Overview
The Project Manager will be responsible for the "Digitalization & Information Systems" component of the "Project for the Development of Corridors and Trade Facilitation Phase III" (PACFC III), under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, finalize, and update the project implementation plan.
- Implement the approved plan, including establishing milestones, within project steering committee tolerances.
- Integrate sustainability dimensions throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manage the production of required deliverables, taking responsibility for overall progress and resource utilization.
- Ensure the quality of work packages and deliverables meets defined quality requirements.
- Liaise with external vendors or account managers to ensure quality and timely delivery of results.
- Manage the receipt and delivery of work packages.
- Track project progress, control deviations, and manage changes.
- Identify, anticipate, and advise management on risk mitigation measures.
- Identify and report potential opportunities to the supervisor.
- Comply with organizational policies and standards, and ensure project information is regularly updated in project management systems.
- Be aware of and ensure compliance with applicable local laws and regulations, including international standards where applicable, and technical standards.
- Prepare and adapt all relevant plans for project steering committee approval, and manage baselines.
- Manage reporting obligations defined in the implementation plan and legal agreements.
- Keep project documentation up-to-date, orderly, and accessible for audits.
- Ensure formal transfer of the project to the closure manager, if applicable.
- Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation, coordination, and follow-up on observations and recommendations.
- Include a results framework and a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan in the project implementation plan.
- Prepare and publish regular project and financial reports.
- Regularly review project status and evaluate performance criteria.
- Maintain logbooks and progress reports in accordance with UNOPS standard operating procedures.
- Ensure routine supervision and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
- Ensure all project team members track and update milestones and targets regularly.
- Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and plans.
- Actively mobilize stakeholders, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments.
- Establish strong working relationships with the project steering committee, clients, and key stakeholders.
- Enable the formulation of project communication plans and evaluate overall project communication effectiveness.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication.
- Ensure stakeholders are informed of project activities, progress, and exceptions.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure projects meet audit requirements.
- Collaborate with procurement/supply staff to ensure effective interface with vendor quality systems.
- Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables.
- Ensure quality control of management deliverables.
- Create a learning environment for the project team, encourage knowledge sharing and training.
- Actively interact with other project managers and the wider project management community.
- Stay abreast of the latest updates and best practices in the profession.
- Ensure lessons learned are shared in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Provide feedback to organizational practice groups on policies and systems.
- Organize and structure the project team, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities.
- Provide regular guidance and advice as needed, and support the team in effective task execution.
- Lead and motivate the project management team.
- Ensure performance evaluations are conducted fairly, accurately, and on time.
- Select, recruit, and train the project team as needed.
- Ensure the safety of all project personnel in accordance with applicable UN safety and security standards.
Required Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in IT project management is required, with at least two (2) years dedicated to leading digital transformation projects within the public sector.
- Proven experience of at least one year in managing multi-stakeholder projects involving public institutions, international technical and financial partners, and private operators simultaneously.
- At least one year of experience in change management support or leadership is required.
- Knowledge of the Malagasy institutional context or the East Africa and Indian Ocean region is an asset.
- Operational experience of cohabitation, interfacing, or migration between new systems and existing systems operated by concession operators (public-private partnerships in the port, customs, or logistics sector) is desirable.
- Proven experience in facilitating inter-ministerial steering committees and negotiating with senior management of public administrations on sensitive technical and political issues is desirable.
- Experience in managing information systems consulting services, or in developing and implementing ICT training and capacity building programs, is an asset.
Qualifications
- Mandatory: A higher education degree (Master's or equivalent) in project management, business administration (MBA), engineering, information technology, or another relevant discipline is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in project management, business administration, engineering, information technology, or another relevant discipline, combined with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the higher education degree.
- Desirable: Further or specialized training in one of the following areas is an asset: trade facilitation, international trade customs and taxation, public sector digital transformation, information systems governance, or cybersecurity. A relevant combination of academic titles, recognized professional sector certifications (project management, ITIL, cybersecurity), and substantial qualifying experience may also be considered.
