Portfolio Manager

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Position Title: Portfolio Manager
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) was established in 2009 and operates from its main center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It manages a diverse portfolio of engagements across four countries in the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, Human Resources, Transactional Services, and Fund Management across various sectors, including Health, Education, Agriculture, and Resilient Infrastructure. UNOPS aims to support countries and assist people in need by delivering on its mandate effectively and efficiently, ensuring that its partners receive the necessary support to achieve their goals.

Job Overview:
The Portfolio Manager position is crucial for overseeing the performance of a portfolio of projects within the Ethiopia Country Office and potentially other Country Offices as assigned. The selected candidate will work closely with the Country Program Coordinator to ensure that projects are implemented to the highest standards of project management practices and meet the intended outcomes. The role involves providing strategic oversight and support for project delivery, ensuring that best practices are followed, and mentoring project management teams to enhance their capacity. The Portfolio Manager will also be responsible for ensuring that project management policies and processes are adhered to, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Portfolio Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading and managing the Project Management Team, ensuring that behavioral expectations are established and met; contributing to the implementation of the Resources Pool Management Strategy; developing strategies that promote a common vision for project maturity; fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement; managing staffing issues within the PM Team; ensuring performance reviews are conducted fairly; establishing resource tracking systems; monitoring portfolio performance; providing oversight and guidance to Project Managers; ensuring compliance with organizational standards; facilitating stakeholder engagement; and actively participating in planning and knowledge management initiatives. The role also requires the Portfolio Manager to identify potential risks and issues, provide guidance on change management, and ensure that all projects meet quality expectations and partner commitments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted. Certification in Prince 2 Foundation or equivalent is advantageous, while Prince 2 Practitioner or equivalent is also preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as the ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage complex projects effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant and progressive professional experience in Project Management. Candidates should have at least two years of experience leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as well as two years of experience managing or coordinating portfolios of multiple projects. Experience in delivering training or capacity-building workshops in project management is a distinct advantage. Familiarity with working in a PMO environment, particularly on infrastructure projects, is highly desirable, as is experience in post-conflict environments and with donor-funded projects.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, as is fluency in Amharic. Knowledge of additional UN official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Local Individual Contractual Agreement (IICA) at the LICA-11 level, with an ongoing open-ended contract subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The position is open to Ethiopian nationals only. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive work environment, and all personnel are expected to adhere to the UN Charter and UNOPS policies.