Job Detail

Job Requirements

The main responsibility of the Senior Project Manager is to ensure the CRL project is managed and delivered within time, cost, quality and scope. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Project, the Senior Project Manager is responsible for communication and to ensure good coordination across components, between teams and with relevant external stakeholders. The Senior Project Manager will ensure the project’s day to day operations are aligned and compliant with the approved plan. The Senior Project Manager also manages experts in several areas and in support of the entire project, specifically monitoring and reporting, communications, environmental and social safeguards, grievance redress and project support. On the request of the Head of Project and/or Country Director, the Senior Project Manager may be delegated to act on behalf of the Head of Project. Summary of Key Functions Project delivery and performance Procedures and compliance Monitoring and reporting Liaison and Coordination Personnel management and leadership Knowledge management 1. Project delivery and performance Provide support to the Head of Project in the development, completion and update of project implementation plan(s) (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. Ensure performance of the Fund in the areas of financial (budget/cash flow/expenditure), work planning and resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), programmatic/ administrative (including audit results) and procurement operations. 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 as required. Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages. Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly and control project and work packages changes. Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved. Work with the Head of Project to ensure the smooth and effective transition or completion of the project and its orderly and efficient closure as required. 2. Procedures and compliance Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board. Manage reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan. Comply with all organizational policies and specifically the Project Management Manual. Establish the Grievance/Redress process and support in the investigation and/or resolution of serious grievances/ complaints related to any part of the Project implementation. Ensure that women and vulnerable groups receive assistance and that the community development aspects are central. Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded as per the UNOPS requirements. Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time. Understand and support the Head of Project on the management of UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project. Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations. 3. Monitoring and reporting Continuously support and guide the implementation of solid reporting mechanisms in the project on a regular basis against set targets and indicators. Prepare and issue regular reports in accordance with the funding partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting. Regularly review project status, maintain progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures, provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system and evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality). Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span. Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables and provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.). 4. Liaison and Coordination Establish solid working relationships with key stakeholders and represent UNOPS in engagement and discussions with the private sector, civil society and other relevant stakeholders (including UN agencies) to promote excellence, good practice and policy dialogue. Where necessary and in consultation with the Country Director; liaise with the de facto Authorities in line with United Nations guidelines. Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs. Support the Head of Project and the Rural and Urban team leads to ensure solid coordination and complementarity between the components and the project teams and good coordination and communications with local authorities. Enable the formulation of project communications plans; coordinate internal project communications and monitor the effectiveness of project communications. Support the teams in management of conferences, training and donor missions or field visits. 5. Personnel management and leadership As delegated by the Head of Project and/or as requested by the Country Director, lead, manage and coordinate the Project on behalf of the Head of Project. Manage a team of specialists and ensure that adequate field support and implementation coordination is in place. Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development. Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrassment, sexual harrassment 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. 6. Knowledge management Promote knowledge building and sharing through synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices and sound contributions to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives. Arrange and support technical guidance and on-the-job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed. 3. Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Project Manager directly ensures high quality delivery of the CRL project, by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks and costs and improving success rates. It confirms UNOPS role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS in the global humanitarian context. Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment. a. Education A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or other relevant discipline is required.A Certified Senior Project Manager - International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B), Project Management Professional (PMP - PMI) or PRINCE2® certification is an asset. b. Work experience A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project and/or program management, construction/community development and management, with focus on programme/project management is required. Experience in programme implementation and/or fund management is highly valued. Experience in community development and livelihoods is a distinct advantage. Knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic context of Afghanistan is valued. Ability to build strong, trusted relationships and operate in an influential manner with the de facto government authorities, UN officials, etc. to assist in driving key initiatives is essential. Previous experience in the development sector is desirable. Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams is an advantage. Past experience in delivering technical assistance and/or institutional capacity building is an asset. Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage. Experience with an international organization and/or UN agencies is an asset. Ability to consistently exercise discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information is essential. c. Languages Proficiency in English is required. Proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto is an asset.