Project Management Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Regional Office for Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is dedicated to supporting African governments, UN partners, and donors by providing essential infrastructure, procurement, and project management services. Established to enhance resilience and improve public service delivery, UNOPS focuses on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in fragile and rapidly growing contexts. The organization plays a crucial role in implementing peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally, with a mission to serve those in need by enhancing the capacity of the United Nations and its partners to manage projects sustainably and efficiently. UNOPS operates in some of the world's most challenging environments, striving to exceed partner expectations through sustainable implementation practices. Its flexible structure and global reach enable quick responses to partner needs while leveraging economies of scale.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support Officer is tasked with providing comprehensive operational, analytical, and administrative support to ensure the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects in accordance with UNOPS policies and client/partner requirements. This role involves managing data, reporting, procurement, financial, and logistical activities that are essential for efficient project delivery. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting, validating, and analyzing project data, generating insights and reports that facilitate evidence-based decision-making and enhance overall project performance. Additionally, the Project Management Support Officer will facilitate coordination among project teams, partners, and support services units, ensuring timely implementation of activities while adhering to established procedures. The role may also require undertaking field missions to support data collection, training, and stakeholder engagement, thereby strengthening project systems, processes, and reporting tools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Support Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Data Management, Analysis, and Reporting: Collecting, cleaning, structuring, and validating project data to ensure accuracy and reliability; developing and maintaining databases and dashboards for real-time project tracking; conducting statistical and qualitative analyses to identify trends; preparing analytical reports and presentations for stakeholders; implementing automated tools for data accessibility; and ensuring rigorous data quality checks.
• Project Implementation and Operational Support: Supporting project planning, budgeting, and execution; preparing project documentation such as Terms of Reference (ToRs) and procurement requests; coordinating workshops and stakeholder consultations; liaising with support service units on procurement and contracting; tracking project milestones and deliverables; and alerting management to potential delays or risks.
• Procurement, Financial, and Administrative Coordination: Preparing and monitoring procurement plans; conducting market research; monitoring project budget utilization; processing travel and expense claims; and maintaining documentation for audits.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Strategic Decision Support: Developing monitoring systems to track progress; contributing to predictive models for strategic planning; supporting internal evaluations; and providing timely inputs for donor reporting.
• Knowledge Building and Sharing: Organizing training sessions on project management; participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives; conducting research on project management topics; and contributing to reports and summaries.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 2 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with no prior experience. A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools such as MS Office and G-Suite, and experience in project management or related areas is essential. Additionally, experience working in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations in developing countries is preferred, as is experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline, with a preference for those holding a Master’s degree or equivalent. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training relevant to project management, data analysis, or related fields. Professional certifications in project management are highly regarded and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The role requires relevant experience in project management or related fields. Candidates should have demonstrable proficiency in using collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and G-Suite, as well as web-based management systems. Experience in multicultural environments or with UN system organizations in developing countries is desired, along with a background in development or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages, as effective communication in these languages is essential for collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Associate level (ICS 08) and is offered as an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) for a duration of one year. The role is full-time, and candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities. Background checks will be conducted for final candidates to ensure compliance with UNOPS standards.