Project Management Specialist [Education and Social Inclusion]

Position description

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives team works with UN partners and Member States. This portfolio offers support for various initiatives and priorities of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs in areas such as political affairs, climate, counterterrorism and peacebuilding, among others.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures, and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions, and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.

The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation, and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process. If we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full administrative and financial responsibility.

The Project Management Support Specialist coordinates and supports the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of projects, ensuring delivery of results within the agreed scope, time, cost, quality and risk parameters. The role supports day-to-day project operations, liaises with partners, donors and beneficiaries, and ensures that project activities are in line with UNOPS policies, donor/partner requirements, and quality standards.

The Project Management Support Specialist provides analytical and operational support, tracks financial and performance data, identifies risks or implementation challenges, and coordinates timely solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. The role therefore contributes towards ensuring that projects achieve their intended objectives, strengthen partner relationships, and contribute to UNOPS’ and UNAOC operational goals.

Functions/ Key Results expected

Project Delivery and Performance

• Design and develop projects and initiatives related to education and social inclusion, ensuring alignment with UNAOC’s strategic priorities and Action Plan.
• Support in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities in line with approved work plans, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate day-to-day project operations to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNOPS, UNAOC, and donor/partner requirements.
• Manage and monitor progress against scope, time, cost, and quality tolerances. Identify risks and deviations, propose corrective actions, and escalate when required.
• Oversee project contracts and supplier performance to ensure compliance and value for money.
• Embed sustainability principles – including gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental considerations – across project activities.
• Contribute to the identification and development of new project opportunities or extensions of existing engagements.
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to identify gaps and opportunities for projects’ intervention and draft project proposals, concept notes, and funding applications to secure financial and technical support.
• Prepare progress reports, donor reports, and briefing notes, and maintain accurate records of project activities, budgets, and documentation in accordance with UNAOC’s policies.

Financial and Procurement Management

• Support financial planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure effective budget utilization and cost control in line with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Manage cash flow, expenditures, and financial commitments, ensuring timely disbursements and accurate financial reporting.
• Support procurement and grant management processes, including preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), evaluation of bids, and contract administration.
• Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper documentation of transactions.
• Prepare and review financial reports and participate in project audits, ensuring implementation of recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Maintain effective working relationships with donors, partners, national authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and alignment with project objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement and communication plans, ensuring timely and consistent information sharing.
• Facilitate internal coordination among project teams, technical experts, and support functions.
• Represent the project in meetings, consultations. and external engagements as delegated by the supervisor.

Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance

• Monitor project performance against agreed indicators, preparing progress, financial and completion reports in accordance with UNOPS and donor/partner standards.
• Conduct data analysis and provide inputs for management decisions and strategic planning.
• Ensure quality assurance processes are applied to all deliverables, documents and outputs.
• Support compliance with internal audit and quality standards, coordinating corrective action as required.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management.
• Develop knowledge products, including toolkits, guidelines, and case studies, to support the dissemination of project results.
• Organize training sessions, workshops, and seminars to build capacities of youth, educators, and community leaders.
• Provide substantive content to syllabus of training modules and identify experts in designing those modules.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.
• Conduct research on project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Qualifications

Required

• Advanced University degree (Masters’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, international education, social science, human rights, public policy or in a field related to the post description with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international relations, international education, social science, human rights, public policy or in a field related to the post description with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Desired

• A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired.

Experience requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is defined as work experience in project support or management.
• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience with international organizations or international non-governmental organizations.
• Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts.
• Proven knowledge of international relations, particularly matters related to the United Nations, and intercultural issues, including trends in cross-cultural dialogue and international education.
• Knowledge of youth issues, international education issues, and gender issues in an international context.
• Experience with research management, analysis, and drafting of documents on complex issues.
• IT proficiency, including familiarity with tools and platforms supporting digital innovation and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas: data analytics, digital innovation, foresight methodologies, behavioral science, or organizational culture change.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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