General Information

Position Title

Deputy Project Manager

Job Category

Project

Duty Station(s)

East Jerusalem

Seniority Level

Senior Level

ICS Level

ICS 11

Contract Type

Staff – IP – TA

Contract Level

IP P-4

Posting Start Date

15-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

29-Dec-2025

Duration

6 months until September 2026 extendable upon satisfactory of performance and availbility of fund

Job Highlight

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful humanitarian and recovery delivery in Gaza. The role offers significant exposure to high-level project management, resource optimization, and team leadership within a UN organization, providing a platform for professional growth and impact

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Project Office

UNOPS supports both humanitarian response and early recovery in Gaza. Currently, UNOPS support in Gaza focuses on key humanitarian enablers, including on access, via the Security Council-mandated UN 2720 Mechanism and the Access Support Unit (ASU), humanitarian fuel and energy, and mine action. Operations are envisaged to continue in the coming period with a focus in line with the UNOPS mandate: (i) infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, (ii) procurement and (iii) project management.

Job Specific Context

Mandated by Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023), the UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza verifies the humanitarian nature of aid consignments for Gaza, streamlines and accelerates delivery, and confirms that aid reaches its civilian destination. At the request of the UN Secretary-General, UNOPS designed, set up, and manages the UN2720 Mechanism under the leadership of the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process/Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

Role Purpose

The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project and will play a crucial role in supporting the Senior Project Manager in overseeing project activities, managing project budgets, and expenditures with a particular focus on budget management and expenditure tracking. Emphasis is also placed on effective team leadership in a rapidly evolving project. This position requires a highly skilled manager capable of ensuring efficient and effective project delivery in a highly complex, fluid, and challenging context.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Project Delivery and Performance

2. Budget and Resource Management

3. Personnel management

4. Procedures

5. Monitoring and reporting

6. Stakeholder engagement

7. Quality assurance

1. Project Delivery and Performance

• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within the set tolerances

• Develop, complete, and update implementation plan(s) for infrastructure components.

• Embed sustainability dimensions, including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects, into the project life cycle.

• Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources, and initiating corrective action where necessary

• Lead the timely and cost-effective implementation of the infrastructure products according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.

• Authorize Work Packages

• Advise the Project Manager of any deviations from the plan

• Identify and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise mitigating measures to the Project Manager and Head of Programme so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.

• Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts.

• Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers.

• Monitor project progress, ensuring that work packages are being executed properly.

• Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation and accept works delivered by suppliers.

• Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted

• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers

• Identify and report potential demand for UNOPS services to the Project Manager.

2. Budget and Resource Management

• Manage project budgets, allocations, and expenditures, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.

• Track project expenditures and prepare financial reports.

• Identify and address any budget variances or financial irregularities.

• Develop and implement resource management plans to optimize resource utilization

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS financial regulations and procedures.

3. Personnel Management

• Lead and motivate the project management team

• Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established

• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted

• Identify relevant performance issues and bring to the attention of the Project Manager

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity; providing clear direction, shared objectives and guidance to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Plan, recruit, manage and train the team as required, promoting best practices in infrastructure implementation, talent management and career path development.

• Take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.

• 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 own actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

• Support the Project Manager in identifying necessary resources to successfully deliver infrastructure products.

• Perform Project Support role, unless appointed to another person or corporate/programme function

• Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

4. Procedures

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is compiled with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions)

• Ensure preparation and maintenance of all project planning, monitoring and reporting requirements.

• Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).

• Manage construction budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.

• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, direct and shared charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project

• Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel

• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)

• Manage infrastructure resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes of infrastructure products. Taking part in technical evaluation committees, if appointed to the evaluation team.

• Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded.

• Actively contribute to the implementation of financial control mechanisms as they relate to the delivery of infrastructure products, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.

• Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

5. Monitoring and reporting

• Ensure that the project(s) produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits.

• The Deputy Project Manager is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits to the satisfaction of UNOPS and the Client.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive system for tracking and reporting on information management activities across the Country Office. This includes data collection, analysis, and dissemination of information related to project progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

• | – Prepare regular reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) on information management activities, highlighting key achievements, risks, and recommendations for improvement.

• Assist in the development of data visualization tools and dashboards to effectively communicate information to stakeholders.

• | – Track and report on the utilization of information management resources, including budget, personnel, and equipment.

• | – Conduct regular audits of information management systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with UNOPS policies.

6. Stakeholder engagement

• In consultation with the Project Manager, establish solid working relationship with the project board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders

• Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products

• Report and advise the Project Manager and the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance.

7. Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance

• Identify and anticipate potential risks and issues related to the delivery of infrastructure products and advise on appropriate responses to mitigate risks and/or keep projects on track.

• Escalate critical issues / risks to the Project Manager and partners so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive quality management strategy for infrastructure products (including business cases/strategies, projects plans, risk assessments and infrastructure-related documents such as site assessments, design package, contract management and works supervision documentation, as-build design, testing and commissioning reports, change orders, completion and handover certificate, etc.)

• Ensure document and knowledge management diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.

• Establish performance management tools for tracking progress and quality of infrastructure products.

• Provide routine oversight, track delivery progress and projects status, evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality), assist with and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.

• Work with the Programme Management Office (PMO) to establish a quality management system that takes into consideration segregation of roles.

• Provide technical advice and support to project teams, partners, beneficiaries across the multi-country office.

Skills

Budget Management, Project Management, Team 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

• Master’s Degree (Advanced University Degree) preferably in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Project Management, business Administration or other relevant disciplines is required.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in the above fields, or other relevant disciplines with a combination of an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master”s Degree (Advanced University Degree).

• Technical/Professional License with 8 years of relevant experience

• Technical/Professional Diploma with 11 years of relevant experience

Experience Requirements

Required:

• A minimum of five (7) years’ relevant work experience in Project/Program Management in a large International and/or corporate organization is required.

• Experience of a minimum of 4 years in team management and supervision is required

• Experience in budget management, monitoring & evaluation is required

• Experience in stabilization, transition, post–post-conflictstabilisation environments is required

Desired:

• Experience working on infrastructure projects & construction management is a distinct advantage.

• Experience with the management of operations in remote locations is an asset.

• Experience with the UN and/or private sector infrastructure development is an asset.

• Experience managing projects with multiple sites and complex logistical dimensions in remote locations is an asset.

• Experience with the design, procurement stages of the infrastructure life cycle is a distinct advantage.

• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage.

• Experience in works contract management (FIDIC contracts) is a distinct advantage.

• Experience in the use of google software packages (Google Doc, Sheets and Slides) and experience in handling web-based management systems is an added advantage.

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.