Project Manager (Transactional)

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office oversees over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO), based in Dakar, delivers project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries, supporting peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. This role is situated within WAMCO, contributing to key sectors like health and sustainable development.

Job Purpose

The Project Manager (Transactional) is responsible for the effective delivery and daily oversight of projects providing transactional services such as HR, procurement, and grants to UNOPS partners. This role serves as the primary point of contact for coordination with donors, partners, and beneficiaries, ensuring strict adherence to contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards. Acting on behalf of the Project Board, the Project Manager is accountable for ensuring that all project outputs are delivered within the agreed tolerances for time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits, thereby contributing to the successful execution of UNOPS' mission in the region.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing project plans, managing the production of outputs, and ensuring quality of work packages and deliverables. The role involves liaising with external suppliers for timely and quality delivery, monitoring project progress, controlling variances, and managing changes. It requires identifying and mitigating project risks to maximize benefits for stakeholders and reporting potential opportunities to senior management. The Project Manager must ensure compliance with UNOPS policies, financial regulations, and local laws, maintain project documentation, and support audit activities. Additionally, responsibilities encompass developing and executing stakeholder engagement strategies, establishing strong working relationships with the project board and clients, and coordinating communication efforts. The role also involves ensuring project teams are structured, motivated, and perform effectively, while promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Work Experience

Required experience includes project management in HR processes, financial management, grants management, or procurement. Experience in project coordination and operations management is also necessary, along with knowledge of quality standards and assurance methodologies. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries, and in development or humanitarian contexts, is desirable.

Skills

Project Coordination, Project Implementation, Project Planning, Quality Assurance, Reporting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management

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