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 a workforce of more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in North, West, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, the office aims to advance 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 support for Middle-Income Countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The 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, transparent resource management, and improved quality of life for communities across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will oversee the 'Projet d’aménagements de corridors et de facilitation du commerce Phase III' (PACFC III), which is structured into three overlapping implementation phases. The project encompasses several components including infrastructure improvements at ports and customs, procurement of complex equipment for the government, digital platform development for research and industry, and community development initiatives such as building schools and health centers. The Project Manager will specifically be responsible for the 'Digitalisation & Systèmes informatiques' component, working under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager. This role is crucial as PACFC III is not merely an infrastructure project but a lever for economic sovereignty for Madagascar, aiming to enhance the country's economic resilience and service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall realization and performance of the project, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards. Key responsibilities include developing, finalizing, and updating the project implementation plan, managing the execution of the approved plan, integrating sustainability dimensions throughout the project lifecycle, and ensuring the quality of deliverables. The Project Manager will also liaise with external suppliers, manage project documentation, support audit activities, and prepare regular project and financial reports. Additionally, the role involves stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, knowledge management, and team management, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that the team is motivated and supported in their tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in project management, specifically in IT projects, with at least two years dedicated to digital transformation projects within the public sector. Experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects involving public institutions, international technical and financial partners, and private operators is essential. A proven track record in change management is also required. Knowledge of the Malagasy institutional context or the East African and Indian Ocean region is preferred, along with experience in interfacing between new and existing systems in public-private partnerships in the port, customs, or logistics sectors.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in project management, business administration (MBA), engineering, information technology, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the same fields combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. Additional training or specialization in trade facilitation, customs and international trade taxation, public sector digital transformation, information systems governance, or cybersecurity is considered an asset. Relevant academic qualifications, recognized professional certifications (such as project management, ITIL, or cybersecurity), and substantial qualifying experience will also be taken into account.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in IT project management, with at least two years focused on leading digital transformation projects in the public sector. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in change management and a demonstrated ability to manage projects involving multiple stakeholders, including public institutions and international partners. Experience in facilitating inter-ministerial steering committees and negotiating with public administration leaders on sensitive technical and political issues is also desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level with an ICS level of 10 and is offered under an 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, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.