Senior Project Manager

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO)

Located in Dakar, the UNOPS office in Senegal has developed a strong working relation with the Governments of West Africa and international partners over the years. It provides technical support in strategic development areas including elections; procurement and related capacity building; environmental protection, as well as infrastructure rehabilitation and development.

Background Information about the Project

The Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) aims to address the menace of gully erosion and other forms of land degradation in targeted watersheds in Nigeria. The objective is to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds. The World Bank has been funding NEWMAP since September 2013 and worked on putting in place the necessary structure to ensure implementation and sustainability. Funding from the World Bank has ended and the project has been closed since 30th June 2022. The EIB loan, under the project name “Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion & Watershed project” represents a scale-up phase of the World Bank-led NEWMAP.

This project will be implemented through an approved EUR 175m sovereign loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Environment is the project host, focal point, and lead coordinating Agency. The project implementation is led by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and State Project Management Units (SPMUs) of the participating states. 

In this assignment, UNOPS is providing support to the Government of Nigeria to see that the NEWMAP-EIB project is implemented in line with EIB requirements and standards. UNOPS will provide the Promoter, notably the FPMU and PIUs at the State level, with project advice on project and subproject preparation and implementation support, to support that the components financed by the EIB are implemented in line with the EIB standards. UNOPS support is structured around the following four areas of assistance:

1. Review of project documents (that are submitted by the Promoter for the purpose of either requesting clearance or required under its Financing Agreement with the EIB) to support compliance with EIB procurement and Environmental and Social Standards and Infrastructure lifecycle management alignment with international good practices.

2. Monitoring of Project Sites/ Schemes/ Subprojects funded through the EIB loan to monitor the progress of the implementation, verify works on ground against approved plans, identify areas of concern (if any) and report accordingly (approximately  60 site visits)

3. Undertake half-yearly Implementation Support Missions (ISM), jointly with EIB as necessary (approximately 12 site visits). 

4. Provide Capacity Strengthening  to the Promoter where necessary and feasible, including in areas like finance and project management

The Senior Project Manager will be managing this project whose ultimate goal is to provide advisory services that contribute to the achievement of partners’ goals. The variety of projects is quite diverse and can range from the management of grants, and the development of strategies to the delivery of training or providing technical assistance.

The Senior Project Manager reports to the Head of Programme who provides broad supervision and guidance. The role is responsible for the overall project management on behalf of UNOPS to assist EIB in the implementation and oversight of the NEWMAP Project through close coordination with the respective FPMUs and SPIUs, while managing a team of technical specialists and advisors.

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provides services to the donors, partners, and beneficiaries. The 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 the Senior Project Manager is to ensure that the project services and outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. They are expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.

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

She/He is responsible for creating the Project 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 can meet the business case outcomes for both UNOPS and its partner(s). The success of the project(s) is measured based on the defined Success Criteria. 

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Programme and in accordance with UNOPS procedures and practices the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions: 

1. Stakeholder Engagement

2. Strategic planning and portfolio support

3. Project Delivery and Performance

4. Project and Organizational Procedures 

5. Monitoring and Reporting

6. Knowledge Management and Innovation 

7. Personnel Management

• Establish solid working relationships with the external and internal stakeholders, including, but not limited to – the EIB Corporate and Regional/National counterparts, the FPMU/ SPIUs located within the Nigerian ministries, UNOPS management and internal control functions, as appropriate.

• Establish the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers) and other key collaboration mechanisms and ensure routine and adequate engagement. 

• Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships through effective communication, negotiation and issues management to ensure project deliverables are met

• As part of project implementation planning, establish clear expectations of scope, time, cost and learn from the stakeholder’s experience.

• Facilitate the project teams to deliver tasks and projects that demonstrate a thorough understanding and application of best practice asset and project management principles to achieve client satisfaction targets and provide excellent client service.

• Formulate project communications plans, coordinate project communications, and monitor the effectiveness through stakeholder feedback. 

• Responsible for regular project updates and communication with key stakeholders to ensure the stakeholders are kept abreast with project progress and stakeholders acceptance of project deliverables.

• Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions, and are in a position to accept handover outputs.

• Establish the Project Operations Manual (POM) and Project Implementation Manual (PIM) with clearly defined procedures and templates for the management of activities covered under the project. 

• Contribute to strategic oversight, advice and direction on the NEWMAP-EIB infrastructure project management in line with service and project agreements.

• Develop and establish resource monitoring and planning tools and systems for use by the FPMU and SPMUs.

• Identify potential programme-level risks and issues and advise on mitigating measures.

• Lead the production of needs assessments, due diligence assessments and feasibility studies, including the supervision of consultants when necessary. Review assessments and reports with recommendations for follow up actions.

• Contribute to the development of FPMU level programme and project plans, including the collation of SPMU level plans into programme and project-level milestones.

• Facilitate input from team members, NEWMAP Senior management and other stakeholders to manage the planning and delivery of infrastructure advisory project milestones and outcomes.

• Supervise and oversee NEWMAP project end to end high level infrastructure advisory project delivery including developing project plans,identifying and coordinating resources, managing budgets, stakeholder management across all related services.

• Implementation and development of project plans and reporting frameworks to ensure that time specific milestones for the delivery of allocated programmes are met.

• Oversight on the FPMU and SPMU Programme/Project & Team managers in the implementation of infrastructure projects;

• Programme management of the assigned projects while ensuring that there are robust processes in place to support effective and efficient delivery.

• Manage the overall execution of the approved Implementation Plan by coordinating with the project team and external suppliers. 

• Maintain oversight of the project implementation through regular monitoring and progress reviews. Ensure project Outputs are developed on time, on budget, and as per the Quality specifications defined in the plan. Ensure adequate preventive and corrective measures are taken timely. 

• Accept the completed deliverable by the suppliers/ team, coordinate the handover of the Outputs to the client/s, and ensure acceptance.

• Monitor and scan the environment for changes, control and manage changes as required.

• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.

• The FPMU shall comply with the minimum EIB process requirements on Procurement, Safeguards, Scheme selection criteria, provide plan and estimates for half-yearly disbursements, and reporting. The project manager will ensure EIB processes are understood and applied by the FPMUs at all times. Manage process workflows and documentation as per requirement to allow transparency and efficiency. 

• Stay informed and understand relevant internal organizational processes and systems, and ensure compliance with all UNOPS policies and guidelines, specifically the Project Management Manual (PMM).

• Manage project budgets and costs in accordance with Financial Rules & Regulations (FRR), while ensuring timely payments to contractors/ personnel, maintain expenditures against the budget and manage variances, provide timely and accurate forecasts, and ensure all reporting obligations are met as per the legal agreement. 

• Maintain all project files records as per the filing system and requirements within the ERP.

• Where the Senior 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.

• Conduct / facilitate routine compliance checks to identify gaps/ lapses, if any. 

• Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on closure of the audit observations/recommendations.

• Routinely monitor project activities to ensure clearance procedures are conducted timely, with adequate advice and recommendations provided as necessary. 

• Regularly monitor and review project status, evaluate performance (scope, cost, schedule, and quality), analyze deviations from the plan (if any), and take preventive and corrective actions.

• Prepare performance reports, indicating trends and forecasts as appropriate to document and facilitate decision-making.  

• Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span.

• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.

• Organize regular Project Board meetings, present project progress and performance data, and solicit feedback, guidance, and decision, as needed. 

• Participate and present project information during UNOPS internal Quarterly Review and keep the management updated on issues and risks, if any. 

• Routinely monitor the performance on project activities, identify improvement areas, and work towards enhancing the delivery over time. Ensure lessons are documented and disseminated routinely across partners for continual learning and improvements. 

• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of partners and staff.

• Actively interact with colleagues and the wider UNOPS community to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices. Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance, etc. with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies and procedures.

• Uses, analyzes and leverages existing data to make / take informed decisions, improve existing processes / systems and simplifies and create strong plans with minimum risks

• Select, recruit, and train the project team as required, taking into account gender parity and diversity objectives. Play an active role in their development and be interested in their professional growth. 

• Provide leadership and direction to the team by ensuring clearly defined performance objectives and targets, delegation of project tasks, clear expectations of time and quality, and behavioral aspects. 

• Ensure team motivation from time to time, through regular project meetings, one-to-one meetings, and/or using other methods and techniques as appropriate. 

• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately, and timely, and feedback is provided in a transparent manner.  

• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel in compliance with UNDSS requirements and standards. 

• Create, foster, and 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.

Education:

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• An Advanced University Degree, preferably in Environmental Science,  Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources Management, Hydrology, Watershed Management/Environmental Engineering/ Soil Science/ Water Resources Management/ Sustainable Development, or other related fields, is required.

• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor's) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced University Degree.

Certification:

• Certification in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), Certified Hydrologist, Project Management (PRINCE2®, PMP®, or similar) would be an asset.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience at Senior levels in project/programme management and development is required.

• Within the 7 years experience, at least 5 years must be in preparing project plans, writing project progress reports, project communications, engaging stakeholders, and conducting monitoring and evaluation.

• Experience in administration, procurement, safeguard, compliance, monitoring, and coordination in a multi-stakeholder environment is desired.

• Practical experience in watershed management, erosion control, or related fields is a distinct asset.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and environmental laws ( of Nigeria) is a distinct advantage.

• Prior experience working with UNOPS, UN, or other humanitarian/development agencies, and previous experience on EIB-financed projects would be desirable.

• Proficiency in computers, and tools like - Google Office Suite, Google Workspace, online ERP systems, and Project Management Information Systems is desirable. 

• Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing tools is desired.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are a distinct advantage.

• Effective communication and leadership abilities are desired.

• Familiarity with computer modeling software for watershed analysis is a distinct asset.

Language:

• Fluency in written, reading and spoken English is required.

• Working knowledge of another UN language  is an advantage.

• 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. 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.