Programme Management Office (PRMO) - Senior Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the UN, supporting partners in peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO), based in Dakar, Senegal, manages over 16 countries, focusing on sectors like health, climate change, and infrastructure. This role sits within the Programme Management Office (PMO) of WAMCO, contributing to strategic planning and effective project delivery.

Job Purpose

The Programme Management Office (PMO) - Senior Officer supports the Head of PMO, Head of Programme, and Senior Management in governing the Multi-Country Office (MCO) portfolio. This role provides oversight, advisory, and decision-enabling functions for assigned portfolios, ensuring the successful and consistent delivery of projects. The Senior Officer guides projects and Project Managers in applying UNOPS best practices to achieve excellence. The position ensures the portfolio team is knowledgeable and works collectively towards organizational strategic goals and partner commitments, enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects.

Responsibilities

The Senior Officer is responsible for supporting project management teams in implementing UNOPS standards and best practices, assisting in the development and tracking of unit plans, and supporting the establishment and monitoring of programme-level strategies and work plans. This includes verifying budgets against forecasts and ensuring Gender Action Plans are developed and followed. The role involves developing resource tracking systems, identifying and escalating potential risks and issues, and supporting project setup, implementation, and closure activities. Additionally, the Senior Officer ensures regular project and corporate reports are issued, monitors project health against KPIs, and assesses project documentation for completeness and accuracy. The position also coordinates quarterly assurance activities, assists in managing organizational risks and issues, and provides oversight of delivery and project closure data. Stakeholder engagement includes ensuring dedicated management and communication plans are in place and coordinating communications across programmes and projects. Quality assurance involves working with audit and finance to ensure compliance, coordinating quality reviews of project documents, and contributing to capacity building and knowledge management efforts.

Work Experience

Relevant experience in project management is required. Experience in multicultural or UN system environments, development or humanitarian contexts, data analysis, management reporting, and project management tools is advantageous. Experience working in developing countries, particularly in Africa, and in an international environment is highly desired.

Skills

Project Control, Project Planning, Stakeholder Management, Project Team Management, Risk Management, Reporting, Quality Assurance, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management.

Explore related opportunities