Head of Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities across the globe, and it provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) will play a crucial role in managing and coordinating the implementation of the Ukraine Water Supply and Wastewater Recovery Project. This position involves ensuring compliance with the Financial Agreement and Project Operations Manual, providing strategic leadership, and overseeing project documentation and reporting. The consultant will be responsible for enhancing national coordination and governance, integrating UNICEF's technical assistance into investment frameworks, and ensuring financial sustainability and long-term funding pathways. The role requires a strong understanding of infrastructure projects funded by international financial institutions (IFIs) and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of PMSU will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: reviewing and implementing all project-related documentation; providing strategic leadership in project implementation; ensuring compliance with the terms of the Financial Agreement; coordinating portfolio monitoring and risk management; ensuring timely reporting to the European Investment Bank (EIB) and UNICEF; managing procurement and contract execution; overseeing construction compliance and monitoring; maintaining a project documentation register; preparing quarterly performance dashboards; and conducting stakeholder coordination meetings. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing annual implementation reports and ensuring environmental and social compliance monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering, economics, finance, law, or public administration, along with a Project Management certification (PMP/IPM). They should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in senior project management, particularly with IFI-funded infrastructure projects. Strong leadership, programme management skills, and excellent coordination and stakeholder management abilities are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving capabilities, as well as the ability to manage procurement, contracts, and programme risks effectively.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, economics, finance, law, or public administration is required. Additionally, a Project Management certification (PMP/IPM) is necessary to qualify for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in senior project management, with a focus on infrastructure projects funded by international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), World Bank (WB), or European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Relevant experience in development, particularly in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts, is also desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at an upper-intermediate level (B2) is mandatory, along with native or proficient knowledge of Ukrainian (C2). Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last until January 2027, with a total of 241 working days outlined for various deliverables. The consultant will be compensated based on a lump sum fee that includes all administrative and travel costs. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables do not meet the required standards or if there are delays. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and those with disabilities are encouraged to disclose their needs for reasonable accommodation during the application process. The position is not considered a staff member role under UNICEF's regulations, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities.