Project Management Support Senior Associate (Maternity Cover)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) was established to provide operational support to the United Nations and its partners. It aims to help organizations achieve their goals by providing project management, infrastructure, procurement, and human resources services. UNOPS operates in multiple countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine, and has been active since 2004 in the Middle East region. The organization focuses on sustainable development and humanitarian efforts, working closely with national governments, UN agencies, and donors to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS employs a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive working environment.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support Senior Associate plays a critical role in the Local Infrastructure in Rural Anbar (LIRA III) project, which aims to improve living conditions for returnees in rural areas of Al-Anbar governorate and Sinjar. This position involves assisting the Senior Project Manager in adhering to project management methods and strategies, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies, and contributing to the overall success of the project. The role requires a strong focus on project monitoring, reporting, implementation, and financial oversight, ensuring that all activities align with corporate standards and policies. The Senior Associate will also be responsible for maintaining project documentation, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and supporting the project team in achieving its objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Monitoring and Reporting: Maintain records of project files and supporting documents, ensure compliance with financial rules and regulations, monitor project budgets and expenditures, produce financial reports, and support the Project Manager in managing budgets and cash flow.
• Project Implementation: Assist the Senior Project Manager in ensuring adherence to UNOPS policies, maintain project tracking sheets, support the preparation of contractor invoices, and document lessons learned.
• Operational and Administrative Support: Review financial information, liaise with finance and logistics units, support HR activities, and assist in organizing project meetings.
• Project Management and Financial Support Services: Prepare detailed project budget forecasts, review activity reports, identify bottlenecks, and coordinate with procurement and logistics teams.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Compile lessons learned, contribute to best practices dissemination, and support local capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
Completion of secondary school, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A bachelor's degree with an additional three years of relevant experience is required. PRINCE2® certification is considered an asset. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, preferably in a relevant field such as Finance, Accounting, Project Management, or Business Administration. A bachelor's degree is preferred, along with additional relevant experience. PRINCE2® certification is a desirable qualification that can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of relevant and progressive professional experience is required, preferably in Administration and Financial Management, with a focus on accounting, budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree may qualify with an additional three years of relevant experience. Experience with the Google Suite platform and knowledge of UN rules and procedures in Project Management, Finance, and HR Management is also desired.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in both languages, as they will be required to interact with diverse stakeholders and produce reports and documentation in both languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is a maternity leave cover until March 31, 2027, and is classified at the Associate seniority level (ICS 07). The contract type is ICA - LICA - Support - Regular. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all final candidates to ensure compliance with its standards and policies.