The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to join our dedicated team in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. UNOPS serves as a crucial operational arm of the United Nations, playing a vital role in supporting the successful implementation of a wide range of peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development projects across the globe. This is a significant and rewarding opportunity to directly contribute to projects that have a real and lasting impact on the lives of people both within Ethiopia and across the broader region. We are looking for a passionate and results-driven professional with a strong commitment to project management excellence and a deep desire to make a positive and meaningful difference in the world.
At UNOPS, we firmly believe in the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to thrive and reach their fullest potential. We offer a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career path, with ample opportunities for ongoing professional development, skill enhancement, and career advancement within a truly global organization. As a valued Project Manager with UNOPS, you will have the unique opportunity to lead and manage a variety of complex and impactful projects, collaborating closely with talented and dedicated colleagues from diverse backgrounds and nationalities around the world. This will allow you to contribute directly to the achievement of the critically important Sustainable Development Goals, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work, ensuring that we deliver impactful results and contribute to positive change. Joining UNOPS signifies becoming part of a global organization that is wholeheartedly dedicated to building a better, more sustainable, and more equitable future for all people.
We fully recognize the critical importance of attracting and retaining the most talented and dedicated individuals within the international development sector. At UNOPS, we offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages that are designed to recognize and reward the hard work and commitment of our employees. Furthermore, we are deeply committed to creating a positive and supportive workplace environment where individuals feel valued for their unique contributions, genuinely respected for their diverse perspectives, and fully empowered to succeed in their roles. We actively provide numerous opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and career advancement, and we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and innovation across our global organization. If you possess a strong passion for project management, are deeply committed to sustainable development principles, and are driven to make a tangible and positive impact on communities around the world, we strongly encourage you to apply for the Project Manager position at UNOPS and embark on a rewarding career with our organization.
Position Overview: Project Manager
The Project Manager holds the primary responsibility for the overall successful planning, efficient execution, diligent monitoring, and timely and effective closure of a diverse portfolio of development projects. This encompasses ensuring that all projects are consistently delivered on time, adhere strictly to established budgetary constraints, and meet or exceed the required quality standards and expected outcomes. This critical leadership role demands a strong and multifaceted skillset, including exceptional leadership qualities, in-depth project management expertise across all phases of the project lifecycle, and the demonstrated ability to effectively manage and motivate multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. The Project Manager is also accountable for fostering strong and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, proactively identifying and mitigating potential project risks, and ensuring unwavering compliance with all relevant UNOPS policies, established procedures, and best practices throughout the duration of each project.
Essential Job Summary Details
- Hiring Authority: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- Department: HR Department
- Organization Type: Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
- Employment Type: Full-time Position
- Total Vacancy: A single position is currently available (01 vacancy)
- Application Deadline: All applications must be received by March 27, 2025
- Application Procedure: Applications are exclusively accepted through the online application process
- Hosted Entities: This position is hosted by the Stop TB Partnership, contributing to their important work
- Primary Job Categories: Centered on expert Project Management skills and experience
- Official Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5333/29859 – Please reference this code in your application
- Department/Office Assignment: Within the AFR (Africa Region), HAMCO ( specific unit details), and the Horn of Africa MCO (Multi-Country Office)
- Duty Station Location: Based in the dynamic city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Contract Type: Governed by a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Specialist
- Contract Level: Classified as a LICA Specialist-9, reflecting the level of expertise and responsibility
- Contract Duration: An Ongoing Open-ended contract, contingent upon organizational requirements, continued availability of funding resources, and consistent demonstration of satisfactory performance
- Application Period: The application window is open from March 7, 2025, until the closing date of March 27, 2025
- Salary Expectations: The salary offered for this position is negotiable and will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and relevant experience
- Essential Requirements: This position is designated for candidates with demonstrable and relevant experience
Key Job Requirements and Qualifications
- Educational Background:
- A mandatory requirement is the possession of an Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or its recognized equivalent) in a field directly relevant to the role, such as Project Management, Business Management, International Development Studies, or Procurement/Supply Chain Management. Other closely related academic disciplines may also be considered.
- In lieu of the specified Advanced University Degree, a candidate holding a First University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or its recognized equivalent) in one of the aforementioned fields, coupled with a minimum of two (2) years of demonstrably relevant and progressive work experience in a project or program management capacity, may be considered as meeting the minimum educational requirements.
- Professional Experience:
- A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a Project or Programme Management role is essential, with demonstrable success in the effective and efficient delivery of development projects.
- Working knowledge of project management software tools and applications is considered a valuable asset.
- Demonstrated and verifiable experience in effectively managing multidisciplinary teams comprised of diverse professionals is highly desirable.
- Experience in developing, implementing, and successfully executing comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans is viewed as a distinct advantage.
- Previous hands-on experience with the procurement of goods and services within a project context is a definite advantage.
- Familiarity with the UN system and a working knowledge of UNOPS’ established procedures and operational guidelines is considered beneficial.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured reports and presentations, are highly valued.
- Prior experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, with a proven track record of developing and implementing effective solutions to project challenges, are highly desirable.
- Experience utilizing Google software applications (including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides) and familiarity with web-based project management systems are considered added advantages.
- Language Proficiency:
- Fluency in written, reading, and spoken English is a mandatory requirement for this position.
- Fluency in written, reading, and spoken Amharic is also a required skill, given the duty station in Ethiopia.
Detailed Application Instructions
Interested and highly qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and all other required supporting documentation, including copies of educational certificates, professional licenses, and any other relevant documents as specifically outlined in the official employment notification. All application materials must be submitted according to the instructions provided on the UNOPS online application system.
- Review the Official Vacancy Notification: Begin by carefully reviewing the complete and official vacancy notification, which is accessible for download at the following link: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=29859. This document provides all the essential details regarding the position, required qualifications, and the specific application instructions.
- Thoroughly Read the Announcement: Carefully and comprehensively read the entirety of the vacancy announcement, paying close attention to all details and specific requirements.
- Verify Eligibility: Meticulously verify that your qualifications, skills, and experience fully meet or exceed all the stated eligibility criteria for the position, ensuring that you are a suitable candidate.
- Prepare Application Materials: Carefully prepare your CV or application materials, ensuring that all information is accurate, complete, and presented in a clear and concise manner. Highlight all relevant qualifications, skills, and experience that align with the requirements of the position.
- Submit Your Application: Finally, meticulously follow all instructions provided in the official vacancy announcement to submit your completed application through the designated online application system. Ensure that you submit all required documents and information before the application deadline of March 27, 2025.