Job Description

General Information

Position Title Head of Project Unit

Job Category ProjectDuty Station(s) Mogadishu

Seniority Level Senior LevelICS Level ICS 12

Contract Type Staff - IP - FTA

Contract Level IP P-5

Posting Start Date 09-Jul-2026

Posting End Date 26-Jul-2026

Duration Six months to one year (with possibility of extension, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance)

Job HighlightThe effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of the Project Unit directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Unit, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

Job Specific Context

Background Information - UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster

The Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is an integral component of the Global Portfolios Office (GPO), providing specialized expertise in peace and security programming across UNOPS operations. For over 20 years, PSC has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls. 

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs. 

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; gender parity and mainstreaming; and diversity and inclusion. This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients. 

Background Information - PSC Somalia Project Unit

The PSC Somalia Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the PSC Somalia Project Unit reports to the PSC Head of Programme who provides direction and guidance under the overall leadership of the PSC Director. The HPU is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate. 

In Somalia, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a RACI responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the Somalia mine action programme operates as one integrated team. 

Role Purpose

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of the Project Unit directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Unit, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Project implementation planning 

• From the standpoint of being accountable and responsible on UNOPS’ behalf to implement project(s) for UNMAS, provide input to the CMAP on programme and project design documents such as: 
  • Programme strategy (e.g. vision, mission, strategic results framework; stakeholder analysis, risk analysis; resource mobilization strategy; etc.); 
  • Programme workplan and budget (e.g. nature of threat; logical framework; required personnel and equipment; risk management; etc.);
  • Resource mobilization strategy (e.g. monitor trends, humanitarian and development needs to identify potential areas of intervention within UN mandates and existing capacity;
  • Project proposals to donors.
• Support the CMAP in the application of policies, practices and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms, where relevant, in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office.
• Ensure that implementation plans have viable timelines, are assigned appropriate resources, and that implementation options reflect the knowledge of the context, as well as UNOPS’ mechanisms and policies; key implementation documents include: 
  • UNMAS/UNOPS project agreements;
  • Solicitation documents used to contract third-parties (i.e. contractors and grantees);
  • Human resource plans.
• Design to ensure that sex-, age- and disability-disaggregated data is collected and used to inform decision-making and reporting.

2. Project implementation delivery 

• In accordance with project agreements, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements and plans for delivery of the Project Unit projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
• Oversee project implementation (including implementation through third-party contractors and grantees), review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the PSC New York Office, for action and/or intervention.
• Ensure projects are implemented in accordance with UNOPS policies and standards, such as:
  • Financial and procurement rules;
  • Contract and grant management policies;
  • Project management standards;
  • Health, safety, social and environmental standards;
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming policies, standards and practices;
  • Information management systems and standards;
  • Organizational design standards and human resources policies;
  • Mine action technical standards (with support from the Head of Operations).
• Depending on the circumstance, either in support of CMAP or as part of UNOPS obligations, draft high quality reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents.
• Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the financial health/sustainability of the Project Unit.
• Ensure systematic integration of prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) and GESI into project implementation, implementing partner oversight and risk management including PSEA capacity assessments and capacity strengthening, and via risk registers and escalation).       

3. Project Unit leadership and management 

• Build and strengthen strategic partnership with CMAP through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to maintain and enhance project engagements. 
• Keep the PSC New York Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management. 
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and high-performing Project Unit workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance. Ensure equitable recruitment, progression and retention practices that work toward gender parity, geographic diversity, and inclusive representation in line with PSC and UNOPS.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently. 
• Foster and role-model a safe and inclusive work environment, respectful of the diversity upon which the UN is based, policing value on perspectives from a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, and geographic diversity. Uphold the highest standards of conduct and take decisive action to address behaviors that undermine inclusion, equity and psychological safety through established reporting and escalation mechanisms. 
• Create, foster and role-model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Demonstrate visible and accountable leadership on PSEAH and ethical conduct, ensuring prevention and response mechanisms are embedded in project management and implementing partner oversight structures.
• Ensure that security planning integrates PSEAH and inclusion considerations, including safe accommodation, travel and field deployment protocols for all personnel.
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility. 
• Ensure clear and consistent communication with the UNOPS Country Office on security of personnel in-country, or, if required, act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation. 
• As relevant, participate in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.  
• In support of the CMAP, design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms. 
• Support CMAP preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials. 
• Act as CMAP OIC upon request of UNMAS and concurrence from PSC Director.

4. Stakeholder management

• Support the CMAP in managing relationships with national authorities, UN peace and political missions, UN country teams and donors, including reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance and programmatic/substantive issues.
• Participate in any UN mission/country team meetings to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.
• Keep the UN Mission leadership/Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting on implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.
• Manage relationships with the CMAP and other direct UNOPS stakeholders
• In coordination with UNOPS GPO/PSC, foster and strengthen strategic partnerships at all levels, contributing to the identification of emerging opportunities and ensuring that stakeholder engagement contributes to the achievement of UNOPS’ strategic priorities, and reinforces its position as a partner of choice.
• Promote inclusive engagement with national authorities, communities and stakeholders, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups are meaningfully consulted and considered in programme implementation.

5. Knowledge management and innovation 

• Keep abreast of and incorporate best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the project delivery and results; continuous review of approaches/methodology to ensure relevance or enact new ones. 
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned (including but not limited to PSEAH, DEI, GESI, programme implementation, capacity building, stakeholder engagement and innovation) including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans the lessons learned by the project(s) and others to improve future delivery and quality, foster continuous improvement and to strengthen the knowledge and information sharing mechanisms within PSC and cross UNOPS, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.

Experiences and Qualifications

• Advanced University Degree (master degree or equivalent) is required with 10 years of relevant experience; OR

   

• First Level University Degree (bachelor degree or equivalent) with 12 years of relevant experience; OR

• High School Diploma, with a minimum of 16 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Relevant experience is defined as experience in programme or project management in military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development contexts.

• A minimum of 4 years of leadership experience, including supervising teams, managing complex projects, and budgets is required.

• Experience in writing and reviewing reports is required.

• Experience working in a developing country is desired.

• Experience working in mine action is desired.

• Experience working in a peacekeeping context, or collaborating closely with security forces on capacity building is desired.

• Experience advancing workforce inclusion and iterating gender and PSEAH/safeguarding into project implementation and implementing partner oversight is desired.

Language RequirementsLanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFrenchIntermediateDesirableSpanishIntermediateDesirableArabicIntermediateDesirableChinese, MandarinIntermediateDesirableRussianIntermediateDesirableAdditional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Skills Required

Follow us on social media