Вакансія: Project Support Officer

The UNOPS Ukraine Office was established in April 2017. At present UNOPS manages a wide range portfolio of projects in Ukraine that exceeds USD 100 million in support of the rule of law, human security, healthcare and social services, recovery and energy areas.

UNOPS collaborates with multiple partners including the Government of Ukraine, bilateral and multilateral donors, and the United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes,.

Since February 2018, UNOPS has been providing project management implementation services for the European Delegation and the Government of Ukraine project, focused on the reform of the rule of law system in Ukraine (with the focus on law-enforcement agencies) and  aligning its functioning with the best European and international practices.

With the technical advisory services of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM), UNOPS is contributing to enhancing capacities of the law enforcement agencies through an effective and efficient human resource management system and improved business processes; supports Ukraine’s police force’s modernization and transformation into professional organization which maintains public order in full observance of human rights; contributes to increased public safety; supports countering serious crime, including cybercrime; and facilitates overall sectoral coordination.

The Project Support Officer will report to the Project/Programme Manager. His of her prime responsibility is to ensure production of those work packages assigned by the Project Manager to an appropriate quality, in a set timescale and within a set cost. The incumbent will also be responsible for supporting the Project/Programme Manager with the day-to-day implementation of the project, risks identification and mitigation, reporting, stakeholder management (including liaison with the key beneficiary institutions and partners).

He/she maintains a close eye on the operational and financial performance, identifies probable issues that may need attention, supports in problem analysis and solution identification as necessary, coordinate resolution as per action-items assigned, drafting required correspondences to stakeholders concerned and preparation of mission reports.  The role can often be required to work in complex and challenging environments with limited resources.

1.     Project implementation

• Lead and manage the assigned delivery of work packages and take responsibility for the progress of activities achieving the milestones;
• Advise the Project/Programme Manager of any deviations from the plan and update plans, produce stage plans for the work packages;
• Collaborate with the Project/Programme manager to identify, manage and record risks;
• Coordinate and liaise with the Project/Programme Manager on the implementation progress;
• Prepare and maintain project files, including internal and external project reports.

2.     Financial and Procurement Management

Within assigned responsibility:

• Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes.
• Ensure data and document entry into UNOPS ERP system (oneUNOPS), in line with the corporate standards and guidelines;
• Monitor project budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the work plan.
• Review invoices and initiate requests for payments and/or advances.
• Produce financial reports; including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS requirements.
• Support the Project/Programme Manager by monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met.
• Alert the Project/Programme Manager of any financial shortfalls and over-expenditures. Prepare budget data and initiate budget revisions if/when required
• Lead and coordinate the development of technical specifications, the scope of works, ToRs for procurement and contracting. Initiate procurement. Monitor performance of contractors and consultants and report as  necessary

3. Project monitoring and reporting

• Provide substantive inputs to assist the Project/Programme Manager in the preparation of project reports and documents.
• Maintain all project records, as required by the Project Management Manual and requested by the Project/Programme Manager. Manage the compilation, consolidation, and analysis of relevant data for the project’s reporting.
• Assist the Project/Programme Manager in the preparation of project completion reports and ensure compliance with the agreement’s obligations.

A Master’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g. Business Administration, Management, International Relations, Economics, Law, Humanitarian Studies, etc.) is required

A Bachelors’ degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the master’s degree

With master’s degree a minimum of five years or with bachelor’s degree a minimum of seven years of relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in the field of Project Management and Implementation, Operations Management with focus on development, coordination, monitoring, and reporting is required.

Demonstrated understanding of the functioning of the state institutions and the rule of law sector in Ukraine would be an advantage.

Experience and demonstrated knowledge of the UN rules and procedures in Procurement, Finance, HR Management, and administrative rules and regulations would be an advantage.