Head of Programme Implementation Unit

Job Highlight

The Head of Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) reports to the Deputy Programme Director (DPD) and is a core member of the CRLP senior management team. The role provides programme-wide implementation leadership, operational control, and delivery assurance, in line with both UNOPS and World Bank requirements, while exercising direct line management of the PIU team in accordance with the approved CRLP organisational structure.

About The Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

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:

• Leads and maintains integrated programme-level implementation plans and schedules, including the programme Gantt chart;
• Coordinates implementation workflows across PIU functions, delivery teams, and UNOPS support services;
• Tracks progress against milestones and delivery targets, identifying dependencies, risks, and emerging issues;
• Ensures consistent application of implementation controls, documentation standards, and segregation of duties;
• Coordinates audits, reviews, and assurance processes and follow-up of agreed management actions.
  
  

• Quality assurance and engineering functions
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Health, safety, social and environmental (HSSE) compliance
• ICT, MIS, data management, and reporting systems
• Grievance redress, accountability, and community feedback mechanisms
• Diversity, inclusion, and SEA/SH prevention functions
• Project management, administrative, and operational support roles
• Set clear priorities, allocate work, and ensure effective coordination across PIU functions.
• Ensure PIU outputs are timely, high-quality, and aligned with programme delivery needs and priorities.
• Ensure PIU staff operate in accordance with their approved TORs, UNOPS policies, and CRLP requirements.
• Interface with Delivery Leadership (Rural and Urban Teams)
• Work in close partnership with the Heads of Rural and Urban Teams to support delivery effectiveness.
• Respect and reinforce delivery ownership of the Rural and Urban Teams.
• Promote consistent planning, monitoring, and reporting standards across delivery components.
• Personnel Management and Leadership
• Provide effective people management in line with UNOPS performance management frameworks.
• Support work planning, performance reviews, coaching, and professional development of PIU staff.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and professional working culture within the PIU.
• Promote staff well-being, duty of care, and adherence to UNOPS values and code of conduct.
• Promote a culture of zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement
• Promote knowledge building and sharing through lessons learned and good practice.
• Contribute to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement of delivery systems, workflows, and tools.
  
  

• 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
• First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with nine (9) years of relevant experience is required
  
  

• A globally recognized professional certificate (e.g. PRINCE2, PMI, etc) or membership in Project Management.
  
  

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project and/or program management and coordination.
• Knowledge and familiarity with UNOPS and / or World Bank procedures.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience working in at least one of the role’s functional task areas.
  
  

• Experience in programme implementation.
• Prior experience in building strong, trusted relationships with Donor representatives, UN officials, de facto authorities etc.
• Previous experience in the humanitarian / development sector.
• Knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic context of Afghanistan.