Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partnersโ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce โ a strength that helps us better understand and address our partnersโ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Functional Responsibilities
UNOPS is undertaking a three-year project (Local Infrastructure in Rural Anbar LIRA) that aims to improve basic living conditions for returnees in the liberated rural areas of Al-Anbar governorate and Sinjar through the rehabilitation of up to 2,000 housing units and restoration of decentralized Services. The decentralized services component will entail the provision of solar street lighting, the rehabilitation of selected community roads, and of water and sanitation networks and/or stations. When feasible, the rehabilitated housing units will be connected to the restored decentralized services taking into consideration the whole neighbourhood. The rehabilitation of housing and basic services will be guided by a needs-based approach
Job-Specific Information
In order to efficiently and effectively serve our partners with due regard to corporate standards and policies, the UNOPS project is in need of an experienced Project Management Support Senior Associate. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager for the LIRA Project in Iraq.
Functional ResponsibilitiesThe Project Management Support โ Senior Associate will report directly to the Project Manager, and will be responsible for the following functional responsibilities:
1. Project Monitoring and reporting
2. Project Implementation:
3. Operational and administrative support
4. Project Management & Financial Support Services
5. Knowledge management and innovation
1. Project Monitoring and reporting:
With guidance from the Senior Project Manager, support preparation of project financial disbursement reports and coordinate with the Finance Team for issuance of Interim Financial Reports in line with reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan.
Support the PM in maintaining the following:
i. Electronic Blue File. Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents on the shared drive as per the organization guideline for record keeping. ii. Upload on oneUNOPS (ERP), oneUNOPSprojects engagement and project level files when required. iii) Ensure compliance with financial rules and regulations, procurement, HR and other support services guidelines and procedures of the organization. Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes; Ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system; Monitor project budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the work- plan; Process direct payments and advance requests and prepare project budget revisions; Produce financial reports; including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS requirements; Support the Project Manager by monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met; Alert the Project Manager or any financial shortfalls and over-expenditures; Propose budget revision and initiate corrective action when necessary; Coordinate vendor communications, meetings, and reports as necessary; Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with procedures, work plans, and availability of resources for expenditure. Take minutes of project-related meetings and follow up on action points.
2. Project Implementation
Support the Senior Project Manager in ensuring UNOPS Policies and Procedures, Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR) are adhered to for efficient project implementation and progress. Maintain project tracking sheet and alert the Senior Project Manager on project end date and reporting requirements of projects. Support the implementation teams with preparation of contractorsโ invoices and related processes. Monitor and record best practices and innovative approaches within UNOPS FRR; identify and show alternative options according to activity needs. In consultation with the relevant stakeholders, assist the Senior Project Manager in preparing amendments of Agreements and Budget revisions when applicable. Facilitate information flows and support in managing risk registers and issues. Support the documentation of lessons learned and best practices. Assist the project planning process in the areas of administrative and support services such as procurement planning, human resources planning, financial forecasting etc. In consultation with Senior Project Manager, follow up with partners on project agreement signing, monthly invoices verification, information required for project closure and fund transfer requests when applicable.
3. Operational and administrative support
Review input of financial information, expenditures etc. in oneUNOPS; Support development and maintenance of oneUNOPS based management information systems to ensure real time tracking and asset management under the project activities; Liaise with the Finance Unit to process and monitor all payment requests within the Project Liaise with finance and logistics/procurement units in tracking commitments and disbursements; Assist the Project Manager in monitoring all HR requirements and related activities under the Project; Supports the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for required inputs in the projects (staff, individual and institutional consultancy services, procurement of goods and services, organization of training, seminars,etc.), with expert and/or client support as required;
Supports the organization of induction briefings to newly recruited staff and render support to consultants in the course of their assignment;
Support and review submissions for Contracts, Purchase orders, Waivers and related documents prior to final approval;
Contribute to organizing project and stakeholder meetings as and when necessary, and maintain records of these meetings;
Maintain records of project files and reports according to UNOPS document management guidelines;
4. Project Management and Financial Support Services
Review weekly Activity reports and quarterly financial reports with respect to outputs based on work plans and budget forecasts; Identify operational, administrative, financial and other bottlenecks that may impede project delivery; recommend solutions and take appropriate remedial action; Upon instruction of the project manager, undertake field missions as required Coordinate with the internal procurement and logistic team on all transport, inventory, Assets and procurement issues in for direct support of the project and in support of Project Management Team.
Manage the travel plan of the Project Team, manage travel booking, and coordinate with the Admin Team for DSA and other related requirements for travel. Establish and monitor an internal control system for all administrative actions.
5. Knowledge management and innovation
In consultation with Senior Project Manager, support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting format and monitor its implementation. Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building. Support that local capacities are built at every level and opportunity for Project Support. Maintain records of project files and activity reports in hard and soft copy.
Impact of Results
The Project Management Support Senior Associate directly impacts on achievement of project results by assisting the Senior Project Manager to adhere to project management methods and strategies. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.
Competencies
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. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
Completion of secondary school is required
A bachelor's degree is desirable, preferably in Finance or Accounting, Project Management, Business Administration, Management, or a related field is preferred and would be an asset and may substitute for some of the required years of experience.
PRINCE2ยฎ certification is an asset.
Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant and progressive professional experience, preferably in the field of Administration and Financial Management with focus on accounting, budget preparation, monitoring, recording, reporting, and coordination is required. BA with three (3) years of relevant experience is desirable.
Experience working with the Google Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is an asset.
Experience and demonstrated knowledge of UN rules and procedures in Project Management, Finance, HR Management and administrative rules and regulations will be an advantage.
Languages
Proficiency in written and oral English and Arabic is required.
Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA Support, level 7 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA โ โOpen-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.โ Current fund is available until 31 December 2025
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.