Senior Project Manager 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 of:

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5316/29759
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Categories: Project Management, Programme Management
Department/office: AFR, GHMCO, Nigeria
Level: ICS-11
Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement (I-ICA)
Contract level: IICA-3

Background Information about the Projects

• This project will be implemented through an approved EUR 175m sovereign loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Environment is the project host, focal point, and lead coordinating Agency. The project implementation is led by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and State Project Management Units (SPMUs) of the participating states. 
• In this assignment, UNOPS is providing support to the Government of Nigeria to see that the NEWMAP-EIB project is implemented in line with EIB requirements and standards. UNOPS will provide the Promoter, notably the FPMU and PIUs at the State level, with project advice on project and subproject preparation and implementation support, to support that the components financed by the EIB are implemented in line with the EIB standards. 

UNOPS support is structured around the following four areas of assistance:

• Review of project documents (that are submitted by the Promoter for the purpose of either requesting clearance or required under its Financing Agreement with the EIB) to support compliance with EIB procurement and Environmental and Social Standards and Infrastructure lifecycle management alignment with international good practices.
• Monitoring of Project Sites/ Schemes/ Subprojects funded through the EIB loan to monitor the progress of the implementation, verify works on ground against approved plans, identify areas of concern (if any) and report accordingly (approximately  60 site visits)
• Undertake half-yearly Implementation Support Missions (ISM), jointly with EIB as necessary (approximately 12 site visits). 
• Provide Capacity Strengthening  to the Promoter where necessary and feasible, including in areas like finance and project management.

The Role

• The Senior Project Manager reports to the Head of Programme who provides broad supervision and guidance. The role is responsible for the overall project management on behalf of UNOPS to assist EIB in the implementation and oversight of the NEWMAP and RAAMP through close coordination with the respective FPMUs and SPIUs, while managing a team of technical specialists and advisors.
• The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project(s) and provides services to the donors, partners, and beneficiaries.
• The Senior 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 the Senior Project Manager is to ensure that the project services and outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. They are expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.
• 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 Project 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 can meet the business case outcomes for both UNOPS and its partner(s). Success of the project(s) is measured based on the defined Success Criteria.

Functional Responsibilities
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:
Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish solid working relationships with the external and internal stakeholders, including, but not limited to – the EIB Corporate and Regional/National counterparts, the FPMU/ SPIUs located within the Nigerian ministries, UNOPS management and internal control functions, as appropriate.
• Establish the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers) and other key collaboration mechanisms and ensure routine and adequate engagement.
• As part of project implementation planning, establish clear expectations of scope, time, cost and learn from the stakeholder’s experience.
• Formulate project communications plans, coordinate project communications, and monitor the effectiveness through stakeholder feedback.
• Responsible for regular project updates and communication with key stakeholders to ensure the stakeholders are kept abreast with project progress and stakeholders acceptance of project deliverables.
• Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions, and are in a position to accept handover outputs.

Project Delivery and Performance:

• UNOPS maintains high standards of project delivery and performance for its partners, to provide value and sustainable results. The project management ensures a thorough understanding of the commitments made under the project agreement, and in consultation with the EIB and FPMUs, develops and maintains the Project Initiation Document (PID) and Implementation Plan(s).
• Establish the Project Operations Manual (POM) with clearly defined procedures and templates for the management of activities covered under the project.
• Manage the overall execution of the approved Implementation Plan by coordinating with the project team and external suppliers.
• Maintain oversight of the project implementation through regular monitoring and progress reviews. Ensure project Outputs are developed on time, on budget, and as per the Quality specifications defined in the plan. Ensure adequate preventive and corrective measures are taken timely.
• Accept the completed deliverable by the suppliers/ team, coordinate the handover of the Outputs to the client/s, and ensure acceptance.
• Monitor and scan the environment for changes, control and manage changes as required.
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise mitigating measures to senior management/ Project Board so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.
• Uphold UNOPS values. Represent UNOPS positively and highlight its strengths as a partner. Promote UNOPS services, continually identify potential partnership opportunities, and engage in business development.

Project and Organizational Procedures:

• The FPMU shall comply with the minimum EIB process requirements on Procurement, Safeguards, Scheme selection criteria, provide plan and estimates for half-yearly disbursements, and reporting. The project manager will ensure EIB processes are understood and applied by the FPMUs at all times. Manage process workflows and documentation as per requirement to allow transparency and efficiency.
• Stay informed and understand relevant internal organizational processes and systems, and ensure compliance with all UNOPS policies and guidelines, specifically the Project Management Manual (PMM).
• Manage project budgets and costs in accordance with Financial Rules & Regulations (FRR), while ensuring timely payments to contractors/ personnel, maintain expenditures against the budget and manage variances, provide timely and accurate forecasts, and ensure all reporting obligations are met as per the legal agreement.
• Maintain all project files records as per the filing system and requirements within the ERP.
• Where the Senior 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.
• Conduct / facilitate routine compliance checks to identify gaps/ lapses, if any.
• Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on closure of the audit observations/recommendations.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Routinely monitor project activities to ensure clearance procedures are conducted timely, with adequate advice and recommendations provided as necessary.
• Regularly monitor and review project status, evaluate performance (scope, cost, schedule, and quality), analyze deviations from the plan (if any), and take preventive and corrective actions.
• Prepare performance reports, indicating trends and forecasts as appropriate to document and facilitate decision-making.  
• Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span.
• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
• Organize regular Project Board meetings, present project progress and performance data, and solicit feedback, guidance, and decision, as needed.
• Participate and present project information during UNOPS internal Quarterly Review and keep the management updated on issues and risks, if any.

Quality Assurance:

• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.
• Coordinate with the project team and administer all processes and procedures to ensure compliance to all quality goals of the projects.
• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables.
• Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.).

Knowledge Management and Innovation:

• Routinely monitor the performance on project activities, identify improvement areas, and work towards enhancing the delivery over time. Ensure lessons are documented and disseminated routinely across partners for continual learning and improvements.
• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of partners and staff.
• Actively interact with colleagues and the wider UNOPS community to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices. Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance, etc. with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies and procedures.

Personnel Management:

• Select, recruit, and train the project team as required, taking into account gender parity and diversity objectives. Play an active role in their development and be interested in their professional growth.
• Provide leadership and direction to the team by ensuring clearly defined performance objectives and targets, delegation of project tasks, clear expectations of time and quality, and behavioral aspects.
• Ensure team motivation from time to time, through regular project meetings, one-to-one meetings, and/or using other methods and techniques as appropriate.
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately, and timely, and feedback is provided in a transparent manner.  
• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel in compliance with UNDSS requirements and standards.
• Create, foster, and model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, 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 effective and successful achievement of project results and performance by the Senior Project Manager directly contributes to the visibility and image of the UNOPS brand, as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education / Experience / Language Requirements
Education:

• An Advanced University Degree, preferably in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Project Management, Civil Engineering, or other related fields, is required.
• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor's) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced University Degree.

Certification:

• Certification in Project Management (PRINCE2®, PMP®, or similar) would be an asset.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in project/programme management and development.
• Within the 7 years experience, at least 3 years must be in preparing project plans, writing project progress reports, project communications, engaging stakeholders, and conducting monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in administration, procurement, safeguard, compliance, monitoring, and coordination in a multi-stakeholder environment is desired.
• Prior experience working with UNOPS, UN, or other humanitarian/development agencies, and previous experience on EIB financed projects would be desirable.
• Proficiency in computers, and tools like - Google Office Suite, Google Workspace, online ERP systems, and Project Management Information Systems is desirable.

Language Requirements:

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

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.(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.

Application Closing Date
7th March, 2025.

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