Head of Project Unit

Overview

Head of Project Unit Jobs in Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia at UNOPS

Title: Head of Project Unit

Company: UNOPS

Location: Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia

Job Highlight

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of the Project Unit directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Unit, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Role Purpose

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of the Project Unit directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Unit, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Project implementation planning
• From the standpoint of being accountable and responsible on UNOPS’ behalf to implement project(s) for UNMAS, provide input to the CMAP on programme and project design documents such as:
• Programme strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.);
• Programme workplan and budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.);
• Resource mobilization strategy (e.g. monitor trends, humanitarian and development needs to identify potential areas of intervention within UN mandates and existing capacity;
• Project proposals to donors.
• Support the CMAP in the application of policies, practices and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms, where relevant, in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office.
• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:
• UNMAS/UNOPS project agreements;
• Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees);
• Human resource plans.
• Design to ensure that sex-, age- and disability-disaggregated data is collected and used to inform decision-making and reporting.
• Project implementation delivery
• In accordance with project agreements, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of the Project Unit projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
• Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC New York Office, for action and/or intervention.
• Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:
• Financial and procurement rules;
• Contract and grant management policies;
• Project management standards;
• Health, safety, social and environmental standards;
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming policies, standards and practices;
• Information management systems and standards;
• Organizational design standards and human resources policies;
• Mine action technical standards (with support from the Head of Operations).
• Depending on the circumstance, either in support of CMAP or as part of UNOPS obligations, draft high quality reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents.
• Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the Project Unit.
• Ensure systematic integration of prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) and GESI into project implementation, implementing partner oversight and risk management including PSEA capacity assessments and capacity strengthening, and via risk registers and escalation).
• Project Unit leadership and management
• Build and strengthen strategic partnership with CMAP through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements.
• Keep the PSC New York Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management.
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and high-performing Project Unit workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance. Ensure equitable recruitment, progression and retention practices that work toward gender parity, geographic diversity, and inclusive representation in line with PSC and UNOPS.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Foster and role-model a safe and inclusive work environment, respectful of the diversity upon which the UN is based, policing value on perspectives from a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, and geographic diversity. Uphold the highest standards of conduct and take decisive action to address behaviors that undermine inclusion, equity and psychological safety through established reporting and escalation mechanisms.
• 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. Demonstrate visible and accountable leadership on PSEAH and ethical conduct, ensuring prevention and response mechanisms are embedded in project management and implementing partner oversight structures.
• Ensure that security planning integrates PSEAH and inclusion considerations, including safe accommodation, travel and field deployment protocols for all personnel.
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication with the UNOPS Country Office on security of personnel in-country, or, if required, act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation.
• As relevant, participate in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.
• In support of the CMAP, design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms.
• Support CMAP preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials.
• Act as CMAP OIC upon request of UNMAS and concurrence from PSC Director.
• Stakeholder management
• Support the CMAP in managing relationships with national authorities, UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance and programmatic/substantive issues.
• Participate in any UN mission/country team meetings to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.
• Keep the UN Mission leadership/Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting on implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.
• Manage relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders
• In coordination with UNOPS GPO/PSC, foster and strengthen strategic partnerships at all levels, contributing to the identification of emerging opportunities and ensuring that stakeholder engagement contributes to the achievement of UNOPS’ strategic priorities, and reinforces its position as a partner of choice.
• Promote inclusive engagement with national authorities, communities and stakeholders, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups are meaningfully consulted and considered in programme implementation.
• Knowledge management and innovation
• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned (including but not limited to PSEAH, DEI, GESI, programme implementation, capacity building, stakeholder engagement and innovation) including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, foster continuous improvement and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms within PSC and cross UNOPS, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

Education Requirements

• Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) is required with 10 years of relevant experience; OR
• First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with 12 years of relevant experience; OR
• High School Diploma, with a minimum of 16 years of relevant experience is required.

Requirements

Experience Requirements

Relevant experience is defined as experience in programme or project management in military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts.

• A minimum of 4 years of leadership experience, including supervising teams, managing complex projects, and budgets is required.
• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.
• Experience working in a developing country is desired.
• Experience working in mine action is desired.
• Experience working in a peacekeeping context, or collaborating closely with security forces on capacity building is desired.
• Experience advancing workforce inclusion and iterating gender and PSEAH/safeguarding into project implementation and implementing partner oversight is desired.