General Information

Position Title

Portfolio Senior Manager

Job Category

Portfolio

Duty Station(s)

Lome

Seniority Level

Senior Level

ICS Level

ICS 11

Contract Type

ICA – IICA – Regular

Contract Level

IICA 3

Posting Start Date

06-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

26-Dec-2025

Duration

1 Year

Job Highlight

Based in Lomé, the Senior Portfolio Manager reports to the WAMCO Director, who provides strategic direction, oversight, and guidance.

The Senior Portfolio Manager also works in close collaboration with the MCO Partnerships Advisor, the Head of Support Services, the Head of Programme, and the Head of PMO.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Dakar, Senegal, the West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) delivers high-quality project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries in West Africa and the Sahel, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Togo. Aligned with UNOPS’ mission, WAMCO supports partners in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. WAMCO’s portfolio spans key sectors such as health, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, environment, infrastructure, justice, and peace and security. Notable projects include the construction of pre-preschools for early childhood development in Senegal (in partnership with KOICA and UNICEF), capacity-building for national agencies on disaster risk reduction and resource management, and the development of rural mini-grid electrification systems in Sierra Leone. Through these initiatives, WAMCO contributes to inclusive growth and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region.

Job Specific Context

The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) is based in Dakar, Senegal, and is responsible for developing, delivering, managing and implementing a portfolio of projects and programmes spread across 16 countries: Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. WAMCO is present in all the countries with the exception of Liberia.

The WAMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight, and assurance on the excellence of organizational processes and quality standards across all of the countries under its responsibility.

Niger, Togo, and Benin Offices

The Niger, Togo, and Benin Offices operate as an integral part of the WAMCO management structure.

As part of WAMCO, the three offices are responsible for developing, delivering, and managing a growing portfolio of engagements and cost-effective services contributing to partners” sustainable results and achievement of UNOPS management results.

To contribute to the effort of the MCO Director, the Partnerships and Programme Units, the need for a resource positioned in the sub-region has been identified to support the continuity of the conversation with partners met during representation missions, and to support the oversight of the programme in the countries of implementation.

At UNOPS, Project Office portfolio size is determined by a mix of internal and external drivers, including value of engagements and prevailing humanitarian and geo-political contexts. Currently, the portfolio of the 3 countries has increased over $100 million, with 12 projects of diverse sectors and service types and over 30 personnel supported by the MCO personnel. The offices present a very different situation when it comes with business and partner opportunity pipeline, requiring its consolidation (Niger and Benin) and expansion (Togo) into firmed and signed engagements to reach double or triple its current portfolio. It is estimated that a physical presence in the sub-region is key to achieve a better position of UNOPS in these countries, building on the success of the existing operations and cross-fertilising between countries.

The Senior Portfolio Manager is responsible for representing the MCO Senior Management in the countries of responsibility and, as delegated by the WAMCO Director, attends UNCTs, SMTs, inter-regional, and inter-governmental meetings.

(S)He is responsible for proactively organizing and attending meetings with Government partners and the donor community, serving as the internal coordination point for UNOPS activities.

The Senior Portfolio Manager is also working in close collaboration with the MCO management to support planning, implementing, monitoring, and supervising the delivery of engagements and operations in Niger, Togo, and Benin – including liaison and engagement development activities, achievement of Engagement Addition goals and targets, and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Role Purpose

Based in Lomé, the Senior Portfolio Manager reports to the WAMCO Director, who provides strategic direction, oversight, and guidance.

The Senior Portfolio Manager also works in close collaboration with the MCO Partnerships Advisor, the Head of Support Services, the Head of Programme, and the Head of PMO.

The Senior Portfolio Manager is responsible for representing the MCO Senior Management in the countries of responsibility and, as delegated by the WAMCO Director, attends UNCTs, SMTs, inter-regional, and inter-governmental meetings.

(S)He is responsible for proactively organizing and attending meetings with Government partners and the donor community, serving as the internal coordination point for UNOPS activities.

The Senior Portfolio Manager is also working in close collaboration with the MCO management to support planning, implementing, monitoring, and supervising the delivery of engagements and operations in Niger, Togo, and Benin – including liaison and engagement development activities, achievement of Engagement Addition goals and targets, and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of key results:

1. Project Office portfolio management

2. Alliance building, networking, and advocacy for business development and attainment

3. Representation and inter-agency partnership

4. People, leadership, and performance management

5. Service delivery and quality assurance

6. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project Office portfolio management

• Under the guidance and oversight of the MCO Director, the Partnership Advisor, and the Head of Programme, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.

• Plan and propose to the Multi Country Office Director and the Head of Programme required resources (human, financial, and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Offices.

• Collaborate with the MCO management to establish the strategies and programme/project implementation plans for the Project Offices.

• Under the guidance of the MCO Director and in collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, the Senior Portfolio Manager manages the overall programme-project portfolio of the Project/Country offices.

• In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation (Togo), including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

2. Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

• Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the countries, to identify and plan with them (and under the guidance from the Multi Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners and attain set EA targets and partner and geographic diversification goals, working closely with the MCO Partnerships Advisor and Partnership Development team members in the country/project offices.

• Keep the Multi Country Office Director and the MCO Partnerships Advisor informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development.

3. Representation and inter-agency partnership

• Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonization of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the CCAs, UNSDCF, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.

• On behalf of the MCO Director, participate in any UN country team meetings (UNCTs) or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.

• In alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator(s) informed of UNOPS activities within Niger, Togo and Benin through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF or equivalent.

• 4. People leadership

• Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability within the Project Office.

• Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Create, foster, and role 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.

• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and diversity, by providing timely guidance and secondary supervision to key team members to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.

• In collaboration with the Head of Programme, plan, recruit, manage, and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.

• Manage personnel performance and performance issues promptly.

5. Service delivery and quality assurance

• In close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for ensuring excellence of business processes and quality standards, as well as ensure direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programmes/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.

• Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Project/Country Office, for action and/or intervention.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.

• Plan, implement and organize strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Business Development, Innovation Management, Knowledge Management, Leadership, People Development, Performance Management, Project Portfolio Management, Quality Assurance, Service Delivery

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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 Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Programme/Project Management, International Relations, Engineering, or elated fields with 9 years of relevant experience

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required

Desired

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner is an asset.Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) is an asset.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in

• A minimum of seven (7) years (for advanced university degree holders) of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development and implementation of operations, and/or project/programme management in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.

• At least two (2) years in a senior leadership function/role is required.

• Experience managing medium to large teams, including management of senior professional personnel, is required

• Experience partnering with the public sector on developing, implementing, and/or evaluating projects and programs of high national development relevance required, which includes partnering/fund-raising for new business/project acquisition.

• or related areas.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

• Experience in working in an African developing country is an asset.

• Experience in innovative finance solutions and/or management in the infrastructure, energy, environment/climate change action and related fields is an asset.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFrenchFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. 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.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.