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. With 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. The office promotes excellence in project delivery, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement to contribute to sustainable infrastructure and better quality of life for communities across Africa.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager (Transactional) is tasked with the effective delivery and daily oversight of projects that provide essential transactional services such as HR services, procurement, and grants management to UNOPS partners. This role involves acting as the focal point for coordination with donors, partners, and beneficiaries, ensuring that all project outputs align with contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that project outputs are delivered within agreed tolerances of time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits, thereby playing a crucial role in the success of the projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will develop, complete, and update the project implementation plan, ensuring that the approved plan is implemented within the tolerances set by the Project Board. They will embed sustainability dimensions into the project lifespan, manage the production of required outputs, and ensure compliance with quality requirements. The role includes liaising with external suppliers, monitoring project progress, controlling variances, and advising senior management on mitigating measures against project risks. The Project Manager will also be responsible for maintaining project documentation, managing reporting obligations, and ensuring adherence to local laws and regulations. They will engage stakeholders, develop communication plans, and ensure effective project communications. Additionally, the Project Manager will work on quality assurance, knowledge management, and personnel management, ensuring that the project team is organized and motivated to achieve project goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 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, along with knowledge of quality standards and assurance methodologies.

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 an asset for this role.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in project management, specifically in HR processes, financial management, grants management, procurement, or related fields. Candidates should have experience in project coordination and operations management, with a strong understanding of quality standards and assurance methodologies. Experience working in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations in developing countries is desired, as well as experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and partners, as well as for the preparation of project documentation and reports.

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 position 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 UNOPS standards.