1 hour ago

Project Management Support - Specialist

UNOPS

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Part Time 2026-09-05 Male/Female

Job Overview

Location

Kabul

Nationality

International

About UNOPS

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.

Job Description

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.

Job Requirements

Job Specific Context

To strengthen the effective and efficient delivery of ongoing and future projects, AFCO seeks a Project Management Support Specialist with a primary focus on project implementation support and with some support to business development functions as required.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme or the Project Manager, the Project Management Support Specialist will provide technical and strategic support to ensure high-quality implementation of UNOPS projects in accordance with organizational standards and donor expectations.

The incumbent is also expected to support the PMO/Project Management function by assisting in addressing operational gaps, where required, following consultation and agreement with the supervisor.

The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme or the Project Manager to ensure that projects meet their intended outcomes, are implemented to the highest standard of project management practices, and meet partner satisfaction. The incumbent will leverage their experience in one or more of the following functional areas: project management, infrastructure project management, and grant management, to support programme delivery.

This role constitutes a pool of retainer personnel to be utilized as operational requirements dictate. While primarily supporting UNOPS Afghanistan, the incumbent may also be requested to provide support to other country offices as necessary.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Support Specialist coordinates and supports the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of projects, ensuring delivery of results within the agreed scope, time, cost, quality and risk parameters. The role supports day-to-day project operations, liaises with partners, donors and beneficiaries, and ensures that project activities are in line with UNOPS policies, donor/partner requirements, and quality standards. The Project Management Support Specialist provides analytical and operational support, tracks financial and performance data, identifies risks or implementation challenges, and coordinates timely solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. The role therefore contributes towards ensuring that projects achieve their intended objectives, strengthen partner relationships, and contribute to UNOPS’ operational goals.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Project Delivery and Performance

Support in the planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities in line with approved work plans, budgets and quality standards.
Coordinate day-to-day project operations to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNOPS and donor/partner requirements.
Manage and monitor progress against scope, time, cost and quality tolerances. Identify risks and deviations, propose corrective actions, and escalate when required.
Oversee project contracts and supplier performance to ensure compliance and value for money.
Embed sustainability principles - including gender equality, social inclusion and environmental considerations - across project activities.
Contribute to the identification and development of new project opportunities or extensions of existing engagements.

Financial and Procurement Management

Support financial planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure effective budget utilization and cost control in line with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
Manage cash flow, expenditures and financial commitments, ensuring timely disbursements and accurate financial reporting.
Support procurement and grant management processes, including preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), evaluation of bids, and contract administration.
Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper documentation of transactions.
Prepare and review financial reports and participate in project audits, ensuring implementation of recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

Maintain effective working relationships with donors, partners, national authorities and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and alignment with project objectives.
Support the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement and communication plans, ensuring timely and consistent information sharing.
Facilitate internal coordination among project teams, technical experts and support functions.
Represent the project in meetings, consultations and external engagements as delegated by the supervisor.

Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance

Monitor project performance against agreed indicators, preparing progress, financial and completion reports in accordance with UNOPS and donor/partner standards.
Conduct data analysis and provide inputs for management decisions and strategic planning.
Ensure quality assurance processes are applied to all deliverables, documents and outputs.
Support compliance with internal audit and quality standards, coordinating corrective action as required.

Personnel Management (as applicable)

Assist in supervising, guiding and motivating project team members to achieve high performance and accountability.
Contribute to recruitment, onboarding and performance management of personnel, ensuring gender balance and diversity principles are upheld.
Promote a respectful, inclusive and safe working environment that aligns with UNOPS’ zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, discrimination and harassment.
Ensure compliance with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) safety and security standards for all project staff and operations.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management.
Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.
Conduct research on project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Skills

Data Analysis, Project Implementation, Reporting, Stakeholder Management

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

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 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

Relevant experience is work in project management or related areas.
Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.

Desired

Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

Language Requirements

Language	Proficiency Level	Requirement
English	Fluent	Required

Submission Guidelines

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/4163

Submission Email

https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/4163

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