This position operates within a complex and sensitive environment, supporting Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) and Community Violence Reduction (CVR) activities in the Central African Republic. The role requires a seasoned professional capable of managing project implementation, financial oversight, and stakeholder coordination under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager and in close collaboration with MINUSCA. The Deputy Project Manager will ensure the effective delivery of project objectives, adherence to UNOPS standards, and the maintenance of strong relationships with key partners.
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 Manager’s absence, maintaining continuity of operations and relations with MINUSCA
1. 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).
2. 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.
3. Procurement and Contract Management
Contract management: Supervision of UNOPS’s 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).
4. 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.
5. 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.
