Job Specific Context
The Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (CRLP) is a large-scale, multi-sector programme implemented by UNOPS under the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO), funded by the World Bank. The project delivers small-scale infrastructure, livelihoods, and resilience interventions across rural and urban areas, operating in a complex, high-risk environment.
The Head of Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) serves as the operational backbone of CRLP, providing integrated implementation support, delivery assurance, planning coordination, compliance oversight, and performance monitoring across the programme, ensuring alignment with both UNOPS and Donor (World Bank) requirements.
The Head of PIU comprises a multi-disciplinary team covering quality assurance and engineering, monitoring, health, safety, social and environmental (HSSE) compliance, ICT and management information systems, grievance redress and accountability mechanisms, diversity and inclusion and SEA/SH prevention, project management support, and related operational functions.
Role Purpose
Reporting to the Deputy Programme Director (DPD), the Head of Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) provides programme-wide implementation leadership through direct oversight of the PIU’s multi-disciplinary functions, including quality assurance and monitoring, health, safety, social and environmental (HSSE) compliance, ICT and management information systems, grievance redress and accountability mechanisms, diversity and inclusion and SEA/SH prevention, project management and operational support.
Through leadership of these functions, the Head of PIU establishes the systems, discipline, and coordination that enable effective day-to-day delivery across CRLP. The role ensures that delivery activities led by the heads of the Rural and Urban Teams are planned, sequenced, monitored, and supported in line with approved project documents, implementation plans, schedules, budgets, and UNOPS policies and procedures.
Working in close partnership with the Rural and Urban Teams, the Head of PIU provides a consistent programme-level framework for planning, coordination, monitoring, and assurance. The role promotes realistic planning, clear sequencing, and timely problem-solving, supporting delivery teams to focus on execution while benefiting from strong implementation controls and operational support.
In this capacity, the Head of PIU:
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Leads and maintains integrated programme-level implementation plans and schedules, including the programme Gantt chart;
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Coordinates implementation workflows across PIU functions, delivery teams, and UNOPS support services;
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Tracks progress against milestones and delivery targets, identifying dependencies, risks, and emerging issues;
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Ensures consistent application of implementation controls, documentation standards, and segregation of duties;
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Coordinates audits, reviews, and assurance processes and follow-up of agreed management actions.
The Head of PIU provides structured implementation performance analysis to the DPD, supports escalation of cross-cutting operational issues, and plays a central role in sustaining delivery momentum, strengthening internal controls, and supporting informed senior decision-making. The role provides direct line management to PIU staff, builds implementation capacity, and drives continuous improvement of delivery systems and workflows.
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Programme Coordination
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Ensure alignment between delivery activities and approved project documents, implementation plans, schedules, and budgets.
2. Planning, Scheduling, and Performance Monitoring
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Ensure timely provision of inputs, updating and reporting through the oneUNOPS system and other reporting requirements including UNOPS, UN, Technical Working Groups etc.
3. Procedures, Controls, and Compliance
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Oversee PIU contributions to audits, reviews, evaluations, and assurance processes, and coordinate follow-up to agreed management actions.
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Support effective application of environmental and social safeguards, SEA/SH prevention measures, and grievance redress mechanisms, in coordination with relevant technical leads.
4. Risk Management and Operational Assurance
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Identify, assess, and monitor operational, delivery, and fiduciary risks within the programme implementation scope.
5. Leadership and Management of the Programme Implementation Unit (PIU)
6. Interface with Delivery Leadership (Rural and Urban Teams)
7. Personnel Management and Leadership
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Promote a culture of zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse.
8. Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement
Skills
Knowledge Management, Program Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership
Education Requirements
Required
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Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or other relevant discipline with seven (7) years of relevant experience. OR
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First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with nine (9) years of relevant experience is required
Desired
Experience Requirements
Required
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A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project and/or program management and coordination.
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Knowledge and familiarity with UNOPS and / or World Bank procedures.
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Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated experience working in at least one of the role’s functional task areas.
Desired
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Experience in programme implementation.
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Prior experience in building strong, trusted relationships with Donor representatives, UN officials, de facto authorities etc.
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Previous experience in the humanitarian / development sector.
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Knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic context of Afghanistan.
Language Requirements
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
Dari Fluent Desirable
Pashto Fluent Desirable
