ACBAR

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Support Senior Officer (Operations Senior Officer) supports the effective implementation, coordination and monitoring of project operational activities to ensure successful delivery of results within scope, time, cost and quality parameters. The role provides analytical and operational support in project planning, execution and reporting; contributes to risk and performance management; and ensures timely communication with partners and stakeholders. Through proactive client focus and problem-solving, the Project Management Support Senior Officer (Operations Senior Officer) helps drive efficient project operations and achievement of results in line with organizational and donor/ client expectations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Project Delivery and Performance

• Contribute to the development, execution and updating of detailed implementation plans, ensuring that all project outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Integrate sustainability, social inclusion, and gender equality considerations into all project stages.
• Support full implementation of Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards across all activities.
• Provide input for the narrative progress reports and other reporting requirements as requested by the Senior Project Manager.
• Coordinate the timely preparation and submission of narrative and financial reports, ensuring compliance with UNOPS and donor/partner standards.

2. Finance and Administration

• Provide support in the management of the Finance and ensures compliance to UNOPS Financial Rules & Regulations and finance procedures, liaise with AFCO Finance and Finance Practice Group as required to resolve issues and challenges;
• Monitors status of project budgets, and ensure that budget revisions are done on time and in line with UNOPS procedures;
• Ensures that all relevant internal and control mechanisms in projects are duly established and implemented;
• Prepare updated financial reports in compliance with reporting requirements to donors, or as specified in the agreement (i.e. Project Delivery Reports; Financial Monitoring Reports, progress Reports, etc).
• Ensures that UNOPS rules and procedures are fully applied in all project support services and operations areas, including following up on and implementing project audit recommendations.
• Support project internal audits, ensuring documentation and processes meet compliance standards.
• Provide logistical and operational support for missions, workshops, and dialogues, including the preparation of materials and reports
• Oversees the proper recording of all project assets. Ensure timely preparation and submission of periodic inventory reports.
   

3. Procurement and Contract Management

• Closely monitors and ensures that the Project Purchase Orders (POs) are duly reviewed/closed quarterly.
• Coordinate and supervise services related to travel, event management, administrative surveys, transportation, building/facility/space management, and office supplies.
• Ensure provision of relevant transport services required by the project.
• Raise requisitions for procurement, and facilitate requests for issuance of contracts and/or amendments on documents.
• Make sure that project personnel are provided with the required ICT services and equipment to fulfil their duties and responsibilities in an effective manner.
   

4. HR and Personnel Administration

• Provide support in the preparation of a learning plan for VCEP Project personnel based on business needs and capacity issues;
• HR Data Sheet Management: Maintain the consolidated Project HR Data Sheet (Forecast Spreadsheet) to track all personnel positions, contract types, and associated financial commitments.
• Leave and Entitlements: Oversee staff leave tracking and entitlements (AL, HL, CSL, USL, RW), ensuring compliance with policies and coordinating updates with the AFCO staff tracker.
• Recruitment Status: Liaise with HR team to monitor the status of recruitments and separations, including managing and tracking detailed hiring timelines.
• Management the personnel under 3rd Party contracts in coordination with HR and Procurement.
• Ensuring that all Project UNOPS Personnel on official duty travel must comply with the UNSMS policies requiring Security Clearances for travel.
   

5. Knowledge Management

• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.
• Provide direct supervision of the team members, ensuring effective work planning, prioritization, and delivery of services.
• Facilitate capacity development and learning initiatives to strengthen team capabilities and adapt to evolving operational requirements.
• Support knowledge sharing, process documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Project unit.

Skills

Data Analysis, Financial Reporting, Logistics Management, Project Implementation

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 4 years of relevant experience.

• A master's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience.

Desired

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

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in project management or related areas with a Bachelor's degree.

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in project management or related areas with a Master's degree.

• 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.

Language Requirements

Language                     Proficiency Level                       Requirement       

   English                            Fluent                                    Required

Please click on the below link for actual vacancy announcement to see the complete details and submission guideline as this is only an attempt for attracting female applicants for gender parity in organization. Please make sure you fill your profile/application properly with all relevant details in order to be considered for the next stage of recruitment/selection.

https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/3124

https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/3124