Deputy Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects worldwide. With a workforce of over 6,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a diverse range of governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is committed to delivering impactful projects that enhance the quality of life for communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. The Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on strategic initiatives in areas such as Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, and Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security. UNOPS aims to promote excellence in project delivery and foster knowledge sharing to contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for the effective delivery and daily oversight of projects that provide transactional services, including HR services, procurement, and grants management to UNOPS partners. This role involves coordinating with donors, partners, and beneficiaries to ensure alignment with contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards. The Deputy Project Manager will work under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager and 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 managing project support functions within the SOGREA programme, which aims to accelerate off-grid electrification in Sierra Leone. The incumbent will oversee cross-cutting activities such as HR processing, procurement interface, financial tracking, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and technical retainers, ensuring compliance with UNOPS performance standards and donor agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, complete, and update the project implementation plan, ensuring all milestones are established and adhered to.
• Implement the approved project plan, managing the production of required outputs and taking responsibility for overall progress and resource utilization.
• Ensure quality of work packages and deliverables comply with the defined quality requirements.
• Liaise with external suppliers to ensure timely delivery of outputs and manage acceptance of work packages.
• Monitor project progress, control variances, and manage changes effectively.
• Identify and advise senior management on project risks and potential opportunities.
• Maintain project documentation for accessibility and audit support.
• Prepare and issue regular project and financial reports in accordance with partner and UNOPS requirements.
• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and plans, ensuring effective communication and relationship management with all stakeholders. 1
• Organize and structure the project team, providing guidance and support to ensure effective performance. 1
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS policies and standards, including financial rules and regulations. 1
• Support project audit activities and follow up on audit recommendations.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 is required.
• A globally recognized professional certificate (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI) or membership in Project Management is desired.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in international organizations implementing complex projects/programmes related to HR processes, financial management, grants management, or procurement.
• Demonstrated proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems.
• Knowledge of relevant quality standards and assurance methodologies is essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree or equivalent. Additionally, candidates with a globally recognized professional certification in project management (such as PRINCE2 or PMI) will be favored. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of managing complex projects and understanding the operational frameworks of international organizations.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in international organizations, specifically in implementing complex projects or programmes related to HR processes, financial management, grants management, or procurement. Experience in project coordination and operations management is essential, along with a proven track record of managing project budgets and monitoring delivery metrics. Familiarity with quality assurance methodologies and experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries is highly desirable. Previous experience with UNOPS in managing similar projects will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of stakeholder engagement and communication within diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level with an ICS Level of 10 and is offered under an ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular contract type. The contract is ongoing, with a posting start date of September 30, 2026, and an application deadline of October 16, 202

• 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. Candidates are expected to perform their duties in accordance with UNOPS policies and the UN Charter.