Jobs at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Uganda - Quality Assurance Team Lead

Job Title: Quality Assurance Team Lead

Vacancy code VA/2013/B5004/3796

Level ICS-9
Department/office GPSO, Development Group
Duty station Entebbe, Uganda
Contract type Fixed Term
Contract level NOB
Duration One Year
Application period 14-Aug-2013 to 04-Sep-2013

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Background Information - UNOPS

“UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.”
-Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

UNOPS  mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Development Group Cluster

Development Group Cluster

The UNOPS Development Group Cluster is based in the North America Office and supports a diverse and complex portfolio including partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (the Bureau for Development Policy, the Human Development Report Office, and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation), the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Secretariat and a broadening community of primarily New York-based UN partners in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services.
Background Information - Job-specific

Background information - DFS

The United Nations Department of Field Support, Information and Communications Technology Division (UN DFS-ICTD) is responsible for the delivery of applications that satisfy the requirements of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support (DPKO/DFS) missions as well as Special Political Missions (SPMs).

DFS has implemented a range of systems to address the principal requirements of peacekeeping operations and to support and enhance the processes DFS undertakes.

UNOPS has been requested to assist in the implementation of this activity.


Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the QA/Business Systems Analyst, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

    Coordinate project activities for globally dispersed teams;
    Define project vision, including project viability, assumptions, scope, constraints, interdependencies and timeline for delivery
    Develop, document and execute detailed project work plans and manage project scope, schedule and budget
    Actively manage and mitigate project risks and issues as appropriate
    Monitor and measure project progress and prepare project reports as required by UNOPS methodology
    Effectively communicate relevant project information to project stakeholders, senior management and project team
    Identify resources and skill-set required, manage daily activities of project team and assign individual responsibilities
    Plan and execute change management activities to ensure efficient transition into Operations and utilization of project deliverables by the business 
    Evaluate approaches and methodologies employed by project teams and organizational units and make recommendations regarding industry standards and best practices;
    Develop and maintain quality management as an integrated part of project management;
    Determine appropriate quality management standards and tools based on industry standards and best practices such as CoBIT, ISO 9000 and ITIL;
    Conduct business risk assessment, process and project compliance audits, diagnostic reviews, and gap analysis of ICT control frameworks against industry best practices;
    Work with UNOPS senior managers in developing quality assurance metrics for performance improvement of offshore teams and take a lead in enforcing them.
    Prepare authoritative advice and guidance on the application and operation of various quality controls relevant to information systems management;
    Lead in defining key quality attributes and setting measurable quality goals for both in house and offshore teams;
    Plan and implement quality-related activities such as defect detection, correction and prevention;
    Oversee execution of processes that contribute to quality assurance and all quality-related project activities;
    Conduct quality control on compliance with approved project management methodology for all software development projects
    Assist in analyzing project portfolio progress according to plans, requirements, quality measures, standards and processes;
    Perform other duties as required.


Competencies

Professionalism - Strong theoretical background and knowledge of information technology/information management best practice implementation in the field of quality management, service management and ICT governance. Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including familiarity with software development lifecycle and the implementation and support of complex information ICT systems and projects. Strong theoretical background and practical knowledge of project management. Thorough understanding of multiple functional areas related to complex projects and the ability to identify business process improvements, along with system improvements, through the use of technology.

Client Orientation -  Ability to identify and analyse requirements and develop appropriate project management and quality assurance strategies and solutions to meet the business needs. Ability to see quality through the eyes of the client.

Planning and Organizing - Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.  Ability to lead a project team to completion and provide technical guidance to staff.

Communications - Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Ability to effectively prepare specifications and other written reports/documentation in a clear and concise style. Ability to communicate with various levels of technical experience (developers/ operations/ end users/ management / support staff). Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts and recommendations to both technical and non-technical staff at all levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of business representatives and management. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with a level of professionalism and integrity.

Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.


Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Systems, or in field related to the post description.  A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience in information technology may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree. Additional qualifications/certifications in any of the following is highly desirable: ISO 9000, ITIL, PRINCE2 Practitioner or PMP, CMM,CoBIT or Audit (e.g CISA).

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in best practice implementation, including experience in developing and overseeing institutional service management, quality assurance management or ICT governance programmes. In-depth understanding of quality assurance management principles, processes and industry standards and the implementation of quality assurance processes in a large heterogeneous environment. Experience in coordinating the design, implementation, operations and maintenance of complex information systems;Must have solid programme/project management skills.

Language: Fluency in the English language is a requirement for the post.


Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: FTA
Contract level: NO-B
Contract duration: One Year

THIS IS A NATIONAL OFFICER POST. ONLY UGANDAN NATIONALS ARE ELIGIBLE.
Additional Considerations

    Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
    Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
    Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
    Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
    For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
    The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

How to Apply:
https://gprs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=3796

Deadline: 03/09/2013