Job Title: Senior Project Manager
Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Location: Nigeria
Closing Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025
Background InformationThe United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations that supports the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects worldwide. UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to governments, donors, and UN organizations.
The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO), headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, has a strong working relationship with governments and international partners in the region. It offers technical support in key areas such as elections, procurement capacity building, environmental protection, and infrastructure development.
Project Overview
The Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) aims to mitigate gully erosion and land degradation in Nigeria. Initially funded by the World Bank, the project is now scaling up under the Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion & Watershed Project, funded by a EUR 175 million sovereign loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The project is led by the Federal Ministry of Environment, with implementation by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and State Project Management Units (SPMUs).
UNOPS is supporting the Nigerian government to implement the project in compliance with EIB standards. UNOPS provides technical advisory services, including:
Reviewing project documents for EIB compliance.
Monitoring project sites and verifying implementation progress.
Conducting biannual Implementation Support Missions (ISM).
Strengthening the FPMU’s capacity in finance and project management.
Position Overview
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for managing the implementation of this project, ensuring the delivery of high-quality advisory services. Reporting to the Head of Programme, the role requires strong leadership in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, project execution, compliance monitoring, and team management.
The Senior Project Manager will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that project outputs are delivered within agreed timeframes, budgets, and quality standards. This role involves direct coordination with UNOPS, EIB, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and other key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with EIB, FPMU, SPMUs, and other project stakeholders.
Establish a Project Board to oversee strategic decisions.
Develop and execute a project communication plan, ensuring stakeholders remain informed and engaged.
Facilitate stakeholder meetings and ensure alignment with project objectives.
2. Strategic Planning & Project ManagementDevelop the Project Operations Manual (POM) and Project Implementation Manual (PIM).
Provide strategic guidance on infrastructure project implementation.
Identify risks, conduct due diligence assessments, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Coordinate input from the FPMU, SPMUs, and technical experts.
3. Project Delivery & Performance MonitoringSupervise the execution of project plans, ensuring alignment with EIB standards.
Monitor project progress through site visits (approx. 60) and biannual Implementation Support Missions (ISM).
Ensure compliance with procurement, environmental, and social safeguards.
Manage project budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost control.
Approve deliverables and oversee the handover of completed outputs to clients.
4. Compliance & ProceduresEnsure adherence to EIB process requirements, including procurement, financial disbursements, and reporting.
Maintain project records and oversee compliance with UNOPS policies.
Facilitate internal audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
5. Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge ManagementTrack project performance, evaluate progress, and implement corrective actions.
Prepare regular progress reports for EIB, FPMU, and UNOPS management.
Conduct lessons-learned exercises to improve future project implementation.
Support knowledge-sharing activities and training initiatives for project teams.
6. Team Leadership & Personnel ManagementLead a multidisciplinary team of technical experts and advisors.
Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
Ensure a safe and inclusive working environment, promoting UN values of diversity and integrity.
Qualifications & ExperienceEducation:Advanced University Degree in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources Management, Hydrology, Soil Science, Sustainable Development, or related fields is required.
A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s) with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Certifications (Preferred):Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)
Certified Hydrologist
Project Management (PRINCE2®, PMP®)
Experience:
Minimum of 7 years of senior-level experience in project and programme management.
At least 5 years of experience in:
Project planning & reporting
Stakeholder engagement
Monitoring & evaluation
Experience in procurement, safeguards, compliance, and coordination in multi-stakeholder environments.
Knowledge of Nigeria’s regulatory framework and environmental laws is an asset.
Experience working with UNOPS, EIB, or other international development agencies is desirable.
Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing tools is an advantage.
Language Requirements:Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Competencies Required
Leadership & Strategic Thinking – Ability to guide large-scale projects and influence stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management – Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Risk Management & Compliance – Understanding of international project standards and financial accountability.
Results Orientation – Ability to deliver high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines.
Innovation & Problem-Solving – Proficiency in data analysis and process optimization.
Diversity & Inclusion – Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
Contract DetailsContract Type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract Level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 3) / ICS11
Duration: Open-ended (subject to performance, funding availability, and project duration)
For details on ICA contracts, visit: UNOPS ICA Information
Application InstructionsDeadline: Thursday, 6 March 2025
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the UNOPS online application portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Women, underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional InformationUNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
UNOPS may appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised.
UNOPS personnel are expected to uphold UN Charter principles and demonstrate commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is UNOPS policy to conduct background checks on all personnel. Recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.
