Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. With more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices, the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in various sectors including Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and more. The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas such as Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery and fostering knowledge sharing, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure and better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the 'Projet d’aménagements de corridors et de facilitation du commerce Phase III' (PACFC III), which is structured into three overlapping implementation phases. The role involves managing the digitalization and information systems component of the project, which is crucial for enhancing economic sovereignty in Madagascar. The Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager and will be tasked with ensuring that the project meets its objectives, adheres to timelines, and maintains quality standards throughout its lifecycle. This includes integrating sustainability dimensions into the project, managing resources effectively, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring that all parties are informed and involved in the project’s progress.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Develop, finalize, and update the project implementation plan, ensuring that it aligns with the project’s objectives and timelines.
• Implement the approved plan, including establishing milestones and managing resources within the set tolerances.
• Integrate sustainability considerations throughout the project lifecycle, addressing social, gender, environmental, and economic criteria.
• Manage the production of required deliverables, ensuring quality and timely completion.
• Liaise with external suppliers and account managers to guarantee quality and timely delivery of results.
• Monitor project progress, control variances, and manage changes effectively.
• Identify and advise on risk mitigation strategies to maximize benefits for stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and local regulations, maintaining updated project documentation for audits.
• Prepare and publish regular project and financial reports, ensuring transparency and accountability. 1
• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and maintain strong relationships with all project stakeholders. 1
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure projects meet audit requirements and quality standards. 1
• Foster a learning environment within the project team, encouraging knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in project management, particularly in IT projects.
• At least two years of experience in leading digital transformation projects within the public sector.
• Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects involving public institutions, international technical and financial partners, and private operators.
• Experience in change management is essential.
• Knowledge of the institutional context in Madagascar or East Africa is an asset.
• Experience in interfacing or migrating between new and existing systems operated by public-private partnerships in the port, customs, or logistics sectors is desirable.
• Experience in facilitating inter-ministerial steering committees and negotiating sensitive technical and policy issues with public administration is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include:

• A master's degree or equivalent in project management, business administration (MBA), engineering, information technology, or a related field is required.
• A bachelor's degree in the same fields, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree.
• Additional training or specialization in areas such as trade facilitation, customs and international trade taxation, digital transformation in the public sector, information systems governance, or cybersecurity is advantageous.
• Relevant academic qualifications, recognized professional certifications (project management, ITIL, cybersecurity), and substantial qualifying experience may also be considered.

Experience:
The required experience for this position includes:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in project management, specifically in IT projects.
• At least two years dedicated to leading digital transformation projects within the public sector.
• Proven experience managing multi-stakeholder projects that involve public institutions, international partners, and private operators.
• At least one year of experience in change management is required.
• Knowledge of the institutional context in Madagascar or East Africa is a plus, as is operational experience in interfacing between new and existing systems in public-private partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages to effectively communicate with stakeholders and manage project documentation.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level and falls under the ICA - IICA - Regular contract type. The contract level is IICA 2, and the duration of the contract is ongoing. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not request candidates to make payments during the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.