Project Manager (Implementation)

Role Purpose

The Project Manager (Implementation) is responsible for planning, organizing, leading the project from Initiation to Closure. The Project Manager ensures effective delivery and oversight of projects, while implementing the services in scope and contributing towards achievement of partners’ goals and objectives. Acting on behalf of the Project Board, the Project Manager ensures that project outputs are delivered within agreed tolerances of time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits. The incumbent possesses and applies a deep understanding of Project planning, implementation, monitoring and control, while managing stakeholder expectations. and ensuring delivery is as per the terms of the Legal Agreement. The Project Manager serves as the focal point for coordination with donors, partners and beneficiaries, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards.

Functions / Key Results Expected
Project Delivery and Performance

Develop, complete and update the project implementation plan.
Implement the approved plan (including establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.
Embed sustainability dimensions, including social and gender considerations, and environmental and economic aspects, into the project life span
Manage the production of required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources while initiating corrective action where necessary.
Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables comply with the quality requirements defined in the implementation plan.
Liaise with external suppliers or account managers to ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs.
Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages.
Monitor project progress, control project variances (if any), and manage changes.
Identify, anticipate and advise senior management and the project board on mitigating measures against project risks to ensure that benefits to partners and other stakeholders are maximized.
Advocate and promote UNOPS service offerings, identify and report potential growth opportunities for UNOPS.
Procedures

Comply with the organization’s policies and standards, and ensure project information is kept updated in project management systems.
Be aware of applicable local laws and regulations, and ensure adherence. This includes international regulations and standards, where applicable, as well as technical standards.
Prepare and adapt all relevant plans for approval by the project board, and manage baselines
Manage the reporting obligations defined in the implementation plan and legal agreements.
Maintain project documentation in an orderly manner for accessibility and audit support when needed.
Understand and apply the UNOPS financial rules and regulations. Be accountable for the use of delegation of authority (where applicable) and ensure compliance with relevant policies and standards of ethics.
Provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager when applicable.
Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during audits and follow-up on audit observations/ recommendations.

Skills

Project Coordination, Project Implementation, Project Planning, Quality Assurance, Reporting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management

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

Project management certification from a globally recognized institute is desired.
Professional certification from a reputed institute in the technical topic relevant to the job area is desired.
Experience Requirements

Required

Relevant experience is work in the implementation of complex projects/ programmes, or related areas.
Experience in project planning, implementation, and control, including project communication and reporting is required.
Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies is required.
Experience of managing project risks in a multi-stakeholder context is required.
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.
Language Requirements

French: Fluent proficiency level required.

English: Intermediate proficiency level desirable.

Job Highlight
Lead projects that drive partner goals, ensuring successful delivery within set tolerances and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

Opportunities for learning and growth

Commitment to Excellence: Our support extends to all personnel at every level of the organization.
Ongoing Development: We provide ongoing opportunities to help our people learn, develop, and excel at their jobs.
State-of-the-Art Learning: Access a wide range of learning through our blended learning programmes, covering Leadership development and Personal and professional development.
Key Credentials: Opportunities to benefit from Internationally recognized technical certifications and Membership to professional associations in various areas.
Internal Culture: We foster an environment that encourages and supports knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Together, we build the future 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. We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core. We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.