Project Management Support - Senior Associate at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Management Support - Senior Associate

Vacancy Code: VA/2023/B5316/26369
Location: Abuja
Job Categories: Project Management
Department/office: AFR, GHMCO, Nigeria
Contract type: Local ICA Support
Contract level: LICA-7
Contract duration: Open-ended

Summary of functions

• Project Implementation
• Project monitoring and reporting
• Coordination and liaison
• Financial and procurement management
• Operational and logistical support
• Knowledge management and innovation

Project Implementation:

• Preparation and maintenance of project files, including internal and external project reports and documents.
• Coordinate information flows and oversee change controls, risk registers and issue management by establishing document control procedures
• Coordinate assigned delivery of work packages and take responsibility for progress.
• Supports the monitoring and management of work packages within the project as and when required
• Coordinate and liaise with the Project Manager on the the project planning process and implementation progress. Document and feedback lessons learned and best practices
• Work with Project Manager to identify and manage risks. Facilitate information flows and overseeing change controls, risk registers and issue management.
• In consultation with the relevant stakeholders, assist in preparing amendments of Agreements and Budget revisions when applicable.
• Project monitoring and reporting
• Provide substantive inputs to assist the Project Manager in the preparation of project reports and documents, ensure compliance with contractual obligations and UNOPS policies, processes and procedures
• Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents.
• Maintain the following records: Quality Register, Configuration Item Records and all other
• registers/logs delegated by the Project Manager
• Support the Project Manager in maintaining the following:
  • Project Document records,
  • Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by UNOPS policies
• Coordinate the compilation, consolidation and analysis of relevant data of the project.

Coordination and Liaison:

• Supports the monitoring and administration of contract management (HR, Service Contracts, rental agreements etc.) for Project operations;
• Proactively coordinate/liaise with support units on all administrative matters related to contract management;
• Liaise with the Programme Management Office (PMO) Team Members to complete project assurance-related tasks.
• Supports the Project Manager in communication with stakeholders and ensures stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products.

Financial and Procurement Management:

• Support the Project Manager to ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS ERP system (OneUNOPS) and (OneUNOPS Projects) as appropriate.
• Monitor project budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the work-plan.
• Facilitate processing of direct payments and advance requests and prepare project budget revisions.
• Support the preparation of financial reports, including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS requirements.
• Support the Project Manager by monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met.
• Conduct financial analysis to manage and calculate financial shortfalls and over-expenditures. Alert the Project Manager of any financial shortfall and over-expenditures.
• Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with procedures, work plans, and availability of resources for expenditure.
• Coordinate supplier communications, meetings and reports as necessary.
• Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes.

Operational and Logistical Support:

• Establish and monitor an internal control system for all administrative actions.
• Identify operational, administrative, financial and other bottlenecks that may impede project delivery; recommend solutions and take appropriate remedial action.
• Liaise with finance and logistics/procurement units in tracking commitments and disbursements.
• Contribute to organizing project and stakeholder meetings as and when necessary, and maintain records of these meetings.
• In accordance with UN and UNOPS Security Policies, manage travel for all personnel in the Project Team.

Knowledge Management and Innovation:

• Actively seeks advice and coordinates donor engagement with the UNOPS Japan Partnerships Liaison Office.
• Support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting format and the PMM.
• Actively contribute to building local capacities at every level and opportunity in Project

Management Support:

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building.
• Contribute to expertise in tools and techniques.

Impact of Results:

• The Project Management Support - Senior Associate directly impacts on the 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.

Education / Experience / Language requirements
Education:

• High School Diploma / Secondary School Diploma is the minimum academic requirement for this role.
• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, International Relations, or other relevant disciplines with 3 years of relevant professional experience will be accepted.
• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) in Project Management, Business Administration, Finance, International Relations, or other relevant disciplines is an asset.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant working experience in Project Management with a focus in budget management, financial monitoring, operations support, reporting, and project planning is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNOPS and/or UN financial rules and regulations will be an asset.
• Experience in the use of Google software packages (Google Doc, Sheets and Slides) and experience in handling web-based management systems is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams is an asset.

Certification:

• Certification in Project Management (PRINCE2 Foundation, PMI or equivalent) is an asset.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in written, reading and spoken English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Application Closing Date
14th August, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online