Project Management Support Specialist - Maternity Leave Replacement - INTERNAL VACANCY

THIS IS AN INTERNAL VACANCY FOR WHICH ONLY INTERNAL CANDIDATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. 1. Programme Delivery and Performance Control 

• Develop, complete and update implementation work plans under the guidance of the CTA. 
• Manage the day to day aspects of production of the required outputs, in collaboration with the respective technical experts, taking responsibility for monitoring and reporting, ensuring that work packages are being executed properly. 
• Prepare and issue regular programme and/or financial reports in accordance with partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting. 
• Regularly review programme status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality), and provide updates to the CTA.
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into programme life span (SDG alignment). 
• Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Work Plan and budget 
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues, and advise on mitigating measures to the supervisor, so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and key stakeholders is achieved 

2. Procedures 

• Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual. 
• Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the appropriate managers
• Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the
• Programme Implementation Work Plan, including those of long term agreements / programme cooperation agreement with implementing partners 
• Ensure a proper document management system, maintenance of the programme files and lessons learned are recorded (continuous improvement). 
• Ensure the development and implementation of financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Manage budget, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time. 
• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the programme. 
• Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
• Monitor and instruct relevant units for commitments and disbursements, while also providing a formal handover during programme closure and supporting program audit activities. 

3. Quality assurance 

• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure programmes comply with audit requirements. 
• Work with procurement/purchasing, HR and other relevant operational units to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems. 
• Coordinate quality reviews of programme documents and deliverables. 

4. Knowledge management and innovation 

• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of experts. 
• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice 

5. Personnel Management 

• In close cooperation with HR services, ensure that the deployment process (pre-/deployment/post-deployment), including final validation of experts’ (consultants’) performance are conducted fairly, accurately and timely. 
• Under the supervision of the CTA and in close cooperation with RSMCO/AUMCO support services, recruit and train a team of experts as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives. 
• Ensure safety and security trainings for all programme personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

• A minimum of at least five years of relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in the delivery and implementation of projects is required. 
• Knowledge of UNOPS’ project, financial, procurement and human resources rules, regulations, requirements and systems is a strong asset. 
• Experience with the delivery of (EU funded) technical assistance projects, particularly those in support of EU accession processes, will be considered an important asset. 
• Prior experience in EU affairs and/or working with/in EU institutions is an advantage. 
• Experience working in the Western Balkans region will be considered an advantage.
• A strong background in coordinating and monitoring projects, including those involving HR services, is a significant asset.