Senior Project Management Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of humanitarian