Project Manager (Procurement)

Job categories IT, Project Management, Procurement, Programme Management

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5512/30109

Department/office APR, EAPMCO, Philippines

Duty station Manila (Family Duty Station), Philippines

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Duration Open-ended and part-time for the first 12 months and will be extended to full-time thereafter, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance

Application period 01-May-2025 to 14-May-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

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

The 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 business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.

In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 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.

UNOPS in the Philippines

Established in 2016, UNOPS Philippines provides expert support to ensure sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure activities in projects. With funds from the European Union (EU), UNOPS supports the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government under the Governance in Justice (GOJUST) Programme (GOJUST2) through procurement, logistics, and grants and project management to advance the justice reform agenda of the government of the Philippines through innovations and interventions; as well as providing grants to civil society organizations to improve access to justice of marginalized groups. With funding from the European Union, UNOPS also supports the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, working with the Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to strengthen capacities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches to ensure a smooth transition. Supporting the Department of Health under a World Bank in the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Program, UNOPS has provided nutritional commodities and services for expecting mothers and young children from 2023 to 2025.

UNOPS Philippines is in the process of expanding its area of engagement in cooperation with its development partners, focusing mainly on a portfolio of projects and programs in the infrastructure, logistics management, procurement in health, rule of law, and governance sectors.

Project Information

The Philippines is recognized as one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, characterized by rapid urbanization, a growing middle-income class, and a large, young population. However, this growth is accompanied by significant challenges, particularly the country's high vulnerability to natural disasters. The Philippines ranks among the highest globally in terms of exposure to natural hazards, which poses substantial risks to economic growth and inclusivity. Metro Manila, the nation's capital and a densely populated hub with approximately 21 million residents in its greater area, is particularly vulnerable to seismic events due to its location along the West Valley Fault (WVF). A major earthquake, such as the anticipated 'Big One,' could result in catastrophic impacts including significant fatalities and economic losses, along with severe disruptions to government services and infrastructure.

In response to these risks, the President of the Philippines issued Executive Order No. 52 (EO 52) in 2018, establishing the Program Management Office for the Earthquake Resilience of the Greater Metro Manila Area (PMO-ERG). This initiative aims to strengthen the country's resilience to earthquakes and ensure public safety and government continuity. Complementing this, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been tasked with executing vulnerability assessments and fast-tracking interventions to enhance the resilience of public buildings and infrastructure.

The UNOPS project supporting the Philippines Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project (PSRRRP) aims to establish a comprehensive programme to design, procure, and deploy Mobile Emergency Operations Centers (MOECs) and Mobile Command Posts (MCPs). These mobile units are critical for enhancing emergency communication, coordination, and operational readiness across the Philippines—particularly in high-risk zones such as Metro Manila, where the potential for seismic activity remains a significant concern.

The programme will entail procurement, configuration and installation of specialized ICT and telecommunications systems, as well as the rollout of targeted training modules to enable the effective use and maintenance of the mobile units. Collectively, these efforts aim to enhance institutional capacity, operational responsiveness, and community resilience to natural disasters.

UNOPS seeks to engage a seasoned Project Manager to lead the day-to-day implementation and management of this initiative. The Project Manager will serve as a key technical and operational focal point, ensuring that the programme is delivered on time, within scope, and according to the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and accountability.

In addition to overseeing the PSRRRP, the incumbent will be tasked with managing other assigned projects in the Philippines, as delegated by the UNOPS Country Manager.

Position Overview
The Project Manager is responsible for the overall delivery and oversight of assigned projects, ensuring compliance with the strategic intent and contractual obligations defined in the Project Initiation Documents (PID) and Legal Agreements. Operating on behalf of the Project Board, the Project Manager ensures that all project outputs are delivered within established tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits.

The incumbent will lead cross-functional project teams, coordinate with national counterparts, donors, and implementing partners, and ensure a coherent and adaptive delivery approach. They will be accountable for developing and updating Implementation Plans, approving deliverables, assigning tasks to technical team members, and monitoring progress in alignment with UNOPS project management standards and partner expectations.

Depending on project configuration, responsibilities may include:

Managing technical studies, design reviews, or the supervision of infrastructure development or rehabilitation;
Overseeing procurement of goods, works, or services, including ICT and telecommunications equipment;
Coordinating training, capacity-building activities, and operational rollouts;
Supporting strategic and operational alignment with resilience, digitalization, and sustainability agendas.
Contract management of multiple suppliers and supervision of technical experts

Given the challenging and complex operating environment, the Project Manager is expected to apply professional judgment, contextual awareness, and adaptive management skills to ensure project relevance, efficiency, and long-term value to stakeholders.

Disclaimer: The project is expected to start on 01 June 2025 and a contract will be issued to the successful candidate only after the project is signed. The initial contract will be part-time for the first 12 months and will be extended to full-time thereafter, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions: Project Delivery and Performance Procedures ...

Summary of functions:

Project Delivery and Performance
Procedures
Monitoring and reporting
Stakeholder engagement
Quality assurance
Knowledge management and innovation
Personnel management

1. Project Delivery and Performance

Develop, maintain, and update project implementation plans in line with agreed timelines, scope, and deliverables.
Implement approved plans, including defining and monitoring key milestones, within the tolerances set by the Project Board.
Ensure sustainability considerations are embedded throughout the project cycle, with attention to gender inclusion, environmental impact, and local economic benefit.
Oversee the timely delivery of project outputs, ensuring efficient use of resources and initiating corrective actions as needed to stay on track.
Monitor the quality of work packages and deliverables to ensure compliance with the standards outlined in the Implementation Plan.
Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely and effective delivery of goods and services.
Manage the acceptance of deliverables and ensure that handovers meet contractual and technical requirements.
Track project progress against work plans and flag delays or issues for resolution.
Manage changes to work packages and ensure proper documentation and communication of approved variations.
Conduct acceptance checks for goods, services, or works and ensure that deliveries are aligned with specifications.
Oversee contract management, including tracking supplier performance and raising any concerns with relevant teams.
Identify risks and issues early and propose practical mitigation measures to the Project Board or Country Office to ensure continued progress and partner satisfaction.

