Project Management Support Senior Associate (Maternity Cover)

Giga
Giga

Administration, Customer Service

Baghdad, Iraq

Posted on Oct 11, 2026

General Information

Position Title
Project Management Support Senior Associate (Maternity Cover)
Duty Station(s)
Baghdad
Seniority Level
Associate
ICS Level
ICS 07
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Support - Regular
Contract Level
LICA 7
Posting Start Date
11-Oct-2026
Posting End Date
25-Oct-2026
Duration
Maternity leave cover until 31 March 2027

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on the achievement of project results by directly assisting the Senior Project Manager in adhering to project management methods and strategies. The role contributes to reinforcing UNOPS' visibility and image as an effective service provider in project services and management, strengthening its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services within challenging environments.

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Established in 2004, the UNOPS Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO) provides strategic and operational support to partners across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Gulf countries. The MCO delivers solutions that address development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services. Working in close collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, and donors, the office supports efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio includes large-scale operations focused on improving essential services, strengthening national systems, and enhancing resilience in complex and fragile settings.

About the Project Office

UNOPS has been active in Iraq since 2004, supporting national recovery and development efforts through infrastructure, procurement, and capacity-building services. UNOPS has implemented a wide range of projects aimed at improving living conditions, enhancing safety, and promoting resilience, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Our projects support in renewable energy, solid waste management, demining, and rehabilitation of war-damaged infrastructure. UNOPS projects in Iraq also support national systems by equipping institutions, delivering technical training, and empowering civil society organizations through targeted grants. Operating in close partnership with the Government of Iraq, international donors, local stakeholders, and UN partners, the office contributes to stability, recovery, and sustainable development across the country

Job Specific Context

This position operates within the Local Infrastructure in Rural Anbar (LIRA III) project, a three-year initiative aimed at improving basic living conditions for returnees in rural areas of Al-Anbar governorate and Sinjar. The project focuses on rehabilitating up to 2,000 housing units and restoring decentralized services such as solar street lighting, community roads, and water and sanitation networks. The Project Management Support Senior Associate will play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and effective project delivery, adhering to corporate standards and policies, and supporting the Senior Project Manager in all aspects of project implementation and financial oversight.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Support Senior Associate manages and integrates several related processes within the LIRA III project, providing comprehensive support to the Senior Project Manager. This role ensures the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of project monitoring, reporting, implementation, and financial and administrative support services, applying professional principles to manage the service and formulating proposals for improvement.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Project monitoring and reporting

  • i. Electronic Blue File. Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents on the shared drive as per the organization guideline for record keeping. ii. Upload on oneUNOPS (ERP), oneUNOPSprojects engagement and project level files when required. iii) Ensure compliance with financial rules and regulations, procurement, HR and other support services guidelines and procedures of the organization.

  • Maintain all supporting project financial documents for audit and review processes; Ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system;

  • Monitor project budget and financial expenditure and all administrative procedures in line with the work- plan;

  • Process direct payments and advance requests and prepare project budget revisions;

  • Produce financial reports; including developing financial monitoring and reporting formats as per UNOPS requirements;

  • Support the Project Manager by monitoring budgets, cash flow and reporting on expense obligations to ensure that deliverables are met;

  • Alert the Project Manager or any financial shortfalls and over-expenditures; Propose budget revision and initiate corrective action when necessary;

  • Coordinate vendor communications, meetings, and reports as necessary;

  • Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with procedures, work plans, and availability of resources for expenditure.

  • Take minutes of project-related meetings and follow up on action points.

2. Project Implementation

  • Support the Senior Project Manager in ensuring UNOPS Policies and Procedures, Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR) are adhered to for efficient project implementation and progress.

  • Maintain project tracking sheet and alert the Senior Project Manager on project end date and reporting requirements of projects.

  • Support the implementation teams with preparation of contractors’ invoices and related processes.

  • Monitor and record best practices and innovative approaches within UNOPS FRR; identify and show alternative options according to activity needs.

  • In consultation with the relevant stakeholders, assist the Senior Project Manager in preparing amendments of Agreements and Budget revisions when applicable.

  • Facilitate information flows and support in managing risk registers and issues.

  • Support the documentation of lessons learned and best practices.

  • Assist the project planning process in the areas of administrative and support services such as procurement planning, human resources planning, financial forecasting etc.

  • In consultation with Senior Project Manager, follow up with partners on project agreement signing, monthly invoices verification, information required for project closure and fund transfer requests when applicable.

3. Operational and administrative support

  • Review input of financial information, expenditures etc. in oneUNOPS.

  • Support development and maintenance of oneUNOPS based management information systems to ensure real time tracking and asset management under the project activities.

  • Liaise with the Finance Unit to process and monitor all payment requests within the Project.

  • Liaise with finance and logistics/procurement units in tracking commitments and disbursements.

  • Assist the Project Manager in monitoring all HR requirements and related activities under the Project.

  • Supports the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for required inputs in the projects (staff, individual and institutional consultancy services, procurement of goods and services, organization of training, seminars,etc.), with expert and/or client support as required.

  • Supports the organization of induction briefings to newly recruited staff and render support to consultants in the course of their assignment.

  • Support and review submissions for Contracts, Purchase orders, Waivers and related documents prior to final approval.

  • Contribute to organizing project and stakeholder meetings as and when necessary, and maintain records of these meetings.

  • Maintain records of project files and reports according to UNOPS document management guidelines.

4. Project Management and Financial Support Services

  • Supports the preparation of detailed project budget forecasts and periodic financial reports, including data collection, and drafting of financial summaries when needed, or requested.

  • Review weekly Activity reports and quarterly financial reports with respect to outputs based on work plans and budget forecasts.

  • Identify operational, administrative, financial and other bottlenecks that may impede project delivery; recommend solutions and take appropriate remedial action.

  • Upon instruction of the project manager, undertake field missions as required.

  • Coordinate with the internal procurement and logistic team on all transport, inventory, Assets and procurement issues in for direct support of the project and in support of Project Management Team.

  • Manage the travel plan of the Project Team, manage travel booking, and coordinate with the Admin Team for DSA and other related requirements for travel. - Establish and monitor an internal control system for all administrative actions.

5. Knowledge management and innovation

  • In consultation with Senior Project Manager, support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting format and monitor its implementation.

  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building.

  • Support that local capacities are built at every level and opportunity for Project Support.

  • Maintain records of project files and activity reports in hard and soft copy

Skills

Administration, Knowledge Management, Project Management, Reporting
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

  • Completion of secondary school, preferably in Finance or Accounting, Project Management, Business Administration, Management, or a related field, is required

  • A bachelor's degree with an additional 3 years of relevant experience is required

Desired

  • PRINCE2® certification is an asset.

Experience Requirements

Required

  • A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant and progressive professional experience, preferably in the field of Administration and Financial Management with focus on accounting, budget preparation, monitoring, recording, reporting, and coordination is required. OR BA with additional three (3) years of relevant experience.

Desired

  • Experience working with the Google Suite platform including Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of UN rules and procedures in Project Management, Finance, HR Management and administrative rules and regulations

Language Requirements

Language Proficiency Level Requirement
Arabic Fluent Required
English Fluent Required

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.