Job Vacancy at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for Project Management Support – Senior Analyst

UNOPS Ghana Multi Country Office (GHMCO), located in Accra, spans across West Africa, covering Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. GHMCO is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with a subset of the regional portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

GHMCO has a diverse portfolio covering infrastructure, urban plan development, project management, procurement and futuristic studies. Opened in 2015, GHMCO is one of the newest Multi-Country offices in UNOPS with a vision and drive to deliver top quality results to its partners with a sharp focus on operational excellence.

Project Information:

Poor access to electricity is recognised as a binding constraint to long-term economic growth in Sierra Leone. The country is currently experiencing a net deficit of power and is in desperate need of new power sources. The Ministry of Energy has developed an Energy Sector Roadmap and action plan with initiatives to increase energy access through technical and non-technical interventions. Part of the roadmap strategy is to incorporate Sierra Leone's great Renewable Energy resources to provide security of supply to rural communities and to boost the economy.

To help address the energy infrastructure needs, UNOPS on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, is implementing the project titled “Enhancing the Impact of Rural Renewable Energy in Sierra Leone”. The project funded by the Government of Japan aims to increase electricity accessibility to public services and enhance economic growth in underserved rural communities. The project will facilitate the construction of 6 solar photovoltaic mini-grids systems in Bo District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone. The rural communities are: Naiagolehun, Petewoma, Serabu, Grima Tikonko, Upper Saama and Lower Saama.

The project aims to expand energy access to remote villages, leading to improved development outcomes in health, education and economic development to beneficiary communities. This will enable reliable, clean and affordable electricity and in turn improve social, economic and health benefits to rural communities. Providing electricity access to isolated communities will result in improved economic benefits, reducing the relative cost of energy access by eliminating the expense of alternative sources, such as batteries and kerosine, and will reduce or eliminate the cost of diesel generators for energy reliant businesses. The project is in support of the Ministry's objective of increasing access to electricity in rural communities, exploring a variety of alternative sources of renewable energy. It is envisioned that the project will contribute to the Government's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing multiple development initiatives. Furthermore, the project will enhance partnerships between public, private and social sector stakeholders to address poverty reduction, and encourage the participation of the private sector in the provision of commercially viable energy services in rural communities.

Local Context:

UNOPS has been active in Sierra Leone for over 20 years and has delivered a variety of infrastructure projects nationwide, particularly in the fields of Renewable Energy, Health and Security Infrastructure, and has implemented and procured a variety of vehicles, non-medical health related items, medical equipment, and Solar Photovoltaic systems.Summary of functions:

Project Delivery and Performance

Procedures

Monitoring and reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge management and innovation

Project Delivery and Performance

•  Assist Project Manager in the development, completion and update of the implementation plan(s)
•  Coordinate assigned delivery of work packages and take responsibility for progress.

•  Coordinate and liaise with the Project Manager on the implementation progress.
•  Identify and escalate to the Project Manager of any deviations from the plan and update plans.
•  Work with the Project manager to identify and manage risks

2. Procedures

•  Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual
•  Support Project Manager with preparation/adaptation of all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.
•  Maintain records of project files, data, issues, risks and lessons learned. Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes.
•  Assist Project Manager with project start up and closure activities ensuring appropriate disposal of project assets, timely and effective final (operational) reporting, and effective handover of closed projects to UNOPS HQ for financial closure processes.
•  Support Project Manager with project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

3. Monitoring and reporting

•  Follow up on timely operational and financial reporting in line with the project agreement.
•  Support the Project Manager to ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS ERP system (OneUNOPS) and OneUNOPS Projects – as appropriate.
•  Liaise with the finance unit in tracking disbursements and budgets for projects on behalf of the Project Manager.
•  Ensure and monitor compliance of projects with internal directives and procedures as set out by the Project Manager.
•  Monitor project budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the work-plan.
•  Manage the preparation of financial reports; including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS requirements.
•  Monitor 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.
•  Conduct budget revisions and initiate corrective actions when necessary.

4. Stakeholder engagement

•  Support Project Manager with stakeholder engagement.
•  Support the Project Manager in communication between the project and the Donor.
•  Support Project Manager with arrangement of the meetings with stakeholders, taking minutes and follow up on actions including regular Project Board meetings.
•  Contribute to establishment and further development of partnerships with donors, UN agencies, international organisations, governmental organizations and private sector organisations.
•  Support Project Manager with formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications in line with donor requirements and UNOPS rules. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications.
•  Undertake advocacy, public information and communication activities in line with the communications plan.
•  On behalf of the Project Manager, participate in and report on the relevant inter-agency, donor and government coordination meetings, when required.
•  Supports the Project Manager to advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance). c04mOXi DmlpAv
•  Identify and report to the Project Manager potential business opportunities for UNOPS.

5. Knowledge management and innovation

•  Support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting format and the Project Management Manual.
•  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 Analyst will be responsible for supporting the Project Manager in the day-to-day management of the project, including its plans, issues, risks and lessons, ensuring the project implementation plan is followed and escalating any issues or concerns to the Project Manager. S/he will assist with donor and partner communications, as well as reporting. This position will also support coordination with partners.A. Education

•  Advanced degree (master's level or above) in Project Management, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, Communications, International Relations or another relevant discipline is required.
•  A relevant university degree (bachelor's degree / first level) with a combination of 4 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

B. Work Experience

•  Minimum of 2 years of relevant and progressive professional experience (or more, depending on the academic credentials), specifically in the field of supporting project implementation and delivery activities, preferably with focus on planning, operations management, monitoring and reporting, is required.
•  Experience with technical assistance projects with focus on solar renewable energy will be an added advantage.
•  Experience working in a project or operations management capacity in UNOPS, a UN organization or a similar international organization would be considered a strong asset.
•  Experience liaising and working with government officials to facilitate planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of projects would be considered a strong asset.
•  Experience working in multicultural teams.
•  Willingness to travel to project sites across the country and sub-region.

C. Language Requirements

•  Full working knowledge of English and Japanese is required.

D. Certification:

•  Prince2, IPMA or PMP-PMI project management certification would be considered a significant asset.
•  The incumbent will also be required to complete the relevant UNOPS project management courses within 6 months after appointment.

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.

•  Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement (I-ICA)
•  Contract level: I-ICA 1/ ICS 9
•  Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – 'Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance'.

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

•  Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
•  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•  Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
•  Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
•  UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
•  Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
•  Freetown is a family duty station
•  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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
•  The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.

Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners' needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Africa Region

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

 

 

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