Project Management Support Officer (PSO)
JOB DETAIL
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. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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.
At present UNOPS does not have a permanent presence in Angola, however following a recent mission in the country a number of new project initiatives are currently under development which will result in the recruitment of qualified talents within the country and beyond.
Discussions are currently ongoing with IFAD, for UNOPS to be the implementing partner for the rehabilitation of a large feeder road project (over 500 kms).
UNOPS seeks to recruit qualified talent for the position of Project Support Officer who will help with the development and implementation of projects which come into fruition.
The Project Support Officer will report directly to the Project Manager who will provide direction and general supervision.
The post is based in Luanda, but may change to other locations within Angola depending on business needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Support Officer reports to the Project Manager, who supervises and provides guidance. The Project Support Officer supports the Project Manager in day-to-day activities, coordination and implementation of the assignment. This person closely monitors operations and financial performance, detects potential problems, supports the analysis of problems and the development of solutions, coordinates the resolution of problems according to the measures adopted, drafts correspondence to the relevant stakeholders and prepares reports. of mission. The Project Support Officer may often have to work in complex and challenging environments with limited resources.
1. Project implementation
- Prepare and maintain project records, including internal and external project reports.
- Manage information flow, change control, risk register and issue resolution by establishing document control procedures.
- Ensure the progress of activities and the delivery of work packages.
- Coordinate with the project manager and communicate to him the progress of the work.
- Inform and advise the project manager of any deviations from the plan and make the necessary updates.
- Identify and manage risks in collaboration with the project manager.
2. Financial and purchasing management
- Maintain and file all project financial documents for audit and review purposes.
- Ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS ERP.
- Monitor project expenses and budget as well as all administrative procedures in accordance with the work plan.
- Process direct payments and advance payment requests, and prepare project budget revisions.
- Develop financial reports adopting financial controls and reporting templates in line with UNOPS requirements.
- Support the Project Manager by monitoring budgets and cash, and reporting on expenditure obligations to ensure timeliness is met.
- Notify the project manager of any financial shortfalls or overspending.
- Propose budget revisions and take the necessary corrective measures.
- Coordinate necessary meetings, communications and reports with suppliers.
3. Monitoring and reporting
- Actively participate in the preparation of reports and project documents by assisting the project manager.
- Maintain and file project documents and other supporting documents.
- Manage the following records: QA log, configuration logs, and all other logs and records as directed by the project manager.
- Support the Project Manager by managing the following: i. Electronic record; ii. Documents relating to procurement, human resources and finance, in accordance with the requirements of Organizational Directive No. 12.
- Manage the compilation, consolidation and analysis of data relevant to the mission.
- Assist the project manager in the preparation of project completion reports and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
4. Coordination and management of stakeholders and communications
- support the coordination and management of communications.
- Communicate and build strong relationships with other UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to facilitate the implementation of activities and improve the quality and relevance of data and analysis.
- As required, participate in meetings with UN agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
5. Knowledge management and innovation
- Support the management of lessons learned in accordance with the chosen reporting system.
- Ensure local capacity building at all levels and foster opportunities for project support.
- Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned in planning and knowledge building.
- Provide expertise in the use of tools and techniques.
Recruitment Qualifications:
Education:
Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. in business administration, logistics, crisis management, accounting, international relations) is required.
A combination of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above
PRINCE2® Basic or Practitioner courses are an asset.
Experience:
The candidate must have at least 2 years of relevant experience with progressive responsibilities, mainly focused on supervision, reporting, development and coordination, in the field of project management and activities.
The candidate must have at least one year of experience in the field of accounting and financial management.
Experience working in emergency humanitarian contexts as well as a good knowledge of humanitarian coordination mechanisms, donors, security measures and activities in this field is desirable.
Demonstrated knowledge of United Nations rules and procedures in the areas of procurement, finance, human resources as well as knowledge of United Nations administrative rules and regulations is an asset.
Languages
- Working knowledge of English is required
- Fluency in Portuguese or Spanish is required.
| 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 (IICA)
Contract level: IICA 1 / ICS 09
Contract duration: Ongoing subject to satisfactory performance and funds availability
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx
Located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo the UNOPS Multi-Country office covers eleven countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Rwanda, and has an active portfolio of over $300 million, with many infrastructure projects. The office has developed strong working relations with international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments across Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors; procurement, project management and sectoral advisory services; peace and security, environmental preservation and protection among others.
