UNOPS is recruiting a Senior Project Manager in Djibouti to lead the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM), on a Staff - IP - FTA contract at IP P-4 level for one year with possibility for extension. The post requires 7 years of progressive project experience, and applications close on 09 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy, and every duty, requirement and condition is set out below.
The Vacancy at a Glance
📌 Position Title: Senior Project Manager
🗂️ Job Category: Project & Programme Management
📍 Duty Station: Djibouti
🎚️ Seniority Level: Senior Level
🏷️ ICS Level: ICS 11
📄 Contract Type: Staff - IP - FTA
🪪 Contract Level: IP P-4
⏱️ Duration: One year with possibility for extension
Why This Role Stands Out
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead critical humanitarian and development projects in challenging environments, specifically overseeing the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM). The Senior Project Manager drives impactful initiatives aimed at:
🚛 Facilitating commercial imports to Yemen
🆘 Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen
👥 Working with diverse stakeholders
🌐 Contributing directly to regional stability and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
The UNOPS Middle East 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
🌍 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.
The Humanitarian Context in Yemen
The current conflict in Yemen has resulted in a wide-spread humanitarian crisis and has left 80 per cent of the population (24.4 million people) in need of assistance. To address the impediments on commercial imports to Yemen and facilitate the restoration of regular commercial cargo flows into the country, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) operationalized UNVIM to oversee the monitoring and inspection services of commercial and bilateral assistance cargo destined for Yemeni Red Sea ports not under the control of the Government of Yemen.
How UNVIM Works
🗓️ Activated on 2 May 2016, at the request of the Government of Yemen and on behalf of the UN and the concerned Member States
📝 Reviews requests from commercial vessels to enter the Red Sea ports outside of the Government of Yemen control: Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Issa
⚓ Inspects most of the vessels approaching these ports in Djibouti port, or conducts inspections in international waters
🏢 Managed and operated by UNOPS and located in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
The Purpose of the Role
Under the overall strategic guidance of the Regional Director, the Senior Project Manager (PM) is responsible for:
💡 Originating and developing new policies, techniques or standards for project delivery
🧩 Innovating approaches to solve complex problems
🧠 Providing expert advice on the development and implementation of new programs
🎬 Leading and directing substantive teams
📢 Advocating for new ideas and driving transformative change within the project's scope
✅ Ensuring the successful implementation of the UNVIM project in compliance with UNOPS policies and partner agreements
The Senior PM must be able to undertake the following tasks independently.
Project Delivery and Performance
📑 Ensure the preparation and delivery of all the project's elements and activities mentioned in the project document/legal agreements
⏰ Ensure timely planning and implementation of the project activities, so that goals and objectives are accomplished within the prescribed project time frame and the available funding parameters/budget
🗺️ Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s)
🚦 Implement the approved plan, including the establishment of milestones, within tolerances set by the Steering Committee
📈 Follow up and report on the project objectives and plans, including any delineation of scope, budgeting, scheduling and setting performance requirements
📘 Study and/or prepare revisions of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), budgets, terms of reference, contracts and all technical requirements for the project activities
🔎 Analyze and review all project documents, including documents for the UN and Member States, and ensure compliance with specifications using research, development, relevant codes and standards
🤝 Ensure agreements with Member States and stakeholders are correctly implemented
🌱 Embed sustainability dimensions, including social, gender, environmental and economic aspects, into the project life span
🛠️ Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary
🏅 Ensure that the quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan
📞 Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers
📦 Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages
👀 Monitor project progress, ensuring that work packages are being executed properly
🔀 Control project and work package changes
📥 Accept goods, services or works delivered by suppliers
📋 Lead contract management duties, including supplier performance evaluation
⚠️ Identify and anticipate potential risks and issues in a timely manner and advise mitigating measures to senior management/Project Board, so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved
💼 Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS
Stakeholder Engagement and Management
🗂️ Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies
🏗️ Establish, build and maintain solid working relationships with the project stakeholders, including the Government of Yemen, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Government of Djibouti, donors, UN OCHA, UN agencies and other key stakeholders
📣 Enable the formulation of project communications plans, coordinate internal project communications and monitor their effectiveness
🔗 Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management, so that stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress and exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs
☎️ In coordination with the Regional Office, maintain regular contact with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), the UN Department of Political Affairs and other internal stakeholders
🗣️ Convene regular Steering Committee meetings and donor meetings, and lead on the organization of donor field visits and briefing requests
🪧 Ensure donor visibility as stipulated in the approved project document/legal agreement
🪑 Prepare for and participate in Project Steering Committee Meetings
Quality Assurance
🧾 Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements
🛒 Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure an effective interface with suppliers' quality systems
🔬 Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables
🎯 Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.)
