ICT Specialist – ICT Project Management

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, Governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information – THMCO

The Thailand Multi Country Office (THMCO), established in 2017, supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises five main business units: THMCO Thailand, THMCO Indonesia, THMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, THMCO Papua New Guinea and, THMCO China.

Background Information – Project

ILO,ITU, UNESCO, UNODC, UNOPS and OHCHR are implementing a joint programme in the South Pacific (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu) titled “Advancing the SDGs by Improving livelihoods and resilience via economic diversification and digital transformation” with focus on

a) legal and policy frameworks supported to promote economic diversification through employment policy, demand-led skills acquisition, with vocational training, apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship schemes in green, blue, orange and circular economies.

b) resilient and sustainable business development with employment potential in the formal economy in the food production systems, creative, green and digital industries.

c) refinement of laws, regulations and policies to facilitate access to digital services.

d) access to digital services and digital skills to remote and vulnerable communities, which in turn enhances access to public services, jobs and other opportunities

ILO as the lead UN agency for the SDG Fund Joint Programme will be responsible for coordination with all participating and technical UN organizations (PUNOs) under the overall leadership of United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC), and governments in the beneficiary countries to achieve the outputs and outcomes of this programme. The UNRCOs will lead the strategic coordination with the national governments of the target countries. ITU will lead the digital policies and Smart Islands project on all technical modules of the project, including the creation of training materials, identification of appropriate ICT solutions, deploying necessary toolkits, digital strategy, policy and regulatory reform, capacity building, and digital inclusion activities for beneficiaries. UNOPS will lead the project management, operations and procurement of all ICT solutions.

Background Information – Position Description

Reporting to the UNOPS Senior Programme Manager who provides general guidance and supervision, the incumbent is responsible for project development planning and preparation, overall supervision and coordination for implementation of all stages to achieve results in the area/s of responsibility under the assigned project.

The ICT Specialist – ICT Project Management will also provide technical guidance relating to digital transformation and ICT- focused policies, in-country strategies and implementation, knowledge management and sharing, and capacity building, in close collaboration with the ITU, national counterparts and relevant stakeholders.

The ICT Specialist – ICT Project Management will guide and work in close collaboration with the support services within the Multi-Country Office to ensure effective delivery and implementation of procurement services, for a select group of goods and services. These services reflect best practices in international public procurement, compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and procurement policy, rules, regulations and procedure, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money.

Lead the implementation of Smart Islands Programmes under the Joint Programme -Design, manage, monitor, supervise and evaluate the Smart Islands programme in close collaboration with the connectivity providers, service providers, rural community, ITU, government departments and other stakeholders to implement the pilot implementation in the identified village(s). Develop a detailed project implementation plan and coordinate the implementation of project activities while continuously monitoring performance and providing recommendations for improvements based on follow up meetings and project timelines.

The ICT Specialist – ICT Project Management is also responsible for the quality of administrative support services provided within the programme portfolio. He/she analyzes and interprets the administrative rules and regulations and provides solutions to complex issues related to administration.

The ICT Specialist – ICT Project Management will lead in creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Project Delivery and Performance
2. Procedures
3. Technical advice on digitalization and capacity building
4. Monitoring and reporting
5. Stakeholder engagement
6. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project Delivery and Performance

• Design and develop detailed project implementation plans and coordinate the implementation of project activities while continuously monitoring performance and providing recommendations for improvements based on follow up meetings and project timelines.
• Manage activities during the inception, implementation and closure phases of the Project
• Review the project’s scope and implementation and deliver all project deliverables according to the established work plan, within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risks and benefits.
• Update of the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board
• Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan. Control project and work programme changes.
• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and adopt mitigating measures with frequent reporting to Senior Program Manager so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, focus on vulnerable population (women, youth, persons with disabilities) environmental and economic aspects into project life span.
• Mainstream gender aspects in design, planning and delivery of the joint programme.

2. Procedures

• Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual
• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team.
• Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded
• Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project
• Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
• Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports)
• For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager
• Provide input in project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations

3. Technical advice on digitalization and capacity building

• Manage, monitor, supervise and evaluate the national capacity in close collaboration with ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, ICT national and internal experts, the Ministry of ICTs, connectivity providers, service providers, rural community, government departments and other stakeholders to implement the pilot smart islands implementations at the national level.
• Coordinate and provide technical advice on digital policies, strategies, and ICT programme implementations under the JP
• Deliver presentations, organize physical and virtual workshops and co-creation sessions. Moderate and deliver presentations during relevant events.
• Deliver consultation workshops and digital skills training as required.
• Assess the results of the project activities as well as evaluate their impact. Propose technical modifications to the implementation plan, if required in close collaboration with the ITU.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare progress reports, weekly activity reports, detailed narrative and financial reports as well as any other documentation required in the Legal Agreement(s) to ensure the project achievements and deliverables.
• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner requirements for reporting.
• Report to the Project Board and provide updates and information as required to the Project Advisory Board
• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.
• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system
• Regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects’ life span
• Collect data for the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, provide M&E reports

5. Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Act as national coordinator to ensure success of project implementation, in line with technical guidance and in close collaboration with ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
• Lead the project in developing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies and plans at national level. Ensure the participation of all potential stakeholders. Monitor adequate participation of target groups and support the mobilization of additional national resources for successful continuation of the initiative.
• Provide support in the organization of the Project Steering Committee meetings, preparing agenda, invitations, and reporting, including other regional and national events and meetings related to the project activities.
• Establish and cultivate partnerships with the key national, regional and local media. Contribute and provide feedback on village-level studies and coordinate with other international and regional experts.
• Play a leading role in the planning development of the project communication outputs;
• Implement the project communication and visibility plan, recognizing donor contributions and motivation in addition to other project stakeholders.
• Monitor Media coverage, and support the implementation of the outreach and communication strategy
• Identify and report to the Senior Program Manager potential business opportunities for UNOPS

6. Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Prepare reports on project achievements and document best practices and lessons learnt in course of implementation.
• Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted
• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.

Impact of Results

The ICT Specialist – ICT Project Management directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services

Competencies

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Postgraduate (Advanced) accredited university degree (master or equivalent) in Engineering, Digital Management, Digital Media, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Business Administration, International Administration, Project Management or related fields
• Undergraduate university degree (Bachelor) or Technical diploma with addtional experience in any of the above mentioned fields may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Certification

• Project Management certification PRINCE2 Foundation is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant practical project management experience or in related fields with advanced university degree (master or equivalent) is required.
• Experience in project management, administration, procurement, and coordination with multi- stakeholders is required.
• Comprehensive background and understanding of the subjects related to digital services, community networks and enabling environment for digital services is highly desirable
• Experience in digital government services at local or international level is a strong asset
• Experience in writing project progress reports, communication strategies and M&E frameworks is an asset.
• Experience working with UNOPS, UN or other humanitarian/development agencies is an asset.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (G Suite applications) is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: LICA
• Contract level: LICA 10
• Contract duration: ‘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 Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.