Deputy Project Manager

Job Highlight

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to peacebuilding and community resilience in a challenging context. The position offers significant responsibility and the chance to develop expertise in project management, financial control, and stakeholder engagement within a UN framework. The Deputy Project Manager will play a crucial role in supporting the successful implementation of DDR/CVR initiatives, making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.

About The Project Office

Since 2014, UNOPS has been a key partner in the Central African Republic (CAR), delivering essential services in project management, procurement, and human resources to support national development and peacebuilding efforts. UNOPS strengthens community resilience, enhances transportation infrastructure, and contributes to peace and security, aligning closely with government priorities. Key initiatives include the World Bank/AFD-funded PURIC project, restoring critical infrastructure and improving rural connectivity; INUSCA-supported Community Violence Reduction (CVR) programmes, promoting conflict prevention and social cohesion; and the rehabilitation of the Bangui Paediatric Hospital’s Neonatology Unit, funded by the Italian Cooperation. UNOPS also implements health infrastructure projects supported by the Global Fund, expanding access to essential healthcare. Additionally, UNOPS provides human resource services for MINUSCA, enabling effective peace operations. Through this diverse portfolio, UNOPS is committed to delivering tangible, sustainable results that build a more resilient, peaceful, and prosperous future for the people of CAR.

Role Purpose

The Deputy Project Manager will support the Senior Project Manager in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of DDR/CVR activities in the Central African Republic. The role involves financial management, procurement oversight, reporting, and team leadership, ensuring the effective and compliant execution of project objectives in accordance with UNOPS standards and client requirements. The Deputy Project Manager will also act as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) during the Senior Project Managers absence, maintaining continuity of operations and relations with MINUSCA

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Project Management Support & Operational Implementation
• Support the Senior PM in the planning and execution of DDR/CVR activities, including the setup of "CVR Operations mobile sites" for ex-combatant registration and information dissemination.
• Coordinate logistical aspects for the delivery of food and non-food items in priority locations, liaising with technical teams to ensure delivery is organized and monitored under MINUSCA supervision.
• Act as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for the Senior Project Manager during his absence, ensuring continuity of operations and relations with MINUSCA.
• Support the implementation of the approved plan within the set tolerances (time, cost, quality, scope, risk, benefits).
• Financial Management and Budget Control
• Supervise project expenditure and cash flow; prepare budget revisions and ensure funds are utilized in compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
• Monitor financial flows, anticipate deficits or over-expenditure, and propose immediate corrective measures to the Senior PM (exception reports).
• Draft the requirements for non-purchase order payments and evaluate submissions; manage financial obligations and validate payment requests.
• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project.
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Contract management: Supervision of UNOPSs subcontractor for the provision of services and goods.
• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approve requisitions and evaluate submissions.
• Assure that services are delivered with quality (according to MINUSCA DDR and UNOPS standards) and on time.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers and implementing partners (NGOs).
• Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance
• Coordinate the preparation of periodic reports: Highlight Reports for the client and CDOH management, and Weekly reports for the Programme Manager.
• Maintain the following in accordance with Organizational Directive 12 (OD12): i. Electronic Blue File; ii. Procurement, HR and Finance files.
• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved; maintain the Risk Register and Issue Logs.
• Ensure that all administrative and project closure procedures are strictly followed, including the preparation of the Operational Closure Checklist and End Project Report.
• Knowledge Management and Personnel Management
• Lead and motivate the project support team (assistants, associates) under direct supervision.
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted for personnel under supervision.
• Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span; contribute to UNOPS Communities of Practice.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required
  
  

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 certification is desired.
  
  

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in project management, with a focus on financial management, procurement, and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience in managing budgets, cash flow, and obligations to ensure deliverables are met and payments are received on time.
• Experience in contract management, including supervision of subcontractors and monitoring performance of service providers.
• Experience in risk management, including identifying and managing risks to achieve maximum benefit to client and stakeholders.
  
  

• Experience working in post-conflict or fragile states.
• Experience with DDR/CVR programs.
• Experience working with MINUSCA or other UN peacekeeping missions.
• Knowledge of UNOPS procurement and financial rules and regulations.