Deputy Project Manager

 Background Information - Job-specific

UNOP Somalia Country Office (SOCO) exciting career opportunity as we are committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

UNOPS - SOCO is recruiting this position: Deputy Project Manager

Interested and qualified women candidates are encouraged to apply.

Overview of UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peace building contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

Somalia Country Office:

Somalia is amid major new political and security developments that will offer a greater possibility for peace and security than the country has seen in over 20 years. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), established in 2012, and international community have driven a process of rebuilding of functioning government institutions and processes through Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building priorities under the Somali Compact (2013-2016), based on the Busan “New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States” agreement. The Somalia National Development Plan (2017-2019), builds on this foundation laid by the Compact and sets the priorities for national recovery and development in full collaboration with national and regional governments.  A landmark electoral process in late 2016 and early 2017 resulted in a peaceful transfer of power to a new President and government, in place since February and March 2017 respectively. The government has set out an ambitious agenda for its term (the period to 2021).  At the London Somalia Conference in May 2017, a Security Pact was agreed by Somalia and the international community, which will allow for sustainable, long-term security based on mutual accountability.

UNOPS has had a solid in-country presence in Somalia since 1994 implementing a wide range of projects and has contributed to the above development priorities of the country.

Specific Context to the Project.

Support from the International Community in strengthening the Somali National Army (SNA) began over a decade ago. Since 2010, the EU contributes through a military Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) mission to the training of the SNA. It is part of the EU’s long-term strategy to enable Somali forces to gradually assume their security responsibilities and to facilitate AMISOM’s drawdown. The projects seek to address the installation of tented barracks as well as procurement of essential non-lethal military equipment. With the addition of tented barracks, the Somali military will be better equipped to maintain a stable force of soldiers on the ground in acceptable living conditions which decreases the time spent off base and as a result is conducive to creating a safer and more secure environment in the surrounding area. It is also indispensable for expanding the FGS’s control over the Somali territory. For the country as a whole, the transition of security responsibility from AMISOM to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) will be challenging. As AMISOM gradually withdraws its forces from the country, and SNA gains more ground, the establishment of a well-equipped and capacitated SNA will go a long way in meeting the objectives of the Transition Plan".

Background Information - Job Specific:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Deputy Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provide services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries. S/he is expected to meet and exceed the organization's performance and delivery goals. The Deputy Project Manager is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. 

 Functional Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Deputy Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project and successful implementation of the delivery of the project’s outputs. S/he will act as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in the absence of the Senior Project Manager and is expected to meet and exceed the organization’s performance and delivery goals

The Deputy Project Manager, will also be responsible for producing/updating the Project Initiation Documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders. This will ensure that the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the project and hence the Deputy Project Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.

The Deputy Project Manager delivers to, and supports, the project life cycle. At the request of the Senior Project Manager, within the defined limits of authority and as per delegated authority. S/he will be responsible for the following functions: 

Project Delivery and Performance 

• Development, complete and update project plans;
• Implementation of approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Implementation Documents;
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.
• Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.
• Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers
• Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages
• Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly
• Control project and work packages changes
• Develop and implement systems for internal control that would ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions, in collaboration with the procurement team;
• Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers. 
• Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation. 
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved
• Identify continuous improvements and lessons learned;
• On behalf of the Senior Project Manager, identify risks and plan risk mitigation strategies, and report on the progress of deployment activities, so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved;
• Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to a supervisor;
• Identify and report threats to UNOPS’ internal business case to supervisor.

Procedures:

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organisational policy is complied with (Organisational Directives and Administrative Instructions);
• Effective implementation of corporate directives, guidelines and strategies, and establishment of relevant management targets, as well as monitoring of achievements/results; Support the Project Management Support Specialist  in the preparation of all programme related documentation, particularly;
• Quarterly Reports
• Monthly Highlights Reports
• Annual Reports
• Final Narrative Reports
• Handover Reports
• Developing technical specifications for UNOPS equipment requirements and support the conduct of the associated procurement processes for stipends and non-lethal support project activities;
• Budgetary monitoring and oversight of project expenditures in relation to the budgets and financial agreements;
• Day to day management of project/section personnel related matters, leave monitoring, performance improvement plans and career development for the team;
• Represent the Senior Project Manager in the field vis-a-vis subcontractors, clients, national authorities and other external parties to the programme, with regards to UNOPS implemented projects;
• Under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager act as focal point for contracts management and other documents required for project implementation in cooperation with UNOPS PSC as and when needed;
• Analyze the effectiveness and appropriateness of UNOPS support in all areas on an ongoing basis, including the proposal and implementations of options for course correction or re-prioritization based on the needs of Somali security forces in the Somali context;
• Development and implementation of local technical solutions to programme threats, identifying shortfalls and time frames for prevention and mitigation measures;
• Coordination of the establishment of a detailed information database and development of tasking and reporting procedures;
• Assessment and recommendation of new training requirements in prevention and mitigation measures, including through the introduction of new technology, equipment, materials and processes.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Ensure that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. 
• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organisation’s standard procedures.
• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
• Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
• Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders
• Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs

Quality Assurance

• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements
• Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems
• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables
• Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)

Knowledge management and innovation

• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
• Actively interact with and other Deputy/Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices 
• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. 
• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
• Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.
• Provide feedback to Practise Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies

Personnel Management

• Lead and motivate the project management team, if applicable
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established 
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely
• Select, recruit and train the team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
• Identify outstanding staff issues and bring them to the attention of the Senior Project Manager;
• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

Impact of Results:

The Deputy Project Manager directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates.  This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of  UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) in Project Management, Development Studies, Disaster Management, International Relations, Public Administration, Political Studies, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant discipline is required. 
• A First University (Bachelor’s) Degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Disaster Management, International Relations, Public Administration, Political Studies, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant discipline combined with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Certification:

• PRINCE2® Foundation certification or equivalent is an advantage.
• PRINCE2® Practitioner certification or equivalent is an advantage.

Experience: 

Required Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of programming or/and project operations experience in disaster risks preparedness/resilience building/institutional capacity support in a post-conflict or post-disaster context is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with national governments in conflict or post-conflict context is required. 

Desired Experience:

• Experience working in development sector is an added advantage;
• Experience in a Project Management role (incl. Team Leader, Lead Engineer, Technical Coordinator, Deputy PM or Acting) in the delivery of development projects is highly desirable;
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams is desired;
• Past experience involved in procurement of goods/services/ works is a distinct advantage;
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage;
• Demonstrated experience working with Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs)  on donor funded projects is an asset;

Language: 

• Fluency in written, spoken and reading English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN Official language is an asset.

 Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement (IICA)

Contract level: IICA-2 / ICS 10

Contract duration: Ongoing (Subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to satisfactory) performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• Duty Station: Mogadishu is a non-Family Duty Station

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 Background information - AFR

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us: UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity: With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization: UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Africa Region Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.

Somalia Country Office:

UNOPS Somalia Country Office (SOCO) has had a solid and continuous in-country expert presence successfully implementing programs since the mid-1990s, where it is currently undertaking various projects and initiatives in close collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Federal Member States (FMS) and partners from the global donor community. UNOPS’ projects in Somalia focus on several key sectors that include infrastructure development, institutional capacity building, project management, advisory services, and procurement services. These projects cut across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, national security, law enforcement, immigration services, justice, transport, and public works among others. UNOPS work in Somalia is geared towards driving growth and development in the country, a process that requires developing a close relationship with the FGS and the other development partners.