Project Manager (Implementation)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was established in 2019 and has since been pivotal in providing operational support and technical expertise across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The office focuses on sustainable infrastructure solutions and has initiated flagship projects such as 'Blueing the Black Sea', which aims to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development, and Türkiye’s post-earthquake recovery programme. AUMCO also engages in various projects that enhance cultural heritage, support higher education, and strengthen health systems, thereby reinforcing its role as a regional and thematic centre of excellence in the UNOPS framework.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager (Implementation) will lead the 'Strengthening Institutions for Sustainable Development: Austria’s Regional Support Initiative', which is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). This initiative aims to provide public institutions in several countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Moldova, with access to high-quality technical expertise. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing a multi-country technical assistance mechanism, ensuring that institutional needs are translated into actionable technical assignments. This role requires effective coordination with various stakeholders, including government institutions and development partners, to ensure that project objectives align with the strategic goals of the initiative. The Project Manager will also be tasked with managing project risks, ensuring compliance with donor reporting requirements, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to facilitate successful project delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for developing and updating the project implementation plan, ensuring that all project outputs are delivered within the agreed tolerances of time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits. Key responsibilities include managing the production of required outputs, monitoring project progress, controlling variances, and initiating corrective actions as necessary. The Project Manager will also be responsible for stakeholder engagement, developing communication plans, and ensuring that all project documentation is maintained in an orderly manner. Additionally, the role involves conducting regular project and financial reporting, managing project risks, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards. The Project Manager will lead and motivate the project team, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that team members are supported in their tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. A project management certification from a globally recognized institute is desired, as well as professional certification in a relevant technical area. Candidates should have a strong understanding of project planning, implementation, and control, as well as experience in managing project risks in a multi-stakeholder context. Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies is also required, along with experience in project communication and reporting.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. Relevant certifications in project management and technical areas related to the job are highly desirable. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the socio-economic and environmental contexts in which the projects will be implemented.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in the implementation of complex projects or programmes, particularly in development or humanitarian contexts. Experience in project planning, implementation, and control is essential, as is familiarity with quality assurance methodologies. Experience working in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations is preferred, as is experience in managing projects in developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the countries involved in the initiative would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and stakeholder engagement across diverse cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the mid-level (ICS 10) and is a full-time role under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) with a regular contract type. The contract duration is ongoing, and the position requires the Project Manager to work in a multicultural and geographically dispersed environment. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates.