: Project Manager

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code VA/UNOPS/2010/AFO/KEOC/PRJ/034 Post Title Project Manager (Multiple Positions) Post Level IICA 2/3 (International Individual Contractor Agreement) Project Title Various Org Unit Kenya Operations Centre (KEOC) Duty Station Various Duration Six months to one year, with possible extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds Closing Date 24th November 2011

Background

The UNOPS mandate is to act as a project delivery platform for UN system agencies, funds and programmes, international and regional financial institutions, intergovernmental organizations, donor and recipient governments, and non-profit non-governmental organizations. As a self-financing entity within the UN system, UNOPS must ensure that the projects it delivers meet client expectations in terms of cost, quality and time, while at the same time ensuring that these projects collectively meet a broader array of internal success criteria. The Kenya Operations Centre (KEOC) is responsible for projects entrusted to UNOPS in a number of countries in Africa, including Kenya, Liberia and Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the KEOC Director or Deputy Director, the Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for ensuring that the project(s) assigned to her/him produce the required products and benefits within specified time, cost, and quality tolerances.

The Project Manager will be required to manage the following specific tasks: 1. Project and Budget Management

• Manage implementation of results as described in project documents; • Manage budgets through coordination with the KEOC Programme Management Office (PMO) and ensure that budget revisions are prepared as necessary; • Manage production of work packages and work products as necessary to produce results; • Produce regular project plans, including but not limited to those focused on utilization of support resources and project implementation scheduling; • Ensure up to date risk logs/issue registers and manage project risks, raising issues outside of established tolerances to the Project Board; • Coordinate with the Programme Support Unit (PSU) and other KEOC personnel for the provision of finance, procurement, logistics, HR and general administrative services.

Donor/Client Relations

• Manage donor contributions, including ensuring that necessary amendments are processed in a timely manner and project funds are received as per agreed plans; • Actively engage and interact with donors/clients, ensuring they are kept appraised of all major project implementation issues and soliciting feedback in order to gauge satisfaction.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Manage relationships and contracts/agreements with UN agencies, suppliers, vendors, contractors and other implementing partners (in coordination with other KEOC units as applicable).

Personnel Management

• Motivate and supervise a project team with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and job satisfaction; • Participate in the recruitment of new personnel as required; • Security management of project teams in conjunction with senior management; • Conduct performance evaluations.

Reporting/Communications

• Prepare regular briefing and reports as agreed with the Project Board; • Ensure the timely production and delivery of reports to donors/clients in accordance with project agreements; • Participate in inter-agency coordination mechanisms as required; • Ensure regular production of lessons learned.

Project Development

• Contribute to the development of new projects by formulating project ideas and engaging with donors/clients.

Other

• Any other reasonable duties as assigned by the KEOC Director and/or Deputy Director.

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

• Ability to manage and lead a project team and to coordinate with project stakeholders including UN agencies, NGOs and local government authorities; • An organized and professional approach to task management is crucial; • A general understanding of the UN and its guiding principles is important; • Must have the ability to build and sustain effective work relationships with subordinates and peers to achieve common goals; • Needs to show a willingness to learn and openness to suggestions for self-improvement; • Versatile in the use of project management and risk management tools including the ability to prepare and monitor project plans; • Sound knowledge of project budgeting and resource allocation; • Demonstrated behavior of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness; • Demonstrated management, interpersonal, networking and team building skills; • Computer literary is essential; knowledge of computer software, including project management tools and the MS Office suite, is preferred.

Education/Experience/Language

• Minimum five years (for IICA 2) or 11 years (for IICA 3) of relevant working experience with increased responsibility including supervision of project teams. Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management or related field. An additional two years of relevant work experience, in combination with a relevant Bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement of a Master’s degree; • Experience with project/programme implementation in post-conflict countries, with knowledge of security guidelines and requirements is critical; • Previous UN experience including knowledge of UNOPS rules and procedures strongly preferred; • Excellent command of English both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of other official UN languages is an asset; • PRINCE2 or an equivalent project management qualification is an asset. Submission of Applications Candidates are strongly requested to carefully review the application guidelines below, incomplete documents and/or submissions not meeting the application guidelines will not be considered.

Interested candidates must submit their applications, including

A Statement of Interest

United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) English Version,

The above required documents must be sent via e-mail to vacancieskeoc@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

The body of the email must include the table below with responses in the exact format.

Last name:

First name:

Highest completed educational qualification:

Exact years of experience relevant to the assignment

Professional qualification and/or experience

UNOPS reserve the right to reject any application without the above format in the submission email.

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