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General Information

Position Title
Project Manager (Implementation)
Job Category
Project
Duty Station(s)
Luxembourg
Seniority Level
Mid Level
ICS Level
ICS 10
Contract Type
ICA - IICA - Regular
Contract Level
IICA 2
Posting Start Date
07-Jul-2026
Posting End Date
21-Jul-2026
Duration
Ongoing contract (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)

Job Highlight

Lead projects that drive partner goals, ensuring successful delivery within set tolerances and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

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

Not Required - part of GPO/NYPO

Job Specific Context

 **This position will initially be homebased and is expected to transition to Luxembourg in early 2027.**


UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement defined activities in support of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Innovation and Analytics Hub (IAH). In alignment with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (henceforth referred to as “OHCHR”) Management Plan 2024/2027 (OMP), the objective of the IAH is to strengthen the organization’s culture of innovation and “inject new data, technology and innovative tools and thinking into OHCHR”. 

 

To support these efforts, OHCHR, with the support of UNOPS and a range of other partners, aims to strengthen the use of innovative approaches, including data-driven tools, research collaborations, and digital solutions in advancing human rights. 


Within this context, the Project Manager will support the effective implementation of programme activities, ensuring day-to-day coordination, delivery, and oversight of a portfolio spanning innovation, research, and digital initiatives. The role will facilitate collaboration between technical teams and partners, support the design and rollout of pilot activities, and contribute to the overall coherence and quality of programme outputs.


The Project Manager will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government counterparts, research institutions, international organisations, United Nations entities, and private-sector partners. The role involves coordinating activities, maintaining partnerships, and ensuring timely delivery of results in close alignment with OHCHR teams.


The Project Manager (Implementation) will report to the Project Manager. The position requires regular coordination with OHCHR teams as well as engagement with relevant partners within the Luxembourg innovation ecosystem.



The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.


Role Purpose

The Project Manager (Implementation) is responsible for planning, organizing, leading the project from Initiation to Closure. The Project Manager ensures effective delivery and oversight of projects, while implementing the services in scope and contributing towards achievement of partners’ goals and objectives. Acting on behalf of the Project Board, the Project Manager ensures that project outputs are delivered within agreed tolerances of time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits. The incumbent possesses and applies a deep understanding of Project planning, implementation, monitoring and control, while managing stakeholder expectations. and ensuring delivery is as per the terms of the Legal Agreement. The Project Manager serves as the focal point for coordination with donors, partners and beneficiaries, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Project Delivery and Performance

  • Develop, complete and update the project implementation plan.
  • Implement the approved plan (including establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.
  • Embed sustainability dimensions, including social and gender considerations, and environmental and economic aspects, into the project life span
  • Manage the production of required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources while initiating corrective action where necessary.
  • Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables comply with the quality requirements defined in the implementation plan.
  • Liaise with external suppliers or account managers to ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs.
  • Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages.
  • Monitor project progress, control project variances (if any), and manage changes.
  • Identify, anticipate and advise senior management and the project board on mitigating measures against project risks to ensure that benefits to partners and other stakeholders are maximized.
  • Advocate and promote UNOPS service offerings, identify and report potential growth opportunities for UNOPS.


2. Procedures


  • Comply with the organization’s policies and standards, and ensure project information is kept updated in project management systems.
  • Be aware of applicable local laws and regulations, and ensure adherence. This includes international regulations and standards, where applicable, as well as technical standards.
  • Prepare and adapt all relevant plans for approval by the project board, and manage baselines
  • Manage the reporting obligations defined in the implementation plan and legal agreements.
  • Maintain project documentation in an orderly manner for accessibility and audit support when needed.
  • Understand and apply the UNOPS financial rules and regulations. Be accountable for the use of delegation of authority (where applicable) and ensure compliance with relevant policies and standards of ethics.
  • Provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager when applicable.
  • Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during audits and follow-up on audit observations/ recommendations.



3. Monitoring and Reporting


  • Include a results framework and M&E plan in the project implementation plan with clearly defined indicators and agreed targets, ensure regular monitoring and tracking of project results.
  • Prepare and issue regular project and financial reports in accordance with partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.
  • Regularly review project status and evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule, and quality)
  • Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard operating procedures.
  • Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
  • Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of the project life span.


4. Stakeholder Engagement


  • Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and plans. Actively engage stakeholders, take feedback, and adjust as necessary. 
  • Establish solid working relationships with the project board (executive, senior users and senior suppliers); clients; and key stakeholders.
  • Enable formulation of project communication plans and monitor effectiveness of project communications.
  • Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, and exceptions, and are in a position to accept handover outputs.


5. Quality Assurance


  • Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.
  • Work with procurement/ purchasing personnel to ensure effective interface with suppliers’ quality systems.
  • Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables. 
  • Provide quality control for management outputs (e.g. project documents, reports, etc).


6. Knowledge Management and Innovation


  • Create a learning environment for the project team, encourage knowledge sharing and training to contribute to longer-term capacity building.
  • Actively interact with other project managers and the wider project management (PM) community, share case studies, lessons learned and best practices.
  • Stay abreast with latest updates and good practices of the profession, participate in training and learning activities for self to advance proficiency and competency.
  • Ensure lessons learned are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. 
  • Provide feedback to corporate practice groups on policy and systems, when needed.
  • Provide feedback to functional groups  on policies and related guidance to support the continuous improvement of UNOPS policy framework


7. Personnel Management


  • Organise and structure the project team, ensure clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Provide regular guidance and direction, as needed, and support the team in effectively performing their tasks. 
  • Lead and motivate the project management team, and manage performance.
  • Ensure performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately, and on time.
  • Select, recruit, and train project teams as required, taking gender parity and diversity objectives into account.
  • Ensure safety and security for all project personnel in compliance with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) standards.

Skills

Event Management, Knowledge Management, Project Coordination, Project Implementation, Project Planning, Reporting & Analysis, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent), preferably in international development, public policy, project management, international relations, economics, social sciences, or a related field, with 7 years of relevant experience is required. OR;
  • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in international development, public policy, project management, international relations, economics, social sciences, or a related field, with 5 years of relevant experience is required.


Desired:

  • Project management certification from a globally recognised institute is desired.
  • Specialisation or training in one or more of the following areas is an asset: innovation, digital transformation, data and technology policy, or partnership development.


Experience Requirements

Required:

  • Relevant experience is work in the implementation of complex projects/ programmes, or related areas.
  • Experience in project planning, implementation, and control, including project communication and reporting, is required.
  • Experience coordinating activities across multiple partners, including public institutions, international organisations, academia, or private-sector actors is required
  • Experience of managing project risks in a multi-stakeholder context is required.


Desired:

  • Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations is desired.
  • Experience supporting partnerships involving research institutions or academic collaboration (e.g. joint research, fellowships, knowledge exchange) is desirable. 
  • Experience working on initiatives related to innovation, digital transformation, data, or technology-driven programmes is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired
FrenchFluentDesirable

Additional 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.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.