Project Management Support - Senior Assistant

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 provides essential project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions and has a significant impact on the ground by managing around 1,000 projects at any given time, often in challenging environments. The Geneva office (GVA) is part of the Global Portfolios Office (GPO) and manages a diverse portfolio of hosted entities, funds, programs, and projects, offering services such as fund management, advisory services, and project implementation.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support - Senior Assistant position is situated within the UN Partners Team, which is focused on providing operational support to various United Nations agencies under the GVA office, while being based in Copenhagen. The GVA team collaborates with 10 UN partners, including the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), established in early 202

• The role involves assisting in operational support, portfolio planning, administration, knowledge building, and knowledge sharing. The incumbent will work closely with internal and external partners, including the UNOPS Geneva team, HR, Finance, Operations, and project personnel, to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with UNOPS regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to project management support, travel logistics, procurement, and administrative tasks, ensuring that all activities align with UNOPS standards and contribute to the effective implementation of UN projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Assistant will perform a variety of functions under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Specialist, including:

• Project Management Support: Assisting in the delivery of UNOPS services in compliance with rules and regulations, monitoring procurement, travel, workshops, and grants, and maintaining tracking systems for contracts and payments.
• Travel, Logistics, and Workshop Support: Organizing logistical arrangements for workshops and meetings, processing travel arrangements and expense claims, preparing briefing materials, and coordinating visas and accommodations for participants.
• Procurement and Administrative Support: Creating and managing requisitions and purchase orders, ensuring compliance with procurement activities, maintaining accurate records of transactions, and supporting project communications.
• Implementation of Operational Strategies: Ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies, providing input into Standard Operating Procedures, and assisting in the oversight of travel and procurement requests.
• Monitoring and Progress Controls: Documenting project progress, participating in team meetings, and defining performance indicators in collaboration with the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school diploma or equivalent, with a first-level university degree (bachelor’s) or advanced degree (master’s) in related fields being advantageous. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in programme/project management and administration support is required. Familiarity with UNOPS policies and procedures, particularly in finance, travel, and procurement, is desirable. Proficiency in Google Workspace tools such as Google Sheets, Google Documents, Google Data Studio, and BigQuery is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a secondary school diploma or equivalent as a minimum. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s) or an advanced degree (master’s) in a related field can substitute for some of the required years of experience, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional working experience in programme/project management and administration support. Experience at the national or international level in providing project management and transactional services is desirable. Familiarity with UNOPS policies and procedures, especially regarding finance, travel, and procurement, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of any other UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Local Individual Contractor Agreement at the ICS 5 / LICA-5 level. The contract duration is ongoing and open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization also commits to providing reasonable accommodations during the assessment process for shortlisted candidates. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post if necessary. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.