Project Management Support Specialist

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    9 hours ago
  • Category:
    Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    11/01/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Project will fall under the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi Country Office) Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Eritrea, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and several Island states.
This specific position will be based in Mozambique.

Mozambique is recovering very slowly from the effects of Cyclone Idai and Kenneth which struck in quick succession in 2019. The country is in pursuit of peace between the Government and RENAMO – a process supported by UNOPS. At the same time, the North of Mozambique is experiencing an insurgency that has made thousands homeless and is already spilling into Tanzania.

UNOPS is currently in discussions for a partnership with the government and the World bank that will require us to mobilize quickly to support the massive displacement that is taking place in the north of Mozambique. Multiple positions are being advertised to enable rapid deployment and response to this emergency.

Summary of functions

1. Project Implementation;
2. Financial and procurement management;
3. Stakeholder management, coordination and liaison;
4. Knowledge management and innovation;
5. Development and Planning.

Project Implementation

● Preparation and maintenance of project files, including internal and external project reports.
● Manage information flows and oversee change controls, risk registers and issue management by establishing document control procedures.
● Manage assigned delivery of work packages and take responsibility for progress.
● Coordinate and liaise with the Project Manager on the implementation progress.
● Advise the Project Manager of any deviations from the plan and update plans.
● Work with the Project manager to identify and manage risks.

Financial and procurement management

● Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes.
● Ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.
● Monitor project budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the work-plan.
● Process direct payments and advance requests and prepare project budget revisions.
● Produce financial reports; including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS
requirements.
● Support the Project Manager by monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met.
● Alert the Project Manager or any financial shortfalls and over-expenditures.
● Propose budget revision and initiate corrective action when necessary.
● Coordinate vendor communications, meetings, and reports as necessary
● Supervise the Project Office procurement/call for proposal processes, including tendering processes and evaluation and supplier/implementing partners (IPs) selection, to ensure viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and compliance with UNOPS procurement procedures, regulations and standard of accountability, ethics, integrity and performance.
● Establish a shortlist of suitable contractors/suppliers/IPs, and the preparation and issue of local tenders/calls for proposal. Evaluation of bids or proposals received and of recommendations for contract
awards.
● In consultation with relevant colleagues, review, administer and issue contracts, grants agreements, agreements/amendments.

Project monitoring and reporting

● Provide substantive inputs to assist the Project Manager in the preparation of project reports and
documents.
● Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents.
● Maintain the following records: Quality Register, Configuration Item Records and all other registers/logs
delegated by the Project Manager
● Support the Project Manager in maintaining the following:
i. Electronic Blue File,
ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by Organizational Directive (OD) 12.
● Manage the compilation, consolidation and analysis of relevant data of the mission.
● Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of project completion reports and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Stakeholder management, coordination and liaison

● Support the coordination and management of communications.
● Liaise and build relationships with other United Nations (UN) agencies and international non-governmental organizations (I/NGOs) for the purposes of facilitating activities and improving the quality and relevance of information analysis.
● Participate in meetings with UN agencies, NGO’s and other Stakeholders as required.

Knowledge management and innovation

● Support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting format.
Ensure that Local capacities are built at every level and opportunity for Project Support.
● Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building.
● Contribute to expertise in tools and techniques.

Development and Planning
● In conjunction with the Project team, provides appropriate levels of programmatic management and administrative support to the Project Manager regarding all ongoing project activities, while maintaining and implementing appropriate standards and best practices in line with UNOPS policies and procedures.
● Directly contribute to strategic oversight, advice and direction on programme and project management activities in line with service agreements and project documents.
● Ensure proper development, implementation and, as and when appropriate, amendments, of project budgets and staffing resources, ensuring synergies across the different implementing partners.
● Develops and establishes resource tracking systems for use within the Project, complementary to UNOPS’ online tools, to ensure effective planning, forecasting and tracking of delivery across the Programme.
● Identifies, and anticipates in timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to the Project Manager.

 

  • A Master’s Degree in Project Management, Finance, Business Administration or related field (e.g. International Relations) is required;
  • A combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
  • A minimum of at least 5 years of relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in the field of Project Management with experience of successful implementation and/or oversight of programmes and projects is required;
  • Previous experience of working within a Complex programme environment will be an asset;
  • Experience in capacity building of Grantees/implementing partners and business plan evaluations/value chain analyses will be an asset.
  • Strong experience with data analysis, management reporting and project management tools and information management systems is an asset;
  • Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable;
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification is highly desirable;
  • MSP certification (Foundation and/or Practitioner) will be an asset;;
  • Experience in Google Suite applications will be an asset.
  • Excellent command of English language (oral and written) is required;
  • Knowledge of Portuguese language(oral and written) is required.

 

 

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
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.

 

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA 10
Contract duration: Open-ended contract, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

 

  • 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.
  • This is an EPP ICA Recruitment process
  • This is a local position. As such, it is only open to Mozambique Nationals only
  • This position is based in a non-family duty station

Terms and Conditions

  • 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.

 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements