Application Deadline: July, 10/2023

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO) exciting career opportunity.

UNOPS-ETMCO is recruiting for this position: ICT System Project Manager based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Qualified females and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS are highly encouraged to apply.

Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Office has been providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies such as UNECA, UNICEF, UNEP, WHO, UNHCR and WFP, and other international organizations. In 2014, the UNOPS Executive Director decided to establish the UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO), which manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. 

UNOPS ETMCO activities range from tailor-made administration, operations, human resources, and logistics support for the implementation of development and humanitarian projects; infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services to partners to facilitate effective procurement, supply, and financial management. 

This position is located in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Information and Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS) of the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD). The incumbent works under dual reporting lines to the Chief of the Information and Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS) and the Chief of the Conference Management Section (CMS). 

Functions/Key Results Expected

The ICT Systems Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of different conference technology projects for the operations and enhancement at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) and the Africa Hall (AH) in close collaboration with the Information and Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS) and the Facilities Management Section (FMS). The position will provide advice on the management, design, engineering, installation, operation, documentation and maintenance of the UNCC & AH conference facilities, systems and equipment necessary for Conference Rooms’ audio-visual and conference management systems. In addition, the position will be expected to collaborate in the planning, management, and delivery of ad-hoc projects pertaining to high-level statutory meetings and conferences such as the Conference of Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning (CoM) and the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD).

The ICT Systems Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Board to manage the projects on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage. The main responsibility of the ICT Systems Project Manager is to ensure that the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. The successful candidate is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals.

Summary of functions:

1. Project Delivery and Performance

2. Procedures 

3. Monitoring and reporting

4. Stakeholder engagement

5. Quality assurance

Knowledge management and innovation 

1. Project Delivery and Performance 

• Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s).

• Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Senior Management/Project Board.

• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, and environmental and economic aspects into the project life span.

• Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.

• Provides technical support for the development of specifications, modifications and installation of systems and equipment required for broadcasting, conference control, media recording, retention and distribution of all media to and from all internal and external clients.

• Ensure that the quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.

• Liaise with any external suppliers or vendors.

• Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages.

• Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly.

• Control project and work package changes.

• Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers. 

• Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation. 

• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advise on mitigating measures to Senior Management/Project Board so that maximum benefit to the Commission and other stakeholders is achieved.

• Performs other related duties as required.

2. Procedures 

• Comply with all organizational policies and specifically the Project Management Framework & Guidelines.

• Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Senior Management/Project Board.

• Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Implementation Plan.

• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Advise regular staff on approval of requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluate submissions received, if appointed to the technical evaluation team. 

• Ensure proper maintenance of the project files, recording any lessons learned.

• Collaborate in the management of budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and other personnel are received on time.

• Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)

• Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a Certifying Officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.

• For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to Senior Management.

• Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations

3. Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with UNECA requirements for reporting.

• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).

• Maintain diaries and progress reports as per the organization’s standard operating procedures.

• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the project management dashboard and other reporting and monitoring systems.

• Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of the project's life span.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders.

• Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications.

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, and exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs.

5. Quality Assurance

• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.

• Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.

• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables

• Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)

6. Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Together with PMO provide advice and support to supporting PMs during the onboarding period as needed. 

• Encourage routine and effective capacity-building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.

• Actively interact with other UNECA Project Managers and the wider UN PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices. Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learned are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.

• Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, etc.

• Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project lifespan.

• Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.

• Develops disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.

• Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for their deployment.

• Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNECA’s policies.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education 

• An Advanced University (Master’s) Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields is required.

• A First-level University (Bachelor's) Degree in combination additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Certifications

• Certification in Project Management (such as PRINCE2 foundation and practitioner or PMP) is an asset. The successful candidate is required to complete certification within six months of joining the organization.

Work Experience 

• A minimum of five (5) years with a Masters's Degree OR seven (7) years with a Bachelor’s Degree of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems or related areas is required.

• Experience in managing conference systems projects is highly desirable. 

• Knowledge/experience with ITIL and COBIT Frameworks is desirable.

Languages 

• Fluency in spoken, written, and reading English is required.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.   

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

•  Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

•  Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

•  Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

•  Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

•  Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

•  Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

•  Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractual Agreement (IICA)

Contract level: IICA-2/ICS10

Contract duration: One year with the possibility of extension.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• Addis Ababa is a family duty station.

How to apply:

Register using the following link CLICK HERE

Terms and Conditions 

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.