Personnel Management
🧭 Lead, supervise and motivate the project management team
📐 Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
⚖️ Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and on time
🎓 Select, recruit and train the team as required, taking into account gender parity and diversity objectives
🦺 Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards
🛡️ Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse; ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments
Procedures and Financial Management
📚 Comply with all organizational policy, specifically the Project Management Manual and OneUNOPS Projects System requirements
🗒️ Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Steering Committee
📬 Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan
✍️ Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes, approve requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments, and evaluate submissions received if appointed to the evaluation team
🗄️ Ensure maintenance of the project files and that lessons learned are recorded
🧮 Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations
💳 Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations so that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time
🏷️ Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges and related corporate charges as they apply to the project
🧱 Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel
📊 Manage expenditures against the budget, based on accurate financial reports
🖊️ Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, they retain these responsibilities and monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements
🔚 For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager
🔍 Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow-up on audit observations/recommendations
Monitoring and Reporting
📰 In coordination with the Partnerships Section, prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in line with each donor's and/or UNOPS requirements and as stipulated in contribution agreements
📉 Analyze, monitor and review key economic indicators on commercial trade in Yemen, including, but not limited to, statistics, economic projections and trends
🛰️ Monitor and assess developments in Yemen related to UNVIM and keep the Regional Director, Regional Office, Multi-Country Office Director, Head of Programme, Partnerships Advisor and UN OCHA informed
🔄 Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality)
📓 Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization's standard 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
Knowledge Management and Innovation
🌿 Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff
💬 Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices
🧷 Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner, and participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
🗃️ Research and log lessons learned throughout the project life span
🔁 Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies
Skills Listed for the Post
👑 Leadership
🤝 Negotiation
📋 Project Management
📝 Report Writing
🚧 Risk Management
🫂 Stakeholder Engagement
♟️ Strategic Planning
Competencies UNOPS Expects
🔭 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
🫡 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 a positive leadership role model who 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 impact on 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:
🎓 Master's Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, Political/Development Studies or any other relevant discipline
🎒 A Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Development Studies, Law or another relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree, combined with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience
Desired:
🏆 Certified Senior Project Manager: International Project Manager Association (IPMA Level B), Project Management Professional (PMP - PMI) or PRINCE2 foundation is an asset
Experience Requirements
Required:
🪜 Seven (7) years of progressive experience in project development and management, with a focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations
🏜️ At least 3 years of previous experience in the humanitarian/post-conflict/development context in the Middle East and/or Africa region
🇺🇳 Experience with an international/humanitarian organization and/or UN agencies
🏛️ Solid experience in managing relationships with UN Member States, regional organizations and national counterparts
🪢 Experience in managing diverse teams
Desired:
🕊️ Solid experience in managing sensitive/special political initiatives and issues and/or confidence-building mechanisms is preferred
🤲 Experience in managing donor relations is preferred
⚡ Experience in working in highly dynamic environments is an asset
🧾 Experience in writing reports, developing action plans, performing data analyses and drafting documents is an asset
✔️ Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies is an asset
🎤 Strong communication and presentation skills are an asset
Language Requirements
🔤 English: Fluent, required
🗨️ Arabic: Fluent, desirable
💭 French: Fluent, desirable
Closing Time and Selection Steps
🕛 Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date; 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 does not accept unsolicited resumes
🚫 UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind
🧑 If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, inform the human resources team upon receiving your invitation
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Its workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities, and it strives 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. It is committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcomes diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
Zero Tolerance and Background Checks
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, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes. It is UNOPS policy to conduct background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of such checks.
Terms and Conditions
🔽 Staff positions only: UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
⏳ Retainer contracts: you must complete a few mandatory courses (around 4 hours) in your own time before providing services to UNOPS; refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during the contract, and there is no compensation for taking courses and refreshers
📜 UN Charter and UNOPS Policies: all personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, and other relevant accountability frameworks
🌟 SDGs: all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the UNOPS Senior Project Manager in Djibouti do?
The Senior Project Manager leads the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM), which oversees the monitoring and inspection of commercial and bilateral assistance cargo bound for Yemeni Red Sea ports. The role covers project delivery, stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, team management, financial management and reporting.
What contract and level does this post offer?
The contract type is Staff - IP - FTA at contract level IP P-4, with the post listed at ICS 11 and Senior Level seniority. The duration is one year with possibility for extension.
Which ports does UNVIM cover?
UNVIM reviews requests from commercial vessels to enter the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Issa, which are outside the Government of Yemen control. It inspects most of the vessels approaching these ports in Djibouti port or conducts inspections in international waters.
How much experience do I need?
You need seven years of progressive experience in project development and management, including at least three years in a humanitarian, post-conflict or development context in the Middle East and/or Africa region. Experience with an international or humanitarian organization and/or UN agencies is also required.
Can I apply with a Bachelor's degree?
Yes. A Master's Degree is required, but a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of it when combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience.
Is a PMP or PRINCE2 certification mandatory?
No. Certification as a Senior Project Manager (IPMA Level B), PMP (PMI) or PRINCE2 foundation is listed as an asset, not a requirement.
Which languages are required?
Fluent English is required. Fluent Arabic and fluent French are listed as desirable.
Who will the Senior Project Manager work with?
Key stakeholders include the Government of Yemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Government of Djibouti, donors, UN OCHA, UN agencies and the UN Department of Political Affairs. The role works under the overall strategic guidance of the Regional Director.
What time does the application window close?
Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on 09 November 2026. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Does UNOPS charge candidates a fee?
No. UNOPS states that it will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Deadline
⏳ 09 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply: https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/Login?jobId=4824
📄 Job details: https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/Senior-Project-Manager/4824
