The United Nations (UN) is shifting its Africa projects management unit to Nairobi, signaling its commitment to focus on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in African nations.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will be relocated to Nairobi, which also serves as the UN's headquarters in the southern hemisphere.
Previously, UNOPS had its Africa Regional Office housed alongside its global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, it frequently executes projects in conflict-affected countries across Africa. These projects often involve post-war recovery efforts.
UNOPS acts as a project executor for various UN agencies or programs, charging them a fee for services such as infrastructure provision, procurement of supplies, and management of UN projects, especially those aligned with SDGs.
The move of the regional office to Nairobi is anticipated to enhance the organization's capacity to assist its partners on the continent.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, the Executive Director of UNOPS, currently visiting Nairobi, stated that the relocation brings the regional office closer to where it is most needed. He emphasized that this move will bolster their ability to effectively address inequalities, promote sustainability, and aid African countries in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Established in 1973 as part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNOPS became an independent entity in 1995, focusing on providing services to the UN system for a fee.
In Africa, UNOPS has played a leading role in projects in conflict zones since the tenure of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Globally, it manages a portfolio of development projects worth $3 billion annually, which typically involve constructing social facilities like schools and clinics, setting up temporary shelters for displaced populations, and procuring emergency response equipment for outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19.
The relocation of UNOPS' Africa Regional Office to Nairobi is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. This strategic move aims to enhance the organization's agility in responding to peace, security, humanitarian, and development needs throughout the continent, ultimately contributing to the realization of SDGs in the African region.
