Deputy Project Manager

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Asia Pacific Regional Office oversees operations in 17 countries, focusing on infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management to support sustainable development. The Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) specifically shifts its focus to life-saving initiatives and basic human needs, including managing cash-for-work programs and procuring emergency supplies.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Infrastructure for Basic Human Needs (IBN) Project in Afghanistan. This role involves managing project execution, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and acting as a liaison with funding partners, implementing partners, and local authorities. The position requires adapting existing policies to meet project needs, supervising staff, and solving complex problems within established frameworks to ensure the successful delivery of project outputs and objectives.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include overseeing project delivery and performance by developing and implementing project plans, ensuring quality of work packages, and managing contract lifecycles. This involves monitoring progress, controlling changes, and approving invoices and payments. The role also entails managing budgets, cash flow, and expenditures, while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and project management manuals. Stakeholder engagement is crucial, requiring the development of engagement strategies and fostering solid working relationships with the Project Board, clients, and key stakeholders. Additionally, the Deputy Project Manager is responsible for quality assurance, including developing QA strategies and ensuring project compliance with audit requirements, as well as leading and motivating the project team.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing community projects, with a focus on monitoring, reporting, development, and coordination, is required. Proven experience in project implementation in collaboration with government authorities is essential. Previous experience with UNOPS or other UN agencies/NGOs, knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules, and experience in Herat province are desirable.

Skills

Contract Management, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Leadership, Effective Communication.

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