Project Management Support - Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS, established in 1995, is a United Nations organization that provides project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to help governments and organizations implement sustainable development solutions. With a presence in over 80 countries, UNOPS aims to empower project success through operational excellence and strategic partnerships. The organization focuses on delivering high-quality services across various sectors, including health, infrastructure, and humanitarian response, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and donor expectations.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support Specialist role is designed to enhance the effective delivery of ongoing and future projects within the UNOPS framework. The incumbent will provide technical and strategic support to ensure that projects are implemented in accordance with organizational standards and donor expectations. This position requires a strong focus on project implementation support, with additional responsibilities in business development as needed. The specialist will work closely with the Head of Programme or Project Manager to ensure that projects meet their intended outcomes and adhere to the highest standards of project management practices. The role also involves leveraging experience in project management, infrastructure project management, and grant management to support program delivery. The selected candidate will be part of a retainer pool, primarily supporting UNOPS Afghanistan but may also assist other country offices as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Support Specialist will be responsible for coordinating and supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects. Key duties include:

• Supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities in line with approved work plans, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinating day-to-day project operations to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNOPS and donor/partner requirements.
• Managing and monitoring progress against scope, time, cost, and quality tolerances, identifying risks and proposing corrective actions.
• Overseeing project contracts and supplier performance to ensure compliance and value for money.
• Embedding sustainability principles across project activities.
• Supporting financial planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure effective budget utilization.
• Managing cash flow, expenditures, and financial commitments.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Monitoring project performance against agreed indicators and preparing progress reports. 1
• Assisting in supervising project team members and promoting a respectful working environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and G-Suite, is required. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations is preferred, particularly in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. The educational background should be complemented by relevant professional experience in project management or related fields. A professional certification in project management is highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in project management or related areas. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in using collaboration and productivity tools and have experience working in multicultural environments or within the UN system, particularly in developing countries. Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is also preferred, as it aligns with the organization's mission and operational focus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages relevant to the regions where UNOPS operates, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a mid-level role under the ICA - IICA - Retainer contract type, with a contract duration of 1 year and the possibility of extension. The role is home-based, allowing for remote work. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and discrimination, ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment for all personnel.