About The Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Support Specialist coordinates and supports the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of projects, ensuring delivery of results within the agreed scope, time, cost, quality and risk parameters. The role supports day-to-day project operations, liaises with partners, donors and beneficiaries, and ensures that project activities are in line with UNOPS policies, donor/partner requirements, and quality standards. The Project Management Support Specialist provides analytical and operational support, tracks financial and performance data, identifies risks or implementation challenges, and coordinates timely solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. The role therefore contributes towards ensuring that projects achieve their intended objectives, strengthen partner relationships, and contribute to UNOPS’ operational goals.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Project Delivery and Performance

• Support in the planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities in line with approved work plans, budgets and quality standards.
• Coordinate day-to-day project operations to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNOPS and donor/partner requirements.
• Manage and monitor progress against scope, time, cost and quality tolerances. Identify risks and deviations, propose corrective actions, and escalate when required.
• Oversee project contracts and supplier performance to ensure compliance and value for money.
• Embed sustainability principles - including gender equality, social inclusion and environmental considerations - across project activities.
• Contribute to the identification and development of new project opportunities or extensions of existing engagements.
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Financial and Procurement Management

• Support financial planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure effective budget utilization and cost control in line with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Manage cash flow, expenditures and financial commitments, ensuring timely disbursements and accurate financial reporting.
• Support procurement and grant management processes, including preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), evaluation of bids, and contract administration.
• Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to ensure compliance, transparency, and proper documentation of transactions.
• Prepare and review financial reports and participate in project audits, ensuring implementation of recommendations.
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Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Maintain effective working relationships with donors, partners, national authorities and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated delivery and alignment with project objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement and communication plans, ensuring timely and consistent information sharing.
• Facilitate internal coordination among project teams, technical experts and support functions.
• Represent the project in meetings, consultations and external engagements as delegated by the supervisor.
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Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance

• Monitor project performance against agreed indicators, preparing progress, financial and completion reports in accordance with UNOPS and donor/partner standards.
• Conduct data analysis and provide inputs for management decisions and strategic planning.
• Ensure quality assurance processes are applied to all deliverables, documents and outputs.
• Support compliance with internal audit and quality standards, coordinating corrective action as required.
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Personnel Management (as applicable)

• Assist in supervising, guiding and motivating project team members to achieve high performance and accountability.
• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding and performance management of personnel, ensuring gender balance and diversity principles are upheld.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive and safe working environment that aligns with UNOPS’ zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, discrimination and harassment.
• Ensure compliance with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) safety and security standards for all project staff and operations.
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Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.
• Conduct research on project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.
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Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
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Desired

• A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired.
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Required

Experience Requirements

• Relevant experience is work in project management or related areas.
• Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.
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Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.