Project Management Support - Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support partners in the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of its partners' projects. With a global footprint covering approximately 125 countries, UNOPS collaborates closely with major global partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies, to deliver a wide range of services. The organization is committed to advancing sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding, and operates through its Global Portfolios Office (GPO) with hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support - Senior Officer will play a crucial role in assisting the implementation of significant projects aimed at combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling in West and Central Africa. This position involves supporting the execution of the PROMIS project, which focuses on strengthening the capacities of states to effectively detect, investigate, and prosecute trafficking in persons while protecting victims. The Senior Officer will also contribute to the joint UNODC-UNDP project aimed at the protection and education of children in Burkina Faso. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, ensuring that all activities are delivered within the defined scope, time, cost, and quality parameters. The incumbent will provide analytical and operational support in project planning, execution, and reporting, contributing to risk and performance management, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Delivery and Performance: Contribute to the development and execution of detailed implementation plans, ensuring timely delivery of project outputs within budget and quality standards. Provide logistical and operational support for missions, workshops, and dialogues, including preparation of materials and reports. Integrate sustainability, social inclusion, and gender equality considerations into all project stages. Conduct field missions to monitor implementation and support local partners.
• Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance: Coordinate the preparation and submission of narrative and financial reports, ensuring compliance with UNODC and donor standards. Track project progress against scope, schedule, cost, and quality indicators, providing early warnings on deviations and proposing corrective actions. Conduct regular reviews of project data and performance indicators to assess delivery status and maintain dashboards for evidence-based decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Build and maintain productive relationships with national and local authorities, donors, partners, and other stakeholders. Facilitate communication and coordination among programme teams and partners. Support the organization of steering committee meetings, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
• Knowledge Building and Sharing: Organize and facilitate training and learning sessions on project management. Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute insights and lessons learned. Conduct research on project management-related topics and assist in drafting reports and summaries.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience should include work in project management or related areas. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools such as MS Office and G-Suite is required. Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries is desired, along with experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, or a Master's degree with a focus on project management, international relations, or a related discipline. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of managing complex projects and understanding the operational frameworks of international organizations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience if holding a Master's degree, or 4 years if holding a Bachelor's degree. Experience should be in project management or related fields, with a strong emphasis on operational support and stakeholder engagement. Experience in multicultural settings or within the UN system is highly desirable, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in both languages, as they will be required to engage with diverse stakeholders and produce reports and documentation in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the mid-level (ICS 09) and is offered on a contract basis (ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular) for a duration of four months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The role may require significant travel (up to 25%). UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. All applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.