Background Information – Job-specific

 

UNOPS in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi provides vital services through its main office in the capital cities, with its hub office currently located in Kinshasa. Additional regional offices are being established based on project requirements. UNOPS collaborates with governments, bilateral donors such as embassies, international financial institutions like the World Bank and African Development Bank, and UN agencies including UNESCO, IFAD, and UNDP.

The organization offers expertise in procurement, contract management, infrastructure, and human resources services. It is also expanding its operations to include project management, basic service delivery, and related services, particularly in economic and social infrastructure development. These include construction and rehabilitation projects and financial management in sectors such as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), agriculture, health, environment, and climate change mitigation.

In all initiatives, UNOPS emphasizes maintaining high standards of quality, health, safety, and sustainability, regardless of project complexity.

The Project Managers for Transactional Projects will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of procurement and HR projects within the portfolio of UNOPS CDMCO. These projects focus on providing key goods and services to various UNOPS CDMCO partners across Central Africa.

The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of transactional project(s) and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries. He/she is expected to help develop the portfolio, as well as meet or exceed the organization’s performance and delivery goals.

The Project Manager will report to the Head of Programme.

Project Information :

There are multiple projects of category 1 (low risk) in Burundi, focusing on HR and procurement support services. About half of the projects are implemented under the global MOU with BAD for HR support services.

The project manager is responsible to produce/read the project initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the project(s) and hence Project Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 

• Advanced University Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, or other relevant discipline is required.
• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in project management, with knowledge of HR or procurement or fund management projects is required
• Experience managing teams is desirable
• Experience working the UN System is desirable

Language Requirements

Fluency in French is required,

Intermediate level in English is required

 

Competencies

 

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 – Internship

 

Contract level: I-ICA1 (ICS-9)
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.


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 which 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.

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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

 

Background information – DR Congo

 

Located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) the UNOPS Congo Democratic Multi-Country Office (UNOPS CDMCO) covers 15 countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comores, Congo Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, and Seychelles. CDMCO has close to a $400million portfolio, comprising over 42 projects close to 250 personnel. Growth and geographical expansion are key priorities for CDMCO, with special attention to the African SIDS: Cape Verde, Comoros, Mauritius, Sao Tome & Principe, Seychelles as well as on growth and consolidation of those lagging in portfolio development such as Angola, Cameroon, Burundi, and Rwanda.