Nov 1, UNOPS Project Management Support Specialist – Capacity Building Jobs in Kenya

Background Information – Project Specific

UNOPS Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMCO) manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi, Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. The project will fall under the purview of UNOPS KEMC.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) began the East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (EATOC) Regional Program in response to the increased trafficking of Afghan-produced heroin trafficked through East and Southern Africa along the “Southern Route.”

Initial funding focused on building the capacity of national-level counter narcotics units in Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania to investigate and prosecute drug cases. Given that illicit goods are transported through the Western Indian Ocean, the EATOC program expanded its support to include programs to improve the interdiction, investigation, and prosecution of maritime crimes.

In 2021, INL EATOC funded a project with UNOPS, through which UNOPS provides needed advisory, procurement, and logistics support for the EATOC program. As part of this project, INL EATOC requested UNOPS provide support to enhance the project management capacity and strategic governance of its partner beneficiary, the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS).

The KCGS is responsible for maritime law enforcement and safety in Kenyan waters. However, during its formative and interim phase, the KCGS faces challenges in developing its doctrine, internal policies and project management capabilities.

This has led to difficulties in coordinating and integrating international partnerships, causing issues such as a lack of centralization in project management, the inability to sustain project outcomes, and a lack of strategic governance that is future looking.

In response to the request, UNOPS is seeking a qualified and experienced Project Management Support Specialist to embed within the KCGS to enhance its project management capacity and strategic governance. The specialist will be responsible for conducting a needs assessment, developing a capacity building plan, and implementing a project management plan to address the identified gaps.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will enhance the sustainable project management capacity within the KCGS, making the KCGS more efficient in planning, implementing agency institutional development projects, and achieving its operational goals. The duty station will be Mombasa, Kenya (Family duty station).

The incumbent will accomplish this by performing the following duties:

Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis:

Conduct a needs assessment to identify the KCGS’s current project management capabilities and gaps.

Analyze existing assessment reports, if available, and research capacity building needs and gaps.

Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including key KCGS personnel, to understand strategic perspectives and capacity building needs.

Capacity Building Plan:

Develop a capacity building plan, in cooperation with the KCGS, including an estimated budget and timeline, to address the KCGS’s identified needs and gaps.

Assist in the formulation of maritime security policies and strategies in alignment with national and international frameworks

Project Management Plan:

Develop a project management plan that outlines the necessary steps for implementing a project management framework within the KCGS that improves the success rates of projects within the organization.

Implementation and Support:

Implement the capacity building plan and project management framework, providing ongoing support to the KCGS.

Ensure timely delivery of all capacity building activities, with effective risk and issue management.

Monitoring and Governance:

Regularly monitor and mainstream project outcomes into routine operations.

Provide strategic governance over the project management function.

Train and mentor internal staff (4 – 6) KCGS, ensuring that project management knowledge and skills are embedded within the organization for the long term.

Exercise any other required tasks related to providing technical advice to the Project Manager

Deliverables:

The specialist will be responsible for delivering the following:

A needs assessment report identifying the KCGS’s current project management capabilities, needs, and gaps.

A capacity building plan, including an estimated budget and timeline.

A project management plan outlining the steps for implementing a project management framework.

A project management implementation plan, with regular evaluation and monitoring.

A final report summarizing project findings and recommendations for capacity sustainability.

A small, sustained Project Management cell (Director’s Initiative Group) within the KCGS organogram, approved by KCGS leadership.

Development of the KCGS Service Doctrine.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Project Management, Business Administration or other relevant field is required;

An additional 2 years of relevant work experience in combination with a relevant first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced university degree.

Experience:

2 years demonstrable working experience in training trainers is required

5 years of experience in project management, with an advantage given to international development sector experience is required

Proficiency with various project management methodologies and tools is desirable

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills is desirable

Demonstrable working background in maritime law enforcement desired.

Experience in project management roles within a maritime service will be an added advantage.

Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures an advantage;

Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and G Suite is desirable

Certification:

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is desired

Language requirement:

Fluency in written and oral English is required

Knowledge of another official UN official language is an asset

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; UNOPS Project Management Support Specialist – Capacity Building Jobs in Kenya

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