.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is undertaking the current recruitment on behalf of UNEP. UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 

The Project Manager is responsible for delivering a UNEP advisory project to assist Palestinian entities and regional partners /neighbours in promoting environmental protection and adaptation to climate change, including through nature-based solutions, leading to enhanced human and ecosystem health and climate resilience. The Project Manager will deliver such advice both directly to Palestinian and international stakeholders, and via advisory support on environmental issues to the Office of the UN Special Coordinator to the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO).

Under the overall management of the UNEP Senior Programme Manager, Environmental Security (P5), with a second reporting line to the Chief of Coordination Unit and Head of Resident Coordinator’s Office, UNSCO (P5), the Project Manager will lead the generation and dissemination of science-based, conflict-sensitive analysis of environmental and climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to Palestine. The Project Manager will work with all relevant Palestinian, international and regional stakeholders to translate science-based policy advice into actionable plans and programmes – including via clear communication of scientific analysis and its relevance to policies and practices; convening stakeholders to build consensus around environmental policies and plans; and sustained policy support to relevant Palestinian institutions. The Project Manager will be part of a UNEP team working globally to enhance environmental and climate security. 

1. Project Delivery and Performance: 

The Project Manager’s role will be advisory. She/he will be expected to perform the following duties throughout the duration of the project:

• Design, commission and supervise the delivery of science-based analyses of environmental risks and potential solutions relevant to the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip;  

• Deliver in-person briefings and expert written analyses to Palestinian entities, Israeli entities (as required and appropriate); regional and international partners, using appropriately tailored communications methods;

• Based on consultations and on request from relevant Palestinian, regional and international stakeholders, support and co-design detailed environmental plans and policy proposals; 

• Convene meetings, develop cooperative relationships and networks to help build consensus around science-based environmental policy and governance measures; 

• Work with all relevant partners to promote mobilization and implementation of science-based environmental policies towards protection and restoration of the Palestinian environment and critical ecosystems.      

Performance of these tasks will be supported and evaluated by the UNEP Senior Programme Manager, Environmental Security. 

1. Procedures 

The Project Manager will report to the UNEP Senior Programme Manager, and coordinate work closely and regularly with the RCO (second reporting line). The Project Manager will respond to requests for environmental advice from the UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator. 

The Project Manager will participate in meetings (in-person where possible, and online) with Palestinian, Israeli and international interlocutors, officials of UNSCO and UNEP, and participate in meetings of the UN Country Team as appropriate. 

The Project Manager will work with UNEP Senior Programme Manager and, where relevant, other UNEP environmental specialists to identify appropriate research partners.   

1. Monitoring and reporting

The Project Manager will also be responsible for reporting to the donor (European Commission – EU Delegation, Jerusalem) as per the requirements of the donor. 

An independent evaluation (to be undertaken by an expert consultant) is planned within the project.  

1. Stakeholder engagement

The Project Manager will be working in a conflict-affected context. The Project Manager will need to engage with a range of national and international stakeholders, exhibiting sensitivity to and understanding of the political and institutional context. The Project Manager will work in coordination and concert with other UN entities and international partners, in line with UNEP global mandates.  

1. Quality assurance

The Project Manager and her/his supervisor will maintain regular contact with UNEP environmental subject-matter experts, which will ensure that environmental advisory services are based on UNEP’s global expertise. The Project Manager will work closely with UNSCO to ensure alignment with UN priorities (including humanitarian, development, peace and security dimensions).  

1. Knowledge management and innovation 

The Project Manager will be expected to manage and disseminate knowledge relating to the environment in the specific context in which she/he is working. Knowledge products (including research) will be delivered during the course of the project, and sound communication and dissemination of these products will be a critical part of the Project Manager role. She/he will also be expected to deliver innovative solutions where relevant.  

1. Personnel management

No sustained management of personnel will be required of the Project manager. She/he will need to manage the delivery of research linked to the project

Contract type: Staff

• 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.