Head of Project Unit

The Head of Project Unit (HPU) is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country to support substantive partners in delivering the mandate. The role involves leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and standards in peace and security programming contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to programme and project design documents including strategy, workplan, budget, and resource mobilization.
• Support application of policies and procedures associated with Humanitarian Programme Cycle and funding mechanisms.
• Ensure implementation plans have viable timelines, appropriate resources, and reflect context knowledge and UNOPS policies.
• Establish and maintain arrangements for project delivery including third-party contractors and grantees.
• Oversee project implementation, review progress, assess constraints, and take corrective action.
• Ensure projects comply with UNOPS policies on finance, procurement, contracts, health, safety, social and environmental standards, DEI and GESI mainstreaming, information management, and human resources.
• Draft high quality reports and prepare written summaries and analytical documents.
• Exercise financial control to ensure financial health of the Project Unit.
• Integrate prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) and GESI into project implementation and partner oversight.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with CMAP and other stakeholders.
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a high-performing Project Unit workforce promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and a safe and inclusive work environment.
• Uphold highest standards of conduct and address behaviours undermining inclusion and safety.
• Ensure safety and security of UNOPS personnel and assets, act as Security Focal Point if required.
• Support design and dissemination of public information and communication activities.
• Support CMAP preparations for meetings, events, briefings, and field visits.
• Act as CMAP Officer-in-Charge upon request.
• Manage relationships with national authorities, UN missions, country teams, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in UN mission/country team meetings to strengthen coherence and security measures.
• Keep UN Mission leadership informed of UNOPS activities.
• Foster inclusive engagement with communities and stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of best practices and technology to enhance project delivery.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned and share knowledge to improve future delivery and quality.

Requirements

• Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; OR First Level University Degree (Bachelors or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience; OR High School Diploma, with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience is required.
• Relevant experience in project or programme management in military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts.
• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.
• Experience working in a developing country or conflict environment is desired.
• Experience working in mine action, including technical qualifications in any of the five pillars of mine action, is desired.
• Experience advancing workforce inclusion and integrating gender, social inclusion, and PSEAH/safeguarding into project implementation and implementing partner oversight is desired.
• A minimum of 2 years of leadership experience, including supervising teams, and managing complex projects and budgets, is required.
• Fluent English is required.
• Intermediate proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), and Russian is desirable.

Skills

• Project Management
• Programme Management
• Report Writing
• Leadership
• Team Supervision
• Budget Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Compliance Management
• Mine Action Management
• Gender Integration
• Social Inclusion
• PSEAH Implementation
• Partner oversight
• Conflict Environment Experience
• Humanitarian Experience
• Development Context Experience

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian