Head of Project Unit

The Head of the Project Unit leads the Somalia Project Unit under the Peace and Security Cluster, responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising, and closing all projects in Somalia to support partners in delivering their mandate. The role impacts the development and performance of the Project Unit and strengthens UNOPS' position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in Somalia.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to the CMAP on programme and project design documents including programme strategy, workplan and budget, resource mobilization strategy, and project proposals to donors.
• Support the application of policies, practices and procedures associated with the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms.
• Ensure implementation plans have viable timelines, appropriate resources, and reflect knowledge of context and UNOPS policies.
• Establish and maintain arrangements and plans for delivery of Project Unit projects, including oversight of third-party contractors and grantees.
• Review project progress, assess constraints, take corrective action, and ensure early warning of risks to PSC New York Office.
• Ensure projects comply with UNOPS policies and standards including financial, procurement, contract management, health and safety, DEI, gender equality, information management, and mine action technical standards.
• Draft high quality reports including project, annual, situation reports, briefing notes, and UN reports.
• Exercise financial control to ensure financial health and sustainability of the Project Unit.
• Integrate prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into project implementation and partner oversight.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnership with CMAP and maintain effective communication of UNOPS competencies.
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a high-performing Project Unit workforce ensuring equitable recruitment and inclusive representation.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration, diversity, and a safe and inclusive work environment.
• Uphold highest standards of conduct and take action against behaviors undermining inclusion, equity and psychological safety.
• Ensure security planning integrates PSEAH and inclusion considerations and oversee safety and security of UNOPS personnel and assets.
• Act as UNOPS Security Focal Point in-country if required and participate in Security Management Team.
• Support CMAP in public information and communication activities and prepare materials for meetings and events.
• Act as CMAP Officer-in-Charge upon request and concurrence.
• Support CMAP in managing 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 and Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities.
• Foster strategic partnerships and promote inclusive engagement with national authorities and communities.
• Keep abreast of best practices and technology to enhance project delivery and results.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises and share knowledge to improve future delivery and quality.

Requirements

• Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) is required with 10 years of relevant experience; OR First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with 12 years of relevant experience; OR High School Diploma, with a minimum of 16 years of relevant experience is required.
• Relevant experience is defined as experience in programme or project management in military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts.
• A minimum of 4 years of leadership experience, including supervising teams, managing complex projects, and budgets is required.
• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.
• Experience working in a developing country is desired.
• Experience working in mine action is desired.
• Experience working in a peacekeeping context, or collaborating closely with security forces on capacity building is desired.
• Experience advancing workforce inclusion and iterating gender and PSEAH/safeguarding into project implementation and implementing partner oversight is desired.
• Fluent English is required.
• Intermediate French is desirable.
• Intermediate Spanish is desirable.
• Intermediate Arabic is desirable.
• Intermediate Chinese, Mandarin is desirable.
• Intermediate Russian is desirable.

Skills

• Programme Management
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Team Supervision
• Budget Management
• Report Writing
• Project Monitoring
• Project Implementation
• Project Closure
• Conflict Context Experience
• Experience in Post-Conflict Situations
• Humanitarian Experience
• Military Context Experience
• Experience in Developing Countries
• Mine Action Management
• Peacekeeping Collaboration
• Capacity Building
• Workplace Inclusion
• Gender Mainstreaming
• PSEAH
• Partner oversight

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Mandarin, Russian