Project Management Office (PMO) - Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which has been operational since 1995 in Afghanistan. UNOPS is dedicated to providing efficient and agile services that support humanitarian responses and development efforts. The organization operates across 17 countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. UNOPS focuses on strengthening partnerships and maximizing impact through various operating units, ensuring high performance and operational excellence aligned with organizational goals. The organization emphasizes sustainable development solutions across diverse sectors such as infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist plays a crucial role in the development and continuous improvement of strategic, operational, and governance frameworks. This position ensures that all projects and programs are effectively designed, prioritized, and implemented in alignment with UNOPS and partner objectives. The PMO Specialist supports the management team in strategic planning and portfolio oversight, providing delivery assurance to ensure projects are executed according to UNOPS standards. The role promotes best practices in project management and ensures the consistent application of methodologies, policies, and tools across all operations. This enables evidence-based decision-making, optimal resource utilization, and effective delivery of sustainable results. The PMO Specialist is expected to drive strategic project and program success through innovative frameworks, ensuring optimal resource utilization and sustainable results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PMO Specialist's duties and responsibilities include contributing to strategic oversight and direction on project and program management activities, supporting the development and implementation of project budgets and staffing plans, and establishing resource tracking systems within the PMO. The role involves identifying and anticipating risks and issues, facilitating the preparation of high-level project plans, and overseeing project closure activities. The PMO Specialist is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and issuing regular project reports, continuously assessing project performance, and implementing effective monitoring and evaluation systems. Quality assurance is also a key responsibility, ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards and policies. Additionally, the PMO Specialist may assist in supervising project team members, contributing to recruitment and performance management, and promoting a respectful and inclusive working environment. Knowledge sharing and training facilitation on project management are also part of the role.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience. A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired. Relevant experience in project management or related areas is essential, along with demonstrable proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools such as MS Office and web-based management systems. Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is preferred, as well as experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline, or a Master's degree or equivalent in any discipline. The educational background should be complemented by relevant experience in project management or related fields. A globally recognized professional certification in project management is highly desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The PMO Specialist should have significant relevant experience, specifically in project management or related areas. This includes a proven track record of proficiency in using collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and G-Suite, as well as web-based management systems. Experience in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations in a developing country is preferred, along with experience in development or humanitarian contexts, which would provide valuable insights into the challenges and dynamics of such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working in diverse and multicultural environments. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with stakeholders and team members.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level, with an ICS level of 1

• The contract type is ICA - IICA - Regular, and the contract level is IICA
• The duration of the contract is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and discrimination, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.