Senior Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS Afghanistan has been operational for over 20 years, focusing on delivering projects and services that enhance the lives of people in need. The Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as a mechanism for implementing various projects designated by UNOPS. Their activities span multiple sectors, including humanitarian aid, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement, and HR services. The mission of UNOPS AFCO is to exceed stakeholder expectations in service delivery, aiming to improve the lives of Afghans in need through efficient and cost-effective implementation services.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Manager (SPM) is tasked with overseeing the daily operations of a project that involves verifying and resolving claims between the De-facto Authority and contractors for services completed before August 15, 202

• This role requires the SPM to ensure that project outputs are delivered within specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. The SPM will create an Implementation Plan and must have a thorough understanding of the terms and conditions of the project, as well as the roles of various stakeholders. A deep understanding of Afghanistan's governmental structure and the challenges faced by ministries is essential for successful project delivery. The SPM will also need to align strategies with donor expectations and manage a diverse project team effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for developing and updating implementation plans, managing project outputs, ensuring quality compliance, and liaising with external suppliers. They will monitor project progress, manage budgets, and ensure timely payments to contractors. The SPM will also prepare regular project reports, engage stakeholders, and ensure compliance with audit requirements. They will lead the project management team, establish performance expectations, and ensure safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for all personnel. Additionally, the SPM will identify potential risks and business opportunities, manage contract performance, and support project audits.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or a relevant discipline. A combination of a first-level degree with additional years of experience or relevant industry certifications may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Certification as a PRINCE2 Practitioner is considered an asset. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in managing infrastructure projects, with mandatory experience in project or program management and engineering and construction contract management being highly desirable. Experience in hardship duty stations or conflict zones is also an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (e.g., Masters) in a relevant field is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience or a technical diploma with four additional years of experience may be accepted. A relevant combination of academic credentials and industry certifications may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in managing infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on project or program management. Experience in engineering and construction contract management is an asset, as is familiarity with projects funded by multilateral development banks. Experience in hardship duty stations or conflict zones is also beneficial, as is prior work with UNOPS.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an International ICA with a level of IICA-4 and is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. 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 reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised if necessary.