Senior Project Manager

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Position Title: Senior Project Manager
Location: Abuja
Country: Nigeria
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 5,000 personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners across 80 countries, UNOPS emphasizes diversity and gender balance in its workforce. The organization is committed to providing sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their projects.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Manager will oversee the Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), which aims to combat gully erosion and land degradation in Nigeria. This role involves managing the project to ensure compliance with the European Investment Bank (EIB) standards and providing advisory services to the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs). The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the overall project management, ensuring that project services and outputs are delivered within specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. The position requires close coordination with various stakeholders and managing a team of technical specialists and advisors to achieve the project's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager's responsibilities include establishing solid working relationships with stakeholders, developing project communications plans, and ensuring effective engagement with the Project Board. The role also involves strategic planning, overseeing project delivery and performance, and ensuring compliance with EIB processes. The Senior Project Manager will monitor project activities, prepare performance reports, and facilitate regular updates and communication with stakeholders. Additionally, the position requires managing project budgets, conducting compliance checks, and supporting audit activities. The Senior Project Manager will also be responsible for personnel management, including selecting, recruiting, and training the project team, ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for all personnel, and fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree in fields such as Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, or related disciplines. A First-Level University Degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted. Certification in Erosion and Sediment Control, Project Management (PRINCE2®, PMP®), or similar is an asset. The role requires a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in project/programme management, with at least five years in project planning, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and environmental laws in Nigeria is advantageous, along with proficiency in project management tools and GIS.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University Degree in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a First-Level University Degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. Certification in relevant areas such as Erosion and Sediment Control or Project Management is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience at senior levels in project/programme management and development. Within this timeframe, at least five years must be dedicated to preparing project plans, writing progress reports, and engaging stakeholders. Experience in administration, procurement, compliance, and monitoring in a multi-stakeholder environment is desired, along with practical experience in watershed management or erosion control.

Languages:
Fluency in written, reading, and spoken English is mandatory. Working knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) at the International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 3)/ICS11 level, with an open-ended duration subject to performance and availability of funds. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks. Candidates are advised that applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.