Head of Project Unit – Operations

Summary of key results:

1. Project implementation planning
2. Project implementation delivery
3. Project Unit leadership and management
4. Operational leadership and management
5. Stakeholder management
6. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project implementation planning

• As UNOPS representative responsible for implementing project(s), provide input to partners on programme and project design documents such as:
  • Programme Strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.).
  • Programme Workplan and Budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.).
  • Project proposals to donors.
• Input into the documents above includes operational and technical aspects encompassing mine action pillars (e.g., clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, advocacy and stockpile destruction).
• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include:
  • UNOPS Project Agreements.
  • Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees).
  • Human resources plans.

2. Project implementation delivery

• In accordance with project agreements, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of the Project Unit projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
• Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC New York Office, for action and/or intervention.
• Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:
  • Financial and procurement rules
  • Contract and grant management policies
  • Project management standards
  • Health, safety, social and environmental standards
  • Gender parity and mainstreaming policies
  • Information management systems and standards
  • Organizational design standards and human resources policies
• Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with mine action sector standards, such as:
  • International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and corresponding National Technical Specifications and Guidelines (NTSGs)
  • International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG)
  • Modular Small Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC)
• Ensure third-party contracts and grants are delivered in accordance with contractual / grant terms and conditions, including in accordance with mine action technical, operational and quality assurance processes (Implementation Plan, SOPs, task orders issuance, accreditation).
• Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the Project Unit

3. Project Unit leadership and management

• Build and strengthen strategic partnership with partners through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements.
• Keep the PSC New York Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management.
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible Project Unit workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Create, foster and role-model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.
• In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security, act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

4. Operational leadership and technical advice

• Manage operational activities and personnel, including the current operations and future planning; oversee the daily operational activities.
• Coordinate, oversee, and ensure the quality of the programme’s technical, operational, and quality assurance processes for humanitarian mine action (HMA), explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) and threat mitigation, and weapons and ammunition management (WAM).
• Provide contextually relevant advice, guidance and technical assistance in HMA, explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), EOD, IEDD and WAM to national authorities in line with national and international standards.
• Advise on potential technical operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme / project outcomes and appropriate solutions.
• Design, implement and oversee robust quality management and information management systems in line with the requirements set in the UNMAS minimum data requirements.
• Develop Scopes of Work and Statements of Requirement to engage services or contracts in line with the programme work plan, and ensure the quality of technical oversight and contributions to evaluation panels as required.
• Lead or participate in Boards of Inquiry as relevant.
• Ensure operational plans are outcome oriented and cost effective, and are reviewed regularly to align with changes to the in-country needs and context.

5. Stakeholder management

• Manage relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders
• Support the CMAP in managing relationships with:
• National authorities (particularly for purposes of coordination and capacity building, relating to review/implementation of NTSGs, IMAS, and other relevant international standards as well as treaty implementation/obligations), UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget / programme performance and programmatic / substantive issues.
• Participate in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.
• Participate in UN mission / country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures as required.
• In coordination with the UNOPS country office and relevant partners, keep the UN Mission leadership / Resident Coordinator informed of programme activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting on implementation of activities led by UNOPS, as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

IV. Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of the Project Unit directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Unit, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.