Project Management Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the implementation of projects and initiatives that align with the United Nations' goals, UNOPS operates globally, with a presence in over 130 countries. The organization focuses on delivering impactful results in areas such as sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding. UNOPS collaborates with various partners, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies, to provide services like project management, fund management, and HR support. The organization is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, ensuring that personnel from various backgrounds are represented and have equal access to opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support Specialist role is designed to empower project success through operational excellence, data-driven insights, and seamless coordination. This position involves supporting the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects, ensuring that results are delivered within the agreed scope, time, cost, quality, and risk parameters. The specialist will be responsible for day-to-day project operations, liaising with partners, donors, and beneficiaries, and ensuring that project activities align with UNOPS policies and quality standards. The role also includes providing analytical and operational support, tracking financial and performance data, identifying risks or challenges, and coordinating timely solutions with stakeholders. Overall, the position contributes to achieving project objectives, strengthening partner relationships, and supporting UNOPS' operational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Delivery and Performance: Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities in line with approved work plans, budgets, and quality standards. Coordinate day-to-day project operations to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNOPS and donor/partner requirements. Manage and monitor progress against scope, time, cost, and quality tolerances; identify risks and deviations, propose corrective actions, and escalate when required. Oversee project contracts and supplier performance to ensure compliance and value for money. Embed sustainability principles across project activities. Contribute to identifying and developing new project opportunities or extensions of existing engagements.
• Financial and Procurement Management: Support financial planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure effective budget utilization and cost control. Manage cash flow, expenditures, and financial commitments, ensuring timely disbursements and accurate financial reporting. Support procurement and grant management processes, including preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), evaluation of bids, and contract administration. Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Maintain effective working relationships with donors, partners, national authorities, and other stakeholders. Support the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement and communication plans. Facilitate internal coordination among project teams and technical experts. Represent the project in meetings and consultations as delegated by the supervisor.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Quality Assurance: Monitor project performance against agreed indicators, preparing progress, financial, and completion reports. Conduct data analysis and provide inputs for management decisions. Ensure quality assurance processes are applied to all deliverables and outputs.
• Personnel Management: Assist in supervising and motivating project team members. Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of personnel, ensuring gender balance and diversity principles are upheld. Promote a respectful and inclusive working environment.
• Knowledge Building and Sharing: Support the organization and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management. Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute insights and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Management Support Specialist position include an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Business Administration & Finance, International Relations, Political Sciences, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration & Finance, International Relations, Political Sciences, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. A professional certification in project management is also desired.

Experience:
Candidates should have progressively responsible experience working in project management or related areas. Relevant experience is defined as having demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and G-Suite, as well as web-based management systems. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations, particularly in developing countries, is preferred. Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is also desired.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both languages to effectively communicate and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level with an ICS level of 1

• The contract type is ICA - IICA - Regular, with a contract level of IICA
• The posting start date is October 19, 2026, and the end date for applications is November 1, 202
• The duration of the contract is 4 months, with the possibility of extensions subject to budget availability, project needs, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes a fair and transparent selection process and encourages applications from diverse candidates, including women and individuals from underrepresented groups.