Position title Project Associate
Department/office JRS, JerusalemDuty station Gaza city, Palestine (State of)
Contract type Local ICA Support
Contract level LICA-6
Duration 6 months with possibility of extension
Application period 19-Aug-2016 to 28-Aug-2016
Vacancy code VA/2016/B5106/10645
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background Information - Jerusalem
Jerusalem Office – UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence
Since the opening of the Jerusalem Office in 2006, UNOPS has significantly strengthened its operations in Palestine. Our expert knowledge, skills and management systems contribute to the sustainable development of public infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, including Area C and East Jerusalem.
In recognition of its ability to affect and lead positive change, the Jerusalem Office has been named the UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence.
The Jerusalem Office is the first UN office to receive the Level 4 P3M3 Maturity Model certification in project management by APMG. This certification demonstrates the well-structured, standardized and defined project management processes and methodologies applied to projects, generating the best results desired by our partners.
This achievement is part of a broader agenda to increase the Office’s impact on development projects, by improving our services and adding value to the outcomes of our partners’ works. The office has benchmarked its capabilities against international industry level standards and through this has achieved several prestigious certifications, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety), ISO 14001 (Environment Management) and Level 4 P3M3.
Background Information - Job-specific
The Project Associate under the general guidance and supervision of PM and PMO Team Leader is responsible for service delivery under an assigned client’s project and will take independent decisions on administrative actions based on clearly established authority and guidelines. In performing her/his work, the Project Associate works with minimal supervision and promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach. The Project Associate will work in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Projects staff in the Project Centre, Regional Office and HQ to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery. She/he may also directly supervise subordinates and/or train and coach colleagues.
The Project Associate will ensure the provision of project support to JRSO Programme/Project Managers in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities, as framed in Project Documents, and in keeping with internal UNOPS policies, processes and procedures (the “UNOPS legislative Framework”).
Functional Responsibilities
Project Support Duties
- Serve as point of contact between UNOPS finance and support staff and project portfolio on daily practical issues related to the implementation of the project, point of contact for administrative and operational needs and requirements for the project, and UNOPS.
- Support in uploading and updating relevant data related to Project implementation and Project stakeholders according to agreed templates and programmes/software.
- Supports Project Managers with the preparation of project documents for submission to the JRSO Director for his/her approval, in particular assists with the preparation of internal and external project reports;
- Manages information flows and oversea change controls, risk registers and issue management;
- Documents and provides feedback regarding lessons learned and best practices;
- Supports the project planning process;
- Maintains supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes;
- Ensures that accurate date is entered and reflected in oneUNOPS;
- Coordinates with other JRSO units to accomplish project objectives on administrative, human resources and procurement matters;
- Provide administrative duties relating to projects as assigned including but not limited to preparing budgets and project delivery reports; and
- Enters/revises project budgets and awards in oneUNOPS;
Project Management
- Provides backstopping for Project Managers on leave.
- Support the Project Manager in meetings with key stakeholders as required by project requirements.
Project Assurance
- Monitors project quality indicators and monthly health checks for projects supported;
- Ensures that project “blue files” and other relevant project documentation in hard and soft copies are up to date; and
- Provides, as needed project assurance support to project boards.
Final Product
- To ensure smooth running of the project .Works with minimal amount of supervision;
- Independently provides accurate reports and /or records in the areas of work, budget/financial management, project management, personnel administration and other administrative functions.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
-Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, International Management or other relevant discipline. Additional years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree
-Languages
Proficient in both the English and Arabic Language, spoken, written and comprehension.
Work Experience
- Working experience in Administrative Service, Project Management , Finance, Human Resources or related areas;
- Minimum of 1 year working experience with the UN and or international organizations would be an asset;
- Experience in reporting writing and donor communication is strongly desirable;
- Technical report writing and communications experience would be an asset
Additional Requirements
- Extensive experience in project administration including deep knowledge of financial, HR, Procurement, administrative practices and project reporting
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve project goals
- Supportive and service oriented personality with commitment, efficiency and willingness to work in a highly motivated and fast-moving team;
- Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
Competencies
- Professionalism – Excellent knowledge of security/risk management methods combined with some political knowledge of the location; ability to effectively deal with stress factors. Good technical skills to understand and consolidate the varying security specializations.
- Planning and Organization – Proven ability to plan and organize work and establish priorities.
- Communications – Ability to effectively communicate (oral and written), within all levels of the organization. Good drafting and presentational skills.
- Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with: UN, INGO and diplomatic staff, security representatives of local and national governments, with sensitivity and respect for gender, diversity and culture
- Leadership – Demonstrated leadership skills. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required. Ability to manage and motivate a team Initiative and sound judgment; dedication to the United Nations principles and demonstrated ability to work in harmony with persons of different national and cultural background;
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement
Contract level: LICA Level 6
Contract duration: 6 months with possibility of extension
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
More Details
Additional Considerations
- 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.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- 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.
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