General Information

Position Title

Project Management Support – Specialist

Job Category

Project

Duty Station(s)

New York

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA – IICA – Regular

Contract Level

IICA 2

Posting Start Date

12-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

28-Dec-2025

Duration

Several possibilities: short-term, full-time/ part-time opportunities. Subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Job Highlight

Empowering project success through operational excellence, data-driven insights, and seamless coordination.

About the Region

UNOPS Global Portfolios bring together a range of expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide.

With hubs in New York, Geneva and Vienna, and expert teams operating across regions, we lead complex, multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, peacebuilding and climate action.

The Global Portfolios Office (GPO) works in close collaboration with the UN family, governments and other local and international partners. Its work ranges from supporting mine action in some of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected contexts, to expanding access to healthcare and clean water, to helping protect the environment.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives team works with UN partners and Member States. This portfolio offers support for various initiatives and priorities of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs in areas such as political affairs, climate, counterterrorism and peacebuilding, among others.

Job Specific Context

UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives team works with UN partners and Member States. This portfolio offers support for various initiatives and priorities of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs in areas such as political affairs, climate, counterterrorism and peacebuilding, among others.

Additional details:

1. Even though the duty station is indicated as New York, USA, consideration may be given to allow the position to be home-based, depending on the incumbent”s personal situation. For home-based positions, a location-specific fee scale is applied in determining the contractor”s fee.
2. Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA-2, depending on the incumbent”s personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit) and duty station, a local fee scale (LICA-10) might be applied in determining the contractor”s fee.
3. Contract duration: Several possibilities: short-term, full-time/part-time opportunities (see below). Subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Support Specialist coordinates and supports the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of projects, ensuring delivery of results within the agreed scope, time, cost, quality and risk parameters. The role supports day-to-day project operations, liaises with partners, donors and beneficiaries, and ensures that project activities are in line with UNOPS policies, donor/partner requirements, and quality standards. The Project Management Support Specialist provides analytical and operational support, tracks financial and performance data, identifies risks or implementation challenges, and coordinates timely solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. The role therefore contributes towards ensuring that projects achieve their intended objectives, strengthen partner relationships, and contribute to UNOPS’ operational goals. The Project Management Support Specialist reports to the Senior Portfolio Manager.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Partnership Design and Advisory

• Provide guidance on the development, structuring and/or negotiation of partnership agreements, including bilateral partnerships, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and inter-agency partnerships within the UN system.

• Liaise with UNOPS Legal Group to support the drafting, review and execution of partnership agreements.

• Maintain an internal pipeline and database of partnership agreements, track progress and ensure timely renewals, amendments and compliance reporting.

• Contribute risk assessment and due diligence processes related to potential and existing partners, ensuring accountability and alignment with UN values and UNOPS standards.

• Identify procedural bottlenecks and propose process improvements for more efficient partnership implementation.

1. Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement

• Collaborate with the design and implementation of resource mobilization strategies at global, regional and country levels.

• Contribute to the diversification of the donor base through targeted outreach and engagement with governments, multilateral agencies, private-sector entities, philanthropies and foundations.

• Leverage funding opportunities within the UN system, including UN-administered trust funds and joint programmes.

• Participate in the development of concept notes, proposals and donor briefs.

1. Project Delivery and Performance

• Contribute in the planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities in line with approved work plans, budgets and quality standards.

• Coordinate day-to-day project operations to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNOPS and donor/partner requirements.

• Manage and monitor progress against scope, time, cost and quality tolerances. Identify risks and deviations, propose corrective actions, and escalate when required.

• Oversee project contracts and supplier performance to ensure compliance and value for money.

• Embed sustainability principles – including gender equality, social inclusion and environmental considerations – across project activities.

• Contribute to the identification and development of new project opportunities or extensions of existing engagements

1. Financial and Procurement Management

• Contribute to financial planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure effective budget utilization and cost control in line with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.

• Manage cash flow, expenditures and financial commitments, ensuring timely disbursements and accurate financial reporting.

• Collaborate with procurement and grant management processes, including preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), evaluation of bids, and contract administration.

• Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper documentation of transactions.

• Prepare and review financial reports and participate in project audits, ensuring implementation of recommendations.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Maintain effective working relationships with donors, partners, national authorities and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and alignment with project objectives.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement and communication plans, ensuring timely and consistent information sharing.

• Facilitate internal coordination among project teams, technical experts and support functions.

• Represent the project in meetings, consultations and external engagements as delegated by the supervisor

1. Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance

• Monitor project performance against agreed indicators, preparing progress, financial and completion reports in accordance with UNOPS and donor/partner standards.

• Conduct data analysis and provide inputs for management decisions and strategic planning.

• Ensure quality assurance processes are applied to all deliverables, documents and outputs.

• Facilitate compliance with internal audit and quality standards, coordinating corrective action as required

1. Personnel Management (as applicable)

• Contribute to supervising, guiding and motivating project team members to achieve high performance and accountability.

• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding and performance management of personnel, ensuring gender balance and diversity principles are upheld.

• Promote a respectful, inclusive and safe working environment that aligns with UNOPS’ zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, discrimination and harassment.

• Ensure compliance with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) safety and security standards for all project staff and operations

1. Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Contribute to the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management.

• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.

• Conduct research on project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes

Skills

Communication, Data Analysis, Project Implementation, Reporting, Stakeholder Management

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 any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in project management or project development for an international or UN system organisation.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Desired

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

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequired

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.