2. Procedures

Ensure compliance with UNOPS policies and procedures, including the Project Management Manual and relevant partner agreements.
Prepare or adapt project plans, work schedules, and reporting formats for review and approval by the Project Board.
Fulfill reporting obligations as outlined in the Implementation Plan and legal agreements, ensuring timely submission of narrative and progress reports.
Contribute to procurement planning by drafting technical inputs for procurement documents and participating in evaluation processes as required.
Ensure project documentation is properly maintained, including project files, decisions, and records of lessons learned.
Monitor project finances in coordination with the support team, ensuring proper budget use and alignment with UNOPS financial rules and procedures.
Track obligations, payments, and cash flow to support timely delivery and ensure contractors and personnel are paid in line with agreed terms.
Provide inputs to financial reports, support the review of expenditures against budget, and flag any discrepancies for action.
Where financial authority is not delegated, coordinate closely with the designated finance or procurement focal points to ensure actions are carried out in line with project needs.
Support project closure by organizing proper handover of documentation and coordinating with the closure manager.
Assist with project audit activities by facilitating access to information, preparing relevant documentation, and supporting the implementation of audit recommendations.

3. Monitoring and reporting

Prepare and submit timely project and financial reports in accordance with UNOPS and partner reporting requirements.
Monitor overall project progress, reviewing key performance indicators related to scope, cost, schedule, and quality.
Maintain accurate project records, including diaries, meeting notes, and progress logs, as per UNOPS procedures.
Regularly analyze project delivery data and ensure information is accurately reflected in internal dashboards and tracking systems.
Coordinate with project team members to ensure milestones and performance targets are regularly updated and tracked throughout the project life cycle.

4. Stakeholder engagement

Maintain stakeholder profiles and support the development of stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with the Project Board, client representatives, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.
Contribute to the development of project communication plans and ensure timely and consistent sharing of project updates.
Coordinate day-to-day communication with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project timelines, decisions, and deliverables.
Monitor the effectiveness of communication activities and ensure stakeholders are informed of project progress, key developments, and handover arrangements.

5. Quality assurance

Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure that project implementation aligns with UNOPS quality standards and complies with audit and compliance requirements.
Collaborate with procurement and administrative staff to ensure that suppliers’ quality systems and deliverables meet project specifications and expectations.
Support and coordinate quality reviews of key project documents, work packages, and deliverables, including technical specifications, training materials, and reports.
Conduct basic quality control checks on project outputs, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with project objectives before submission to the Project Board or partners.
Proactively identify quality-related issues and recommend practical corrective actions to maintain project standards and stakeholder satisfaction.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

Support routine knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities within the project team to strengthen local delivery and sustainability.
Document and log lessons learned throughout the project life cycle and ensure they are captured in final reports and closure documentation.
Participate in relevant communities of practice and project manager networks to share practical experiences, case studies, and insights from the field.
Encourage the application of lessons learned to improve ongoing project performance and inform future planning.
Provide basic feedback on tools, templates, or processes to support the continuous improvement of project delivery practices within UNOPS.

7. Personnel Management

Lead and support the performance of the project team, providing clear direction and day-to-day supervision where applicable.
Set and communicate expected standards of behavior, professionalism, and accountability within the team.
Ensure timely and fair performance reviews are conducted for project personnel under supervision, in line with UNOPS procedures.
Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of project staff and consultants, with attention to gender balance and diversity objectives.
Promote a safe and secure working environment for all project personnel, ensuring compliance with UN security policies and UNDSS guidance.
Foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and accountability. Promote and uphold UNOPS policies on zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, abuse of authority, sexual exploitation, and abuse.

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.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a r...

EDUCATION:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Development Studies, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Water), Architecture, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance, or related disciplines.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) combined with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

CERTIFICATION:

Certification in project management (e.g., PRINCE2 Foundation/Practitioner, PMP, or equivalent) is desirable.
Completion of UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), PMM Infra Perspective, and oneUNOPS Projects training is required within three (3) months of joining.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in project or programme implementation, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, emergency preparedness, ICT, logistics, or public service delivery, is required.
Proven experience in managing day-to-day project operations, including work planning, budget tracking, and output delivery, is required.
Technical experience implementing or overseeing the configuration of emergency response vehicles and/or systems is an asset
Experience working with national stakeholders, service providers, and/or donor partners in project implementation or coordination roles is required.
Experience in preparing project documentation, such as progress reports, implementation plans, or procurement inputs, is highly desirable.
Familiarity with quality assurance and risk management practices in project environments is desirable.
Prior experience in contract management, including oversight of suppliers or consultants, is an asset.
Experience working in multicultural or cross-functional teams, ideally within development, humanitarian, or UN contexts, is an asset.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset are desirable.

LANGUAGE:

Full working knowledge of English is essential.
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.
Fluency in Filipino or any major local dialect is desired.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) Contract level: IC...

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.
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.

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APPLICATION TIPS

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.