Lao People's Democratic Republic (the): Country Project Coordinator

Title: Country Project Coordinator

Project: KHOC, Project Management and Business Development

Duty station: Vientiane, Lao PDR

Section/Unit: AR, BKK, Lao

Contract/Level: International Individual Contractor Agreement, IICA 3

Duration: 12 months initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and

Supervisor: Director KHOC

General Background

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, 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 – Cambodia

UNOPS established its Cambodia Office (KHOC) in early 2013 which oversees a diverse set of projects/programs that includes a multi-donor funded project to support the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) known as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, the Malaria Programs funded by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), the Regional Ardemisinin Initiative (RAI), advisory services to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Governance related projects funded by the EU as well as nutrition related initiatives.

UNOPS KHOC is also overseeing business activities and providing support and services to UNOPS operations in other countries, especially within the Mekong Region and the Philippines.

UNOPS KHOC is in the process of expanding its area of engagement in cooperation with its development partners, focusing mainly on a portfolio comprised of projects and programs in the infrastructure, governance, procurement, justice and agricultural sector and subsequently is looking for qualified and committed experts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS operates projects in Lao PDR to support sustainable development and growth in the country. UNOPS provides a range of solutions, from one-off support to full project implementation across a number of service areas, including: sustainable infrastructure, sustainable project management and sustainable procurement.

UNOPS is also able to provide flexible and efficient HR solutions for personnel and/or contract administration on behalf of development partners. Main operational sectors of UNOPS in Lao PDR are environment, health, economic development and food security.

2. Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision the Director KHOC, the incumbent will have the overall responsibility for project coordination within the KHOC Portfolio, providing strategic advice, monitoring and management support, ensure effective use of reporting mechanisms, and coordinate donor relations. The Country Project Coordinator is expected to perform the following responsibilities, but not limited to:

The responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate current and future projects within the KHOC portfolio with special emphasis on the projects in Lao PDR so synergies and economy of scale can be achieved.
• Coordinate and liaise with high level Government Officials in the respective Ministries.
• Lead high level negotiations with Govertnment and development partner representatives.
• Establish and maintain a strong working relationship with all project stakeholders, ensuring that adequate levels and timeliness of communications are maintained.
• Support the Project Managers in their daily work with special focus on donor coordination, reporting, networking and client relationship management.
• Establish and coordinate the execution of project implementation plans in collaboration with the teams and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements and results expected to ensure timely and client oriented services.
• Ensure that the beneficiaries are well involved in all project activities.
• Monitor the allocation of resources to the different projects.
• Monitor the delivery to quality standards on time and within budget.
• Work directly with the stakeholders to translate project requirements into an Implementation Project Plan, which specifies the goals, activities, schedules, and allotment of resources for each phase of the project. Ensure that activities are in line with the OICT principles.
• Conduct project meetings and produce standard project documentation. Proactively evaluate project activities, build contingency plans, propose corrective actions and monitor issue resolution to mitigate risks.
• Engage in Business Development activities to contribute to the growth of the business portfolio.
• Abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• Perform other related duties as required by the supervisor.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Ability to identify issues, conduct basic analysis and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.

Client Orientation: Ability to identify and analyze client needs and develop appropriate solutions to meet business requirements.

Communications: Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise manner. Ability to communicate with various levels of technical experience (developers, operations, end users, management, support staff, etc). Exceptional technical written and oral English language skills.

Planning & Organizing: Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, manage competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Contextual Skills

· International organisations experience (coordination 7 years)

· Management experience

· Working with national governments

· Supervisory Experience

· Dealing with bilateral and multilateral funding sources

Coordination Skills

· Excellent Networking

· Client Management

· Client Reporting

· Stakeholder Management

· Capacity Building

· Knowledge Management

· Project Management

· Monitoring and Evaluation

· High level of multi tasking

EDUCATION

· Advanced University Degree (Master's) in Project Management, Business Administration with an emphasis Finance and/or Public Administration, International Relations, International Economics, Political/Security/Development Studies, Law or other relevant discipline, or

· University Degree (Bachelor’s / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in Public Administration, Business Administration, International Relations, International Economics, Political/ Security/ Development Studies, Law or other relevant discipline, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

CERTIFICATIONS

• Prince2 foundation certificate is required.
• Prince2 practitioner certificate is an asset.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 7 years of progressive experience in project coordination is required, with focus on partner management, planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Experience working with national governments is required (Ministry level preferred).
• Experience with project implementation in an international setting is required.
• Experience in coordinating teams and units, particularly in the area of project coordination, highly desirable.
• Prior experience with UN/UNOPS is desirable.
• Working experience in SEA is desirable.

Language:

· Fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of additional UN languages and the local language is considered an asset.

How to apply: The applications will be received through the UNOPS GPRS online platform below. Applications submitted through other means will not be considered. https://jobs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=11879&media=print