Senior Project Manager (Transactional)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, established in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The office is supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in North, West, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, as well as the Horn of Africa. It 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, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional 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 Senior Project Manager (Transactional) is tasked with the effective delivery and daily oversight of projects that provide transactional services, including HR services, procurement, grants, or services to UNOPS partners. This role serves as the focal point for coordination with donors, partners, and beneficiaries, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards. The Senior Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Board, ensuring that project outputs are delivered within agreed tolerances of time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, with a focus on driving efficiency and stakeholder success in a dynamic global environment. The role also involves developing and updating project implementation plans, managing project progress, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including: developing, completing, and updating the project implementation plan; implementing the approved plan while establishing milestones; embedding sustainability dimensions into the project life span; managing the production of required outputs; ensuring quality compliance of work packages and deliverables; liaising with external suppliers for timely delivery; monitoring project progress and controlling variances; advising senior management on mitigating measures against project risks; maintaining project documentation; preparing and adapting plans for approval; managing reporting obligations; supporting project audit activities; and ensuring stakeholder engagement strategies are developed and executed effectively. The role also includes creating a learning environment for the project team, encouraging knowledge sharing, and ensuring safety and security for all project personnel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience. A globally recognized professional certificate in project management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI) or membership in a project management organization is desired. Relevant experience in project management specific to HR processes, financial management, grants management, procurement, or related areas is required. Knowledge of quality standards and assurance methodologies is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree or equivalent. The educational qualifications should be complemented by relevant professional certifications in project management, which are considered a strong asset for the role.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in project management, specifically in areas related to HR processes or services, financial management, grants management, and procurement. Candidates should have a proven track record in project coordination and operations management, with a strong understanding of relevant quality standards and assurance methodologies. Experience in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations in developing countries is highly desirable, as is experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at a senior level (ICS 11) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) with a regular contract type. The contract is ongoing, and applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with organizational standards. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not request any payments during the recruitment process.