Project Manager

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Position Title: Project Manager
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 globally. With a workforce of over 6,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS acts as a central resource for the UN, providing sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services. The organization is involved in approximately 1,000 projects at any given time, contributing significantly to results in challenging environments. UNOPS partners with various entities, including governments, donors, and UN organizations, to enhance their capacity to implement impactful operations.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of projects, ensuring that outputs are delivered within specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. This role involves acting on behalf of the Project Board during the implementation stage, creating implementation plans, and ensuring that project outputs align with the business cases of both UNOPS and its partners. The Project Manager is expected to meet organizational performance and delivery goals, manage work packages assigned to Team Managers, and approve deliverables. Success in this role is measured against defined success criteria, and the Project Manager must navigate the complexities of project management while fostering relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Delivery and Performance: Develop and update implementation plans, manage project outputs, ensure quality compliance, liaise with external suppliers, monitor project progress, and manage risks.
• Procedures: Comply with organizational policies, manage reporting obligations, draft procurement requirements, maintain project files, and oversee financial management.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Prepare regular project reports, review project status, and maintain progress documentation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop stakeholder profiles, establish relationships with the Project Board and key stakeholders, and coordinate project communications.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with audit requirements and coordinate quality reviews.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Encourage capacity building, share lessons learned, and contribute to policy improvements.
• Personnel Management: Lead and motivate the project management team, conduct performance reviews, and ensure a culture of respect and safety.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security/Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a University Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Completion of the UNOPS Project Management Foundation course within one year of signing the Terms of Reference is required. A combination of academic credentials and industry certifications may also be considered in lieu of formal education. PRINCE2® Foundation certification is preferred and must be obtained within six months of starting the job.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University Degree in relevant fields such as Project Management, Business Administration, or International Relations is required. A Bachelor's Degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may suffice. Candidates must also complete the UNOPS Project Management Foundation course within one year of employment. Relevant academic credentials or industry certifications may be accepted in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in project management is required, with a focus on HR, procurement, or fund management projects. Experience within the UN System is desirable, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to thrive in a complex multicultural environment. Knowledge of UNOPS rules and regulations is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is a Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) at level LICA 10, with an open-ended duration subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The duty station is Dakar, Senegal, which is designated as a family duty station. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. Candidates requiring assistance during the assessment process should inform the human resources team. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and conducts background checks on all potential personnel.