Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 7,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides essential project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. Since its inception, UNOPS has been instrumental in implementing around 1,000 projects at any given time, significantly contributing to tangible results in challenging environments. In Sri Lanka, UNOPS has been active since 1998, expanding its operations post-tsunami in 2005 to support reconstruction and development initiatives. The organization focuses on customized socio-economic development projects that enhance national capacities and benefit vulnerable populations, with notable achievements in sustainable infrastructure, health, education, and disaster management sectors. UNOPS collaborates closely with government entities and communities to ensure project sustainability and accountability, exemplified by its involvement in significant projects like the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project and procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager position involves overseeing the HIQI project, which is implemented under the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka and funded by the Global Fund. The project aims to facilitate the digital transformation of the Ministry of Health by procuring and installing necessary hardware across 30 pilot hospitals. The Project Manager will coordinate various stakeholders, including public and private IT sectors, to ensure the project's successful execution. The role requires a blend of technical expertise in construction management and a strong understanding of health information systems. The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising construction activities, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and managing project timelines and budgets. This position is crucial for bringing the HIQI project back on track and ensuring that it meets its objectives effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• General Construction: Support the Project Manager in planning and coordinating work activities, preparing technical specifications, and assessing contractors' capabilities.
• Design Management: Assist in outlining design requirements, managing the design process, and supporting procurement teams with technical assistance.
• Construction Supervision & Contract Management: Ensure tender documents are complete, participate in construction inspections, and mentor contractor staff.
• Health and Safety/Quality: Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and promote a Goal Zero mindset on-site.
• Monitoring and Progress Controls: Report site progress daily and coordinate with stakeholders to avoid delays.
• Knowledge Management: Provide training and technology transfer to national personnel and contribute to best practices dissemination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in engineering, construction management, or a relevant discipline. A Bachelor's degree with additional relevant work experience may substitute for a Master's degree. Proficiency in Google documents and MS Project is required, along with drafting skills in AutoCAD. Basic knowledge of network cabling standards and the ability to read network diagrams is essential. Experience in managing construction activities, particularly in healthcare environments, is crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's Degree or higher) in engineering, construction management, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, can substitute for the Master's degree requirement.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of experience in managing or supervising construction activities is required. Candidates should have demonstrable experience in civil engineering projects within hospital or healthcare environments. Experience in directing and mentoring engineering staff is also necessary, along with a background in implementing complex quality and safety plans.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Intermediate proficiency in spoken Sinhala and Tamil is required, with basic proficiency in reading and writing these languages being desirable.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the Local ICA Specialist level (LICA 8). The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and all applications will be evaluated based on skills and qualifications. Candidates are encouraged to inform the HR team if they require assistance during the assessment process. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and requires completion of mandatory courses for retainer contracts.