Senior Project Manager

Summary of functions:

1. Technical Advisory

2. Program Management

3. Implementation, Oversight and Reporting

4. Stakeholder Relationship Management

5. Knowledge Management and Innovation

6. Personnel Management

• Supports the development of business opportunities in the infrastructure sectors, providing technical advice for concept development, identifying, with the PNG Office and Business Development teams, existing challenges and appropriate solutions in consultation with the Country Manager
• Participates in the design and review of infrastructure projects and engages with infrastructure Project Management Group (IPMG) with regards to response on technical matters
• Prepares design briefs and design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder  requirements and specifications as and when necessary.

• Provides technical and tactical advice to ensure efficient and effective project management in accordance with the funding agreements and UNOPS guidelines and continuously seeks to improve portfolio performance and attainment of project goals. 

• Leads work planning under the infrastructure portfolio and reporting and ensuring high quality, accurate and timely communications, lifting UNOPS profile in infrastructure program management. 

• Coordinates the day-to-day operations, assigning resources to projects ensuring their effective and efficient implementation in accordance with the funders agreements and UNOPS guidelines. 

• Liaises with the relevant counterparts, government stakeholders and working group focal points on all project related matters, specifically pertaining to enhancing the project implementation efficiency and effectiveness.  

• Assist in the oversight of the implementation of works for the specific projects and monitoring of progress of renewable energy related works according to contract schedules, specifications and project plans, ensuring strict implementation of quality control standards and procedures on the sites and report regularly to the supervisor.

• Maintains a close eye on the operational and financial performance, identifies issues that may need attention, supports in problem analysis and solution identification as necessary, coordinates resolution as per action-items assigned, drafting required correspondences to stakeholders concerned and preparation of mission reports.

• Ensures preparation and maintenance of project files, including internal and external project (operational and highlights) reports. 

• Manages information flows and oversees change controls, monitors risks, ensuring accurate risk registers and issue management by establishing document control procedures.

• Manages assigned delivery of work packages and takes responsibility for progress.

• Coordinates and liaises with the Country Manager  on the implementation progress, advising on any deviations from the plan and update plans.

• Coordinates reporting on financial and technical progress, ensuring transparency and compliance with the UNOPS and Funders reporting requirements and resource utilization guidelines. 

• Supports implementation of approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) under the guidance of the Country Manager (the Project Executive).

• Supervise, monitor and evaluate performance of service providers delivering to project priorities.

• Assists in the implementation of Environmental and Health & Safety measures in the project sites.

• Assists in the identification, evaluation, selection and supervision of building contractors for specified project work.

• Attends daily the project site(s) to monitor progress of works, identifying the existing problems and appropriate solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the project teams.

• Interacts with project managers, lead engineers and other team members on monitoring contractors’ and suppliers performance, including compliance with contracts specifications and ensuring that contractors and suppliers comply with their work plans to complete work with specified scope of work, time frame, and budget.

• Supports and assists the Country Manager in establishing productive working relationships with the funders, Government of Papua New Guinea and relevant UN, development partners and other key stakeholders.

• Maintains effective relationships with contributors to UNOPS infrastructure program and projects, building and deepening relationships across the various stakeholders, including funders.

• Closely coordinates with the different donors for the infrastructure projects particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. 

• Manages internal and external stakeholders with effectiveness and efficiency.  

• Understands the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to contribute to the project goals.

• Supports the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting formats.

• Ensures that local capacities are built at every level, particularly for Project Management Support.

• Contributes to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned. Contribute to expertise in tools and techniques

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in  Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering or related field is required.

• A first university degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

• Professional engineering certification is an asset.

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience managing projects in the renewable energy sector or related field is required.

• A proven track record and experience in designing and supervising solar energy projects is an asset.

• Experience and demonstrated skills in generating and compiling high quality technical reports is desired.

• A proven track record  and experience in designing and supervising other renewable energy projects ( hydropower) is desired.

• Experience in other renewable energy projects ( hydro, wind, geothermal) is an asset.

• Experience in the use of Google Suite applications as well as experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.

• Relevant experience working in developing/post-conflict countries is an asset.