Project Management Support – Officer (Regional Operations)

1. Background Information

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.

Afghanistan Country Office

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement, and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of all Afghans in need.

2. Summary of Key Functions

1. Stakeholder management and communication

2. Project coordination

3. Monitoring and reporting

1. Stakeholder management and communication

● Under delegated authority, represent the UNOPS CRL Rural Component and support all Facilitating Partners (FPs) in the given region to develop realistic and achievable field implementation plans, monitor the plans and provide regular and ad-hoc reports to the CRL team lead rural component.

● Support the FPs of the project in the region in working with communities and with de facto authorities.

● Support the FPs in the region in securing UNOPS approval for various project documents and/or operational requirements in the field as needed.

● Support the management team in grievance redressals related to the project field implementation.

2. Project coordination

● Liaise with key actors to ensure a sound understanding of the project objectives and implementation modalities for the CRL in the given region.

● Coordinate project activities in the given region between project staff, local authorities at the provincial and district levels, and the FPs.

● Monitor and ensure that information is readily available about the achievement of Entry Criteria for Access (ECA) for every community.

● Support the ARTF monitoring agents and headquarters team members in coordinating field visits and monitoring missions.

3. Monitoring and reporting

● Regularly monitor the situation and update the UNOPS Rural team on significant developments in the region of relevance to the project, particularly related to security, new policy directives/ interpretations from local authorities, on women’s inclusion and participation, environmental and social safeguards, access of project and FP staff and monitors to the communities, etc.

3. Impact of Results

The results achieved by the Project Management Support - Officer (Regional Operations) directly impact on the development and performance of the project, in particular the successful implementation of the rural component of the CRL. It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS in the global humanitarian context.

Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment.

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

- A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in development studies, international relations, sociology, management, business administration, or other relevant fields is required.

b. Work experience

- A minimum of 2 years of experience working with regional, provincial or district level authorities and/or communities is required.

- Experience related to the Citizen’s Charter Program is a significant asset.

- Experience working with community elders is an asset.

c. Languages

- Intermediate level (oral and written) in English is required.

- Pashto and/or Dari languages are required.

- Ability to speak the other local language dialects predominant in the region is desirable.

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Integrity & Inclusion: 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.

Loading Self and others: 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.

Partnering: Demonstrates understanding of the impact of one's 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).

Result Orientation: 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.

Agility: Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts one’ own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences

and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused: 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.

Effective communication: 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.

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