Job Specific Context
The Project Management Support Senior Officer (Liaison) will support the Project team to liaise with relevant DFA counterparts. The role is key to facilitate both the access to DFA counterparts and the access of project technical teams to the selected sites (engineering, contractors, assessors) during the project implementation.
Role Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager (SPM), the Project Management Support Senior Officer (Liaison) focuses on providing support in stakeholder mapping, liaison, project planning, strategy, risk management, team management, and internal facilitation to ensure effective project implementation.
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Stakeholder Mapping, Data Collection, and Analysis
- Assess, analyze, and map the DFA relevant offices (all central, provincial, and district levels) and representatives, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
- Share such knowledge with the SPM and the project team to enable them to understand what information can be found and where, and what level of accuracy should be expected.
- Navigate the DFA organizational structure to collect necessary information (documentation, records, and any other source of information) and share it with the rest of the team.
- Support in the interpretation of data collected to contextualize them and avoid misunderstanding.
2. Stakeholder Liaison and External Coordination
- Advise the project team on how to build collaborative connections with DFA representatives that will facilitate and support the project implementation.
- Monitor the progress of any interaction and communication between UNOPS and stakeholders and across stakeholders, including the DFA.
- Proactively follow up with DFA and other project stakeholders if/when any blockage materializes in the process of communications and or exchange of data and information.
- When necessary, lead and or assist in the interactions between technical teams and relevant DFA stakeholders to act as a facilitator and drive smooth interaction.
- Contribute to the design and implementation of a communication strategy (advise on how to properly explain the project aim, challenges, and positive impact) to create a collaborative environment with the various stakeholders.
3. Project Planning, Strategy, and Risk Management
- Work with the SPM, advising and sharing experience (in coordination with stakeholders) to produce appropriate plans and strategies necessary for the implementation of the project.
- Advise the project team about risks that might affect the project implementation.
- Collaborate with the project team in the crafting of reasonable and sensible implementation scenarios.
4. Team Management and Internal Facilitation
- When agreed with the SPM, manage, supervise, and delegate the tasks to the other project team personnel, such as community mobilizers, to carry out coordination and facilitation activities (especially when coordination with local community members is needed).
Skills
Conflict Resolution, Data Analysis, Government Relations, Negotiation, Stakeholder Management, Effective communication
Competencies
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
-
Bachelor’s degree preferably in political science, economics, law, engineering, international development, or other relevant fields with 4 years of relevant experience.
Desired
Experience Requirements
Required
-
Minimum of 4 years relevant experience in stakeholders management, government relations, planning or project/programme management involving government counterparts, management of partnerships, negotiation or conflict resolution, interacting with DFA structures, government structures formally and informally, management and or general knowledge of functioning systems, procedures and informal practices of the Afghanistan government/DFA.
Desired
-
Experience in the management of government projects/programmes in infrastructure and procurement.
-
Experience within the international development and/or humanitarian sector.
-
Experience in preparing and delivering presentations.
-
Project management of infrastructure and/or procurement projects experience.
-
Experience in roles that required analytical skills, resourcefulness, initiative, and maturity of judgment.
Language Requirements
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
