Deputy Project Manager
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) operates as an operational arm of the UN, supporting peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. The Africa Regional Office oversees projects in over 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. This role is within the West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO), supporting projects in Sierra Leone, specifically contributing to the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) project.
Job Purpose
The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational execution and delivery of project support functions, particularly transactional services such as HR, procurement, and financial tracking. This role ensures that project outputs meet UNOPS performance standards, donor agreements, and audit compliance. The incumbent acts as a focal point for coordination with donors, partners, and beneficiaries, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments and UNOPS standards. Under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager and Project Board, the Deputy Project Manager ensures project deliverables are achieved within agreed tolerances for time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits, contributing to the successful implementation of the SOGREA programme.
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 monitoring project progress, controlling variances, and managing changes, while identifying and mitigating project risks. The Deputy Project Manager must comply with UNOPS policies and standards, maintain project documentation, and understand financial rules and regulations. This includes preparing and adapting plans, managing reporting obligations, and supporting project audits. The incumbent is also responsible for developing stakeholder engagement strategies, establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders, and coordinating communication. Additionally, the role involves ensuring quality assurance of project documents and deliverables, fostering a learning environment for the project team, encouraging knowledge sharing, and managing personnel performance and development.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in international organizations, focusing on complex projects in HR, financial management, grants, or procurement. Experience in project coordination, operations management, and using collaboration tools is essential. Experience in multicultural or developing country environments, and in development or humanitarian contexts is desirable.
Skills
Problem Solving, Project Coordination, Project Implementation, Project Planning, Quality Assurance, Reporting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management