Background Information - Job-specific
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.
Background: AUMCO
The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was set up in August 2019 as a part of the UNOPS Europe & Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:
Infrastructure
Procurement
Project Management (full service, back on track)
HR and Transactional Services
Grant Management
Technical and Advisory Services
Blueing the Black Sea: a GEF Regional Project
Blueing the Black Sea GEF Regional Project (BBSEA) aims to strengthen the preparedness of governments and the private sector in the Project Focus Countries (Georgia, Moldova, Tรผrkiye, and Ukraine) to take actions to reduce pollution in the Black Sea with a focus on four countries. It has two main components: (1) Strengthening the regional understanding of the economic impact of pollution and (2) Promoting eco-innovation through investments.
Component 1 aims to develop recommendations for policy and regulation as well as investment recommendations to the governments of the four Project Focus Countries. It involves technical assistance to improve policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks for pollution prevention. It also includes economic analysis to support the development of the Blue Economy and recommendations for national and regional policy reforms.
Component 2 aims to strengthen the public and private sectorโs access in the four project countries to financial investment, innovation and technologies for pollution reduction and management. It focuses on green and innovative financing, including the Eco-Innovation Challenge, which will promote new technologies and business models to reduce pollution in the Black Sea. This component will be implemented in three focus countries: Tรผrkiye, Georgia and Moldova. Ukraine will receive support for pollution clean-up interventions once the security situation allows. The project will also emphasize gender equality, climate change mitigation, and citizen engagement, ensuring that the benefits of the project are inclusive and sustainable.
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Project Support Officer will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day management of the project, including its plans, issues, risks and lessons, escalating any issues or concerns, as necessary. The incumbent will work closely with AUMCO shared support units, and all project partners and stakeholders in all aspects relating to grant management services and general financial management. The Project Support Officer will support the Senior Programme Manager in ensuring full compliance with all relevant procurement guidelines and regulations and is responsible for ensuring that administration of grants by UNOPS are in accordance with the applicable UNOPS Regulations and Rules and Administration Instruction(s).
Under the overall Supervision of the UNOPS Senior Programme Manager, the Incumbent will support the BBSEA project and provide technical assistance in especially in the areas listed below:
1. Project Planning, Coordination & Governance Support
2. Financial Planning, Monitoring and Reporting
Maintain monitoring systems to keep track of the performance of implementing partners and partner country beneficiaries. Support the proper implementation of the Initiative's M&E framework, including alignment of contract management with the overall Theory of Change. Coordinate with implementing partners the application of M&E tools, such as reporting templates and evaluation surveys, to ensure adequate data collection and quality assurance. Set up project/grant agreements and budgets in the ERP system and monitor project budgets; support the preparation of budget revisions in consultation with the supervisor, Finance Unit, and relevant project counterparts. Support preparation of work plans, budgets, progress reports incl. financial reports, and ad-hoc updates on cash-flow status, contractual commitments, and expenditure status; draft appropriate comments on audit reports as necessary. Support the Senior Programme Manager in the preparation of relevant Quarterly Assurance Reports and Presentations. 3.Support Systems, Tools & Knowledge Management
Maintain existing ERP and project/grant management tools, as well as relevant internal mechanisms, to ensure high-quality service provision to partners Drive regular data updates and related exercises, especially related to project-level and financial reporting. Participate in training for operations and project staff on relevant tools, approaches, and procedures to ensure effective project implementation 4. HR, Procurement & Grants Management Guidance
Act as the first point of contact for all procurement, administrative, and grants management issues and support needs, facilitating effective service delivery, including with support from the project associate. Coordinate with the respective ECR teams on specific cases and provide timely guidance on operational processes and procedures. Assist with the management of HR, procurement, and grants management processes, including data management, issue resolution, results reporting, and coordination of responses to internal and external information requests.
5. Knowledge Management and Communications
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Collaborate closely with colleagues and ensure effective knowledge management across all functional areas. Support the development of internal communication flows with different stakeholders, including monitoring BBSEA website accuracy and helping to make sure it is updated. Provide any additional support as required. Perform other duties based on project needs.
Impact of Results
The Project Support Officer directly impacts on the achievement of project results by assisting the Senior Programme Manager to implement effective project management methods and strategies, reduce risks, cut cost and improve success rates. 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
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) preferably in public administration, business, economics, international affairs, development studies, environmental science, political science, or related areas. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and two years of additional experience related to the nature of the position may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Experience
Minimum 2 years of experience (or more depending on academic credentials) in a project management support function involving stakeholder coordination is required. Work experience involving environment or climate change related projects is strongly desired. Experience with fund and/or grants management is a distinct advantage. Experience with stakeholder and partner management, including interacting with government officials and/or donors is a distinct advantage. Past professional work experience with UN/UNOPS is highly desirable. Exposure to and a good understanding of international climate change and sustainable development cooperation would be an advantage. Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required, including strong writing and presentation skills. Working knowledge of another official UN language or a language of a programme country covered by this project is an asset.
Contract type-ICA Contract level- IICA 1/ICS9 Contract duration-Ongoing ICA โ Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. 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.