Project Management Office (PMO) - Senior Associate

Project Management Office (PMO) - Senior Associate | UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

Project Management Office (PMO) - Senior Associate

UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services Yaoundé National ICS 07 level Speaks English, French

Application deadline: April 15, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Project Management Office (PMO) - Senior Associate position involves supporting the Head of PMO in strategic planning, portfolio oversight, and ensuring effective project delivery across the Central Africa Multi-Country Office. The role focuses on the consistent application of project management methodologies and tools, enabling evidence-based decision-making and optimal resource utilization. The PMO Associate will assist in project administration, monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance, while also contributing to knowledge sharing and training initiatives. This position is crucial for driving sustainable results in alignment with UNOPS and partner objectives.

Candidate Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

3 years of relevant experience in project management

Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite)

Fluent in French

Basic English proficiency

General Information

Position Title

Project Management Office (PMO) - Senior Associate

Job Category

Project

Duty Station(s)

Yaounde

Seniority Level

Associate

ICS Level

ICS 07

Contract Type

ICA - LICA - Support - Regular

Contract Level

LICA 7

Posting Start Date

01-Apr-2026

Posting End Date

15-Apr-2026

Duration

Ongoing and potentially for short-term or retainer positions, depending on organizational needs.

Job Highlight

Drive strategic project and program success through innovative frameworks, ensuring optimal resource utilization and sustainable results.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Since 1999, the Central Africa Multi-Country Office (CAMCO), headquartered in Yaounde, Cameroon, has partnered with UN agencies, international organizations, and governments in 15 Central African nations. CAMCO provides fund management, technical assistance, and capacity-building across critical sectors—infrastructure, health, education, governance, procurement, and environmental protection—while working with national and local authorities to secure local ownership and sustainable impact. The diverse portfolio spans rural-community empowerment, road rehabilitation, and peace consolidation in the DRC and CAR through Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes, alongside wide-ranging procurement and human-resource services. Recent initiatives include drinking-water systems in Cameroon, mining-sector capacity-building, health-system support in the DRC, and infrastructure development in Madagascar, funded by a broad array of international partners. Together, these projects advance regional stability, resilient infrastructure, and improved livelihoods throughout Central Africa.

About the Project Office

Since 2014, UNOPS has been a key partner in the Central African Republic (CAR), delivering essential services in project management, procurement, and human resources to support national development and peacebuilding efforts. UNOPS strengthens community resilience, enhances transportation infrastructure, and contributes to peace and security, aligning closely with government priorities. Key initiatives include the World Bank/AFD-funded PURIC project, restoring critical infrastructure and improving rural connectivity; INUSCA-supported Community Violence Reduction (CVR) programmes, promoting conflict prevention and social cohesion; and the rehabilitation of the Bangui Paediatric Hospital’s Neonatology Unit, funded by the Italian Cooperation. UNOPS also implements health infrastructure projects supported by the Global Fund, expanding access to essential healthcare. Additionally, UNOPS provides human resource services for MINUSCA, enabling effective peace operations. Through this diverse portfolio, UNOPS is committed to delivering tangible, sustainable results that build a more resilient, peaceful, and prosperous future for the people of CAR.

Job Specific Context

This position operates within the Project Management Office (PMO), supporting the Head of PMO in strategic planning, portfolio oversight, and delivery assurance for projects across the Central Africa Multi-Country Office (CAMCO). The role is crucial for ensuring consistent application of project management methodologies, policies, and tools, enabling evidence-based decision-making and effective delivery of sustainable results in alignment with UNOPS and partner objectives.

Role Purpose

The Project Management Office (PMO) Associate assists the Head of PMO to contribute to the development and continuous improvement of strategic, operational and governance frameworks to ensure that all projects are effectively designed, prioritized and implemented in alignment with UNOPS and partner objectives. Supports the Head of PMO and management team in strategic planning and portfolio oversight, providing delivery assurance to ensure projects are executed according to UNOPS standards and promoting best practices in project management. The PMO Associate also assists the Head of PMO the consistent application of project management methodologies, policies and tools across all operations, enabling evidence-based decision-making, optimal resource utilization, and effective delivery of sustainable results.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1.  Development and Planning

Support the Head of PMO in the daily administration of project management activities, ensuring alignment with service agreements and project documents.

Assist in the preparation and routine update of project budgets and staffing plans to ensure operational consistency.

Maintain resource tracking tools and databases within the PMO to support accurate planning, forecasting, and delivery monitoring.

Identify and log potential risks and issues, escalating them to the Head of PMO with supporting data for mitigation planning.

2.  Project Set-Up and Closure

Provide administrative support for project closure activities within the Multi-Country Office (MCO), ensuring all checklists are followed.

Coordinate with the Head of Support Services and Program team to collect necessary documentation during the project closure stage.

Liaise with IPAS PMI during closure planning to ensure the Closure Checklist is drafted and reviewed at least three months prior to the project end date.

Execute administrative tasks related to asset disposal, tracking financial disbursements during Defects Liability Periods, and preparing handover files for HQ.

Perform regular data entry and updates in UNOPS systems (e.g., oneUNOPS) to ensure real-time accuracy of project information.

3.  Monitoring and Reporting

Track project performance against established scope, cost, schedule, and quality criteria.

Monitor project milestones and performance targets, flagging delays or deviations to the Head of PMO.

Compile delivery data and update performance dashboards to help identify trends and risks.

Draft basic analytical reports and financial summaries (e.g., delivery tracking) to assist the Head of Programme and project teams in decision-making.

Support the roll-out of project management initiatives as directed by the Regional Office or HQ.

4.  Quality Assurance

Verify that project documentation adheres to UNOPS standards, policies, and audit requirements through regular file reviews.

Collaborate with procurement and finance colleagues to ensure compliance with internal control systems.

Conduct initial quality checks on project reports and documents for consistency and formatting.

Support the implementation of process improvement actions and operational excellence tasks.

5.  Personnel Management (as applicable)

Provide guidance to junior support staff or interns, fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.

Uphold and promote UNOPS’ values, ensuring a respectful and inclusive workspace aligned with zero-tolerance policies for misconduct.

6.  Knowledge Building and Sharing

Provide logistical and administrative support for the organization and delivery of project management training and learning sessions.

Contribute to the PMO’s knowledge library by archiving lessons learned and best practices.

Gather data and research on project management topics to assist the Head of PMO in drafting briefing notes and summaries.

Skills

Data Analysis, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Reporting, Stakeholder Management, Training

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 (or equivalent) in any discipline with 3 years of relevant experience

Undergraduate degree with 3 years of relevant experience

Desired

Secondary school (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience

Experience Requirements

Required

Relevant experience in project management or related areas. Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems are required

Desired

Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country. Experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Language Requirements

Language Proficiency Level Requirement

French Fluent Required

English Basic Required

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 

Please note that 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. 

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be

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