Project Management Support Specialist - Capacity Building at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Functional Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will enhance the sustainable project management capacity within the KCGS, making the KCGS more efficient in planning, implementing agency institutional development projects, and achieving its operational goals. The duty station will be Mombasa, Kenya (Family duty station).
• The incumbent will accomplish this by performing the following duties:

Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis:

• Conduct a needs assessment to identify the KCGS's current project management capabilities and gaps.
• Analyze existing assessment reports, if available, and research capacity building needs and gaps.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including key KCGS personnel, to understand strategic perspectives and capacity building needs.

Capacity Building Plan:

• Develop a capacity building plan, in cooperation with the KCGS, including an estimated budget and timeline, to address the KCGS's identified needs and gaps.
• Assist in the formulation of maritime security policies and strategies in alignment with national and international frameworks

Project Management Plan:

• Develop a project management plan that outlines the necessary steps for implementing a project management framework within the KCGS that improves the success rates of projects within the organization.

Implementation and Support:

• Implement the capacity building plan and project management framework, providing ongoing support to the KCGS.
• Ensure timely delivery of all capacity building activities, with effective risk and issue management.

Monitoring and Governance:

• Regularly monitor and mainstream project outcomes into routine operations.
• Provide strategic governance over the project management function.
• Train and mentor internal staff (4 – 6) KCGS, ensuring that project management knowledge and skills are embedded within the organization for the long term.

Exercise any other required tasks related to providing technical advice to the Project Manager

Deliverables

The specialist will be responsible for delivering the following:

• A needs assessment report identifying the KCGS's current project management capabilities, needs, and gaps.
• A capacity building plan, including an estimated budget and timeline.
• A project management plan outlining the steps for implementing a project management framework.
• A project management implementation plan, with regular evaluation and monitoring.
• A final report summarizing project findings and recommendations for capacity sustainability.
• A small, sustained Project Management cell (Director’s Initiative Group) within the KCGS organogram, approved by KCGS leadership.
• Development of the KCGS Service Doctrine.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Project Management, Business Administration or other relevant field is required;
• An additional 2 years of relevant work experience in combination with a relevant first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced university degree.

Experience:

• 2 years demonstrable working experience in training trainers is required
• 5 years of experience in project management, with an advantage given to international development sector experience is required
• Proficiency with various project management methodologies and tools is desirable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills is desirable
• Demonstrable working background in maritime law enforcement desired.
• Experience in project management roles within a maritime service will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures an advantage;
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and G Suite is desirable

Certification:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is desired

Language requirement:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required
• Knowledge of another official UN official language is an asset

Competencies

• Strategic Perspective: Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
• Integrity & Inclusion: 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.
• Leading Self & Others: 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.
• Partnering: 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).
• Results Orientation: 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.
• Agility: 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.
• Solution Focused: 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.
• Effective Communication: 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.