Background Information - UNOPS

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.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Background Information - Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency.  At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services. 

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Background Information - Job-specific

Projects information

To strengthen the effective and efficient delivery of ongoing and future projects, AFCO seeks a Project Management Support Advisor with a primary focus on project implementation support, and with some support to business development functions as required.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the Project Management Support Advisor will provide technical and strategic support to ensure high-quality implementation of UNOPS projects in accordance with organizational standards and donor expectations. 

Given the nature of the hardship country, the incumbent is also expected to cover and provide support for any gaps on the ground within the PMO/Project Management area, if and when they arise.

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme to ensure that projects meet their intended outcomes, are implemented to the highest standard of project management practices, and meet partner satisfaction.

 Functional Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic and technical guidance to project teams and senior management, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of complex project activities.

• Drive alignment of project execution with UNOPS standards, donor agreements, organizational policies, and robust internal quality assurance mechanisms.

• Oversee the development, review, and approval of comprehensive project work plans, budgets, and performance frameworks to ensure strategic objectives and deliverables are met.

• Intervene in projects as necessary to bring activities back on track and ensure achievement of objectives.

• Lead and actively contribute to internal reviews, audits, and evaluations, driving the integration of lessons learned and promoting knowledge management and capacity-building across projects.

• If asked, lead risk management initiatives, proactively identify and resolve critical issues, and champion adaptive and innovative project management approaches to respond to evolving contexts.

The incumbent may be requested to support additional tasks or assignments within the PMO and Project management area as directed by AFCO management. While the position is home-based, travel to Afghanistan may be required to carry out specific assignments, as and when needed.

Impact of Results     

Project Management Support Advisor 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

a. Education
 

• Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree) in Project Management, Business Management, Development Studies, Procurement/Supply Chain Management or other relevant disciplines is required.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Business Management, Development Studies, Procurement/Supply Chain Management in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

b. Experience
 

• At least 7 years' experience in developing and managing projects (including establishing and executing project plans, conducting monitoring and reporting, and managing risks) is required.
• A minimum of 7 years' experience in developing countries is required
• Experience in working with the UN or other international organizations is an asset. 
• Experience in developing and successfully implementing stakeholder engagement is a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage;

c. Language

• Fluency in English is required.

Please click on the below link for actual vacancy announcement to see the complete details and submission guideline as this is only an attempt for attracting female applicants for gender parity in organization. Please make sure you fill your profile/application properly with all relevant details in order to be considered for the next stage of recruitment/selection.

https://jobs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=30739