Senior Project Manager - Infrastructure at UNOPS

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Senior Project Manager - Infrastructure

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Employer: UNOPS

Employment: Full-Time | Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Posted date: 1 day ago

Deadline: May, 15/2025 (8 days left)

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Background Information - Job Specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for the position of Senior Project Manager, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Established in 2009, the Horn of Africa Multi-country office (HAMCO) sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Addis Ababa which manages a portfolio of engagements in four (4) Horn of Africa countries (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan). HAMCO focuses on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management services across a wide range of sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Resilient infrastructure, among others.

Our goal is to support countries, help people in need and enable our partners through delivering on our mandate of infrastructure, procurement and project management in the countries in the Horn of Africa.

The primary role of Programme Office is to provide the MCO with the structures, tools and techniques needed to ensure that it has the right programmes and projects in place, that operational and change priorities are balanced, the governance and decision making is facilitated and it has the resources and capability to deliver them consistently well.

The functions and services of the Programme Unit include:

• Strategic Planning/Portfolio Support: Ensuring UNOPS is focused on doing the right projects by supporting management decision-making.
• Delivery Support: Ensuring UNOPS is doing projects the right way, through the effective delivery of the programme and projects.
• Best Practices: Applying UNOPS standards in project management, encouraging consistent working practices and ensuring appropriate application.

Through these functions and services, the Programme Infrastructure team ensures that infrastructure policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the organization, international and national codes and standards. The Programme Infrastructure team strongly contributes to moving the office towards achieving its mission-focused goals and objectives.

The Senior Project Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Infrastructure Unit (HoI) of the MCO. The successful candidate will provide Technical Support to the Infra Unit, and to the Infrastructure project teams in the implementation of organizational standards and best practices in infrastructure project design, planning, support and delivery. The Senior Project Manager will take part in implementing strategies towards delivering infrastructure projects in the MCO that contribute to the SDGs, with excellence and to partner satisfaction.

Functional Responsibilities

The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the below listed tasks and responsibilities.

1. Strategic Planning and Portfolio Support
2. Project Set-up and closure
3. Monitoring and Reporting
4. Delivery Support
5. Quality Assurance
6. Knowledge Management and Innovation
7. Personnel Management

1. Strategic Planning and Portfolio Support

1. Provides suggestions to the HoI and HoP for maintaining and implementing appropriate standards and best practices in line with UNOPS policies, guidelines and procedures.
2. Coordinates with the MCO Head of Infrastructure (HoI) on technical and Infra related matters.
3. Supports the Partnerships Team providing technical inputs into the development of new Infrastructure project proposals.
4. In coordination with the MCO Infra Unit, provides advice, oversight and support to all infrastructure projects across the MCO.
5. Development and planning of new infrastructure projects; promoting best practices and lessons learnt from past experience, including scheduling and covering DNP stages; including planning necessary staffing resources, and logistical resources to implement the infrastructure management systems, contributing to ensuring synergies across the MCO.
6. Champions the vision and mission of the Programme Infrastructure Unit at the MCO level.
7. Drives continuous improvement and Assumes custodianship over tools and systems for infrastructure programmes and projects. Ensures application of infrastructure tools and systems for the MCO.
8. Analyses, identifies and provides solutions to potential risks and issues related to the delivery of infrastructure programmes and projects and advises mitigating measures to the HoI and Infra PMs in a timely manner.
9. Guides the PMO Specialist(s) with necessary project analysis and information relevant to the PMO (i.e. Direct Costs, Procurement Plans, Resources Plans, Forecasts, etc.).
10. Provides guidance and advice to the PMs in the development and implementation of Quality/Construction Management and Supervision plans
11. Contributes to technical assessments and Environmental Screening for all Infrastructure projects.
12. Provides technical input in the drafting of ToRs for different technical disciplines, as needed.

2. Project Set-up and closure

• Actively involved in the start up of new infrastructure projects.
• Deploying and organising a team of multi-disciplinary retainers to carry out the technical assessment.
• Development of project plans/schedules for infrastructure project delivery (assessment, design, construction and DNP) in coordination with the HoI and the MCO Infra Unit.
• Develops, tracks and maintains dependencies between work packages.
• Facilitates the uptake and operationalization of performance management tools developed for infrastructure projects.
• Facilitates and ensures that all HAMCO Infrastructure Projects have a valid (and agreed) DNP Monitoring plan.
• Coordinates and oversees the implementation of requests or initiatives relevant to Infra projects from the Regional Office, IPAS, and HQ Teams, as required.

3. Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversees the updating and maintenance of tracking systems and tools to facilitate monitoring of infrastructure project progress and performance.
• Provides routine monitoring and suggests corrective measures for the infrastructure projects progress and performance.
• Oversee monitoring of progress of infrastructure contracts against planned schedules; and raises any deviations to the HoI for corrective actions.
• Provides periodic analysis and technical advice on delivery data and shares it with the Infrastructure Project teams and Management, as appropriate.
• Prepares and provides regular updates on the work progress to the HoI and upstream to the HAMCO Leadership Team.
• Timely identification of potential risks and issues specific to infrastructure delivery, and escalates and suggests mitigating measures.
• Oversees the review of Infrastructure project status; evaluation and monitoring of performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).

