The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
Diversity
With over 5,000 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.
Ghana Multi-Country Office (GHMCO)
Established in 2015, Ghana Multi-Country Office (GHMCO) is based in Accra, and spans across West Africa, covering Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, supporting partners in achieving their development objectives through three main service lines: infrastructure, procurement, and project management.
The Multi Country Office head office in Accra provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering, and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.
Information about the Projects:
Yobe Project
The decade long insurgency in North East Nigeria has affected many local government areas (LGAs) in Yobe State. This has resulted in destruction of healthcare infrastructure, hospital equipment (e.g. x-ray machines, laboratory equipment, theater equipment, hospital furniture/beddings), ambulances etc. Recent attacks in June 2022 included burning of ambulances, vandalization of medical equipment and theft of essential drugs and medical equipment. The attacks in June 2022 led to disruptions in maternal and emergency healthcare services and hospital delivery has dropped to near zero in some communities with its attendant’s consequences of increased maternal, neonatal and perinatal mortality. Routine care for other diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, kidney diseases, routine surgeries etc. are also disrupted. The Yobe State Government has already provided the infrastructure through reconstruction of the destroyed buildings, enhanced security arrangements to prevent future attacks on health facilities, and continuous routine integrated supervision of all healthcare facilities. Therefore urgent equipping of these facilities would help in restoring health care service delivery within the six local government areas.
With funding from the Government of Japan, UNOPS is supporting the Yobe State Ministry of Health to equip these facilities. Restoring Emergency, Maternal and Child Health Services in Yobe State Project seeks to restore emergency, maternal and child healthcare services in affected communities which were disrupted by insurgency activities. Specifically, this project will achieve the following objectives;
- Equip primary healthcare facilities with medical equipment to deliver effective maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) services
- Equip General Hospitals with medical equipment to improve emergency services and routine care for patients with diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, kidney diseases etc.
The key activities are
1.1. Assessments and prioritization of medical equipment
1.2. Development of specification for medical equipment
1.3. Tender, selection and award of suppliers
1.4. Procurement, shipment and handover of equipment to the Yobe State Ministry of Health
2.1. Assessments and prioritization of medical equipment
2.2. Development of specifications for medical equipment
2.3 Assessment of Infrastructure (i.e. assessment electrical installations and buildings to house complex equipment)
2.4. Assessment & design for refurbishment (if needed)
2.5. Procurement of works, construction and construction supervision
2.6. Procurement, installation and handover of medical equipment (if needed)
2.7. Training in operations and maintenance (including security) of the equipment
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) Project:
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) of the Ministry of Health faces an imminent stock-out of essential HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The country has an urgent need to fill a gap in supply in order to avert morbidity and mortality of key and general populations. To achieve this objective, products are required to be procured and delivered in-country at the earliest possible.
To fill the emergency gap in supply, the Principle Recipients (PRs) namely Ghana Health Service (GHS), West Africa Program to Combat AIDS and STIs (WAPCAS) and Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) have requested UNOPS to procure the test kits and other HIV prevention commodities. Funding has been secured within the Global Fund’s Funding Model III (TGF NFM III – 2021-2023) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement between Global Fund and the PRs.
Job Specific:
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and manages relationships with the donor, partners and beneficiaries. Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Board to manage the project on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage. The main responsibility of a Project Manager is to ensure that the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits.
The Senior Project Manager has the authority to assign, as per the Project Plan, work packages to Team Managers and approve deliverables produced by them.
She/He is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). Success of the project(s) and hence of the Project Manager will be based on the defined Success Criteria.
He/she is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.
Functions / Key Results Expected Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programme and in accordance with UNOPS procedures and practices the incumbent will be responsible for the following: Summary of functions:
- Project Delivery and Performance
- Project and Organizational Procedures
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Quality Assurance
- Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Personnel management
1. Project Delivery and Performance - Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s)
- Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.
- 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
- Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers.
- Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation.
- Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts.
- 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 and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS
2. Project and Organizational Procedures - Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual
- Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.
- Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan
- Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team.
- Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded
- Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
- Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
- Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project
- Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
- Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
- Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.
- For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager
- Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations
3.Monitoring and Reporting - 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 organization’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
4. 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
5. 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.)
6. 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 other 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 Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies
7. Personnel Management - Lead and motivate the project management team
- Ensure that behavioral 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.
- 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, harrasment, 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 Senior 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. A. Education
- Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree or higher) in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, Public Health, Community Development, Sustainable Development, Health Management or other relevant disciplines is required.
- A combination of a Bachelor’s Degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
B. Work Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years progressive and demonstrated experience in a Project Management role in the delivery of development projects is required.
- Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience with procurement and distribution of medical equipment and medical devices is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience with infrastructure projects is an asset.
- Past experience with procurement of goods/services/ works is a distinct advantage.
- Previous experience working in Northeast Nigeria will be considered an advantage;
- Past experience in health sector projects is an asset;
- Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage;
- Demonstrated experience working with Government MDAs on donor funded projects is an asset;
C. Language Requirement
- Full working knowledge of English is required.
D. Certification
- Prince 2 Foundation or equivalent is an advantage
- Prince 2 Practitioner or equivalent is an advantage
- Other Project Management certification is an advantage
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: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
- Contract level: LICA 11/ ICS 11
- Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘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- 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
- 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.