Website UNOPS
Project Manager
Partner: UNEP
Job categories: Project Management
Vacancy code: VA/2023/B5006/26366
Department/office: AR, EAPMCO, Thailand
Duty station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Contract type: Local ICA Specialist
Contract level: LICA Specialist-10
Duration: One year with the possibility of extension
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Background Information – job-specific
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 organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
UNOPS is recruiting for this position on behalf of its partner, the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment).
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Functional Responsibilities
Scope of work
The Project Manager (PM) will lead the project team and provide overall operational management for the successful execution and implementation of the project. This includes the daily responsibility to manage, coordinate and supervise the implementation of the project and the delivery of results following the project document and agreed on workplans. Furthermore, the PM will be responsible for financial management and disbursements, with accountability to the government and Global Environment Facility (GEF)/UNEP.
The PM will report to the National Project Director (NPD) and will be responsible for the smooth functioning of the project office. The PM will work closely with Project Steering Committee (PSC), Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and the UNEP Task Manager (TM) to ensure the availability of information on progress and performance regarding the implementation of the project. The PM will deliver progress reports on a monthly basis to the TM and the PD. These reports will include the status of activities and the challenges encountered on the ground during project execution. The PM will allocate 100% of their time to Project Management task
Further responsibilities of the PM are:
- Oversee and manage project implementation, monitor work progress, and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
- Report to the NPD and the PSC regarding project progress.
- Develop and facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system.
- Ensure timely preparation of detailed Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and budgets for approval by PSC. Prepare a half yearly report, annual progress report, annual non-expendable equipment report, annual co-financing report and annual audit and submit to UNEP within the deadline.
- Organise the PSC meetings.
- Write ToRs with the CTA for National Experts (NEs).
- Assist in the identification, selection and recruitment of staff, technical partners, experts as required.
- Supervise, coordinate and facilitate the work of the financial and administration, field officers, M&E specialist, national focal point and technical unit (including national and international experts).
- Ensure that GRM, SEP, Safeguard Risk Identification Form (SRIF) and GAP are implemented.
- Control expenditures and assure adequate management of resources.
- Provide a quarterly update of the expenses of the previous three months and the expenses expected for the next three months.
- Establish linkages and networks with the ongoing activities of other government and non-government agencies.
- Provide input to management and technical reports and other documents as described in the M&E plan for the overall project. Reports should contain detailed assessments of progress in implementing activities, including reasons for delays, if any, and recommendations on necessary improvements.
- Participate in training activities, report writing and facilitation of expert activities that are relevant to his or her area of expertise.
- Inform the PSC, immediately, of any issue or risk which might jeopardize the success of the project.
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.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in climate change adaptation or other relevant field (natural resource management, Environment Science, urban development etc.) with consistent professional specialization in issues to climate change adaptation;
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with seven (7) years’ relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent).
Experience:
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Project/Programme management preferably in projects related to climate change adaptation, natural resource management, Environment Science, urban development etc.
- demonstrated strong knowledge of adaptation to climate change, ecological restoration, urban development is highly desirable.
- experience in working and collaborating within governments is an asset as well as experience in GEF projects is preferred.
Language:
Full working knowledge (fluency) in English, including writing and communication skills is required.
Contract type, level and duration
- Contract type: LICA
- Contract level: ICS 10 / LICA 10
- Contract duration: One year with possibility of extension.
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
The position is open for application only for Nepal nationals or with valid residence.
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. 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.
Application period: 14-Jul-2023 to 30-Jul-2023