4. Delivery Support

• Coordinates with HoI on identifying and deploying suitable technical resources and recruitment for the delivery of Infrastructure products.
• Leads a team of multidisciplinary engineers/designers (Retainers) for the preparation of design packages according to the UNOPS guidelines and standards.
• Outlines the design requirements during the design stage of Infra projects.
• Reviews and compiles the prepared design packages and to ensure that they are in line with the UNOPS “Design Planning Manual for Buildings”.
• In coordination with the HoI, to support the design review process and with addressing the comments received by the Peer Reviewers/IPMG.
• Assumes the role of technical coordinator for infrastructure work-packages including design management, construction supervision, DNP management, etc. as assigned.
• Assumes technical responsibility for the preparation of technical assessments, quality plans, scheme programmes and design work, cost estimates, bills of quantities and review of bid documentations.
• Provides induction, orientation and continuous technical advice to all Infrastructure practitioners related to the UNOPS Infrastructure management systems, including Planning, Design Preparation,Quality Management, Construction Management, Contract Management, Construction Supervision, etc.
• Carries out periodic inspections and site visits to construction sites.
• Supports procurement stages, including providing technical assistance during the preparation of tender documents, facilitating pre-bid meetings and taking part in bid evaluations for construction contracts.
• Works with the HSSE Specialist in monitoring the implementation of HSSE plans including requirements and guidelines at project sites.
• Backstops and/or takes part in surge initiatives for Infrastructure Project Managers and/or technical team members, as required.
• Takes part in induction training, incident reporting and investigation, as per UNOPS guidelines.
• Identifies gaps, areas to improve and makes recommendations to the HoI, HoP, project teams and PE on appropriate corrective actions.
• Supports the implementation of Health, Safety, Social and Environmental measures at the project sites.
• Contributes to the achievement of the goal zero of incidents (injury, disease and fatal).
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the HoI.

5. Quality Assurance

• Appraises and facilitates compliance with UNOPS defined standards and international best practices for Infrastructure project management, including Quality Management, Construction Management, Contract Management, Construction Supervision, etc.
• Coordinates quality reviews of infrastructure project documents and deliverables, including design review submissions through the platform.
• Supports the HoI in providing technical advice to key stakeholders to continuously identify and improve operational processes relevant to Infrastructure projects implementation.
• Promotes a culture of compliance on Quality Management, Contract Management and Construction Supervision, Policies, Guidance, Tools and Templates.
• Reviews and provides assurance of QMPs and QAPs for Infra projects.
• Identifies issues or non-conformity, and recommends necessary actions to enforce where unsafe acts or processes that seem dangerous or unhealthy are detected.
• Undertakes reviews and coordinates with HoI and Infra Unit to ensure Infrastructure projects document records are complete and up to date: Design Brief, Design Review Certificates, Substantial Completion Certificates, Final Completion Certificates, Contractor Notices, Materials Testing reports, Non-Conformity Registers, DNP monitoring plans, Defects Registers, As-Built Drawings, etc.
• Provides advice to project teams in the application of Contractual Guidance Material.
• Develops tools to track compliance of Infrastructure products with relevant policies, guidelines and tools, and undertake assurance over their practices for all Infrastructure projects.

6. Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Actively contributes to the HAMCO Infrastructure maturity enhancement initiatives during the delivery stages.
• Facilitates training including onboarding/induction of new joiners on UNOPS Design Manual, Quality Management policies, tools and instruments, including Contracts Management and Construction Supervision Guidance.
• Ensures routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of technical teams.
• Participates in, and advocates for Infrastructure practitioners membership in relevant Communities of Practice.
• Contributes to HAMCO knowledge networks in infrastructure-related disciplines.
• Actively interacts with project teams, Infra Unit and the wider UNOPS Infrastructure community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices in the Knowledge System.
• Provides feedback on policy and supporting guidance related to Design, Quality Management and infrastructure practices.
• Contributes to ensuring that lessons learnt are shared and mainstreamed in a timely and appropriate manner.

7. Personnel Management

• Manages and coordinates a pool of Expert Resources of Infrastructure practitioners across the MCO and provides functional direction, oversight and feedback to its members.
• In coordination with the HoI, monitors the performance, resource and talent management of Infrastructure practitioners under the MCO.
• Actively promotes a culture of continuous improvement and lessons learning in infrastructure related disciplines.
• Supports the HoI in recruiting quality technical resources internally and externally to UNOPS. Actively supports PMs in doing so, where needed.
• Supports on-boarding Infrastructure practitioners for the MCO and provides guidance on performance setting and reviews within the practice.
• Promotes and supports a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plans/provides easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility.
• Fosters a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensures that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Impact of Results

The Senior Project Manager directly impacts on achievement of the HAMCO and Infrastructure Unit specifically. Notably, The Senior Project Manager will contribute to implementing best practices in infrastructure delivery systems and overall organizational maturity in the infrastructure products.

This consequently reinforces the image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in Infrastructure project management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and Project Services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced University (Master's Degree) degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or other relevant technical discipline is required.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or other relevant technical discipline with a combination of additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Certification:

• AutoCAD certification is desirable.
• PRINCE2 Foundation or equivalent is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years' experience on implementing complex projects/programmes is required.
• Experience in contract management is an asset.
• Experience in planning and applying Health & Safety procedures is an asset.
• Experience in works contract management, preferably FIDIC contracting is desirable.
• Experience in managing projects with multiple sites, in remote locations, with complex logistical characteristics is an asset.
• Experience in working with Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Donor funded projects is an asset.
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage.
• International organizations experience is an added advantage

Language

• Fluency in spoken, written and reading English is required
• Fluency in spoken, written and reading Amharic is required
• Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered 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.
• 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

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level: LICA-11 (ICS11)
3. Contract duration: Ongoing Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and 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.

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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

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