UNOPS Project Manager

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Job ID/Title :UNOPS Project Manager (3 positions)
Brand :UNOPS
Application Deadline :08-Mar-12
Duty Station :Jerusalem with regular travel to other areas of WB
Languages Required Arabic, English,
Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year with possibility of extension

Background:
The Jerusalem Office of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS Jerusalem Project Centre) was established in East Jerusalem in late 2006.  Under the overall objective of supporting peace and state building, its aim is to provide the United Nations sister agencies and governments with professional project implementation services in humanitarian and development cooperation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
The current JMPC portfolio consists of design and construction projects on the one hand, and projects and task orders focusing on provision of technical assistance and/or administrative services on the other.  The infrastructure portfolio is funded by several donors under different agreements supporting the Palestinian Authority through provision of project management, design, engineering, construction, procurement, contract management as well as training and capacity building activities. UNOPS in oPt is focused on supporting the creation of environmentally and commercially sustainable high levels of standards for public buildings and facilities for the Palestinian Authority, fully compliant with international standards in construction and operational regulations. An important emphasis is on constructing facilities that are tailored to the local culture and the annual operational budget of the Palestinian Authority.
Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Project Manager is responsible for the projects’ delivery and management, including project implementation plans, work programmes, resources and budget management, construction contract management and overall coordination between projects at construction sites as well as financial and results-based reporting and managing clients’ expectations. S/he will also be responsible for ensuring that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. UNOPS JMPC is seeking applicants with extensive experience managing commercial building construction projects in environments that require attention to high levels of quality and safety.
Description of Responsibilities:
The PM will be required to manage the following specific tasks:
-Project and Budget Management:  manage implementation of results as described in projects’ documents; manage budgets and prepare any necessary budget revisions; manage production of work packages and work products as necessary to produce results; produce regular project plans, including for design, engineering, construction, procurement, training and capacity building packages; ensure up-to-date risk logs and manage project risks; ensure work is coordinated with the Operations Department for the provision of support services in finance, procurement, logistics, HR and general administration services;
-Donor/Client Relations:  manage the different donor contributions, including ensuring that project reports are submitted to donors on time, any necessary amendments are processed in a timely manner, and funds are received as per the client-project-cash-management plan; ensure that donors/clients are kept appraised of all major project implementation issues;

Stakeholder Coordination:  manage and coordinate decision-making for the Project Board within the constraints laid down by them; and manage contracts with suppliers, vendors, contractors, and other implementing partners;
-Personnel Management:  motivate and supervise a technical team of national and international personnel with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and job satisfaction; participate in recruitment of new personnel as required; engage in regular performance evaluations;
-Reporting/Communications:  prepare regular briefings and reports to the Programme Manager; ensure production of timely reports to donors/clients; participate in regular project and senior management coordination meetings; participate in inter-agency coordination mechanisms as relevant; ensure regular production of lessons learnt, success stories, and factsheets;
-Project Development:  contribute to the development of new project interventions by formulating project ideas and concept notes within the scope of the portfolio and engaging donors/clients, including other UN agencies, and stakeholders on these ideas; handle preparation of project documents in order to establish new projects;
-Perform such other related duties as may be assigned by the Programme Manager.
 
 
 Impact of Results
-Monitoring and Progress Control will be achieved through daily interaction and regular meetings with the Programme Manager;
-Maintaining accurate, quality and complete project documentation as identified in responsibilities
-Production of accurate, quality, timely and complete project reporting
-Active coaching and mentoring of project staff
-Success in establishing an effective project team that meets its targets and contributes to the on time delivery of the project needs
-Success in managing the project operational and technical flow of actions as per the client need by meeting all set standards.
-Maintain project implementation resources ensuring efficient project delivery as per the agreed plan
-Delivery of reports identifying shortfalls and excesses when required by the donor, client and UNOPS.
-Prepare periodic project reports as per the agreement / project documents
-Success in managing the budget in accordance with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules and Policies to ensure there is no over expenditure
-Success in advising the Programme Manager or Project Board (if applicable) on operational and delivery issues of the project that facilitate effective, timely decisions and actions.
 
 
Competencies :
 General competencies:
-Professionalism
-Integrity
-Enthusiasm
-Commitment
-Planning and Organizing
-Communication
-Judgment and Decision Making
-High proficiency with computers in particular MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Project, AutoCAD and the Internet
-High organizational skills
-Able to work efficiently with minimal direction

Managerial Competencies:
-Ability to manage and lead a large team and to coordinate with technical counterparts, NGOs and local authorities.
-An organized and professional approach to staff and task management is crucial.
-A general understanding of the UN and its guiding principles is important.
-Inter personal skills: Must have ability to build and sustain effective work relationship with subordinates and peers to achieve a common goal.
-Needs to show a willingness to learn and openness to suggestions for self-improvement.
-Knowledge of computer software, as well as the capacity to use mapping tools, i.e. GPS and knowledge of construction design software is a great added value.
-Versatile in use of project management tools and ability to prepare and monitor project plans and progress monitoring charts
-Good communication skills including ability to write policy and prepare and present concise reports in English.
 
Qualifications :
Education:
-Advanced University Degree/Masters degree in Civil Engineering, Building or Construction Management. First University degree in combination with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the Masters Degree requirement. Sufficient years of practical experience combined with technical diplomas may be accepted in lieu of a university degree;
 
Experience:
-At least 7 years Infrastructure and construction management experience for medium to large scale building or infrastructure projects.
-Experience in dealing with customers and clients and providing a high degree of customer support, education, and service.
-Experience in team management and skills development.
-Experience in all aspects of construction management including, financial management, budget management, contract management, risk management, staff management, quality and safety management, programme management and reporting
-Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage.
-Evidence of knowledge of PRINCE2 (minimum at foundation level) or equivalent project management methodology/approach is highly desirable.
-International Experience is preferred.

Language Requirements:
-Fluency in written and spoken English
 
Additional Considerations/IMPORTANT NOTE
UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”

Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.

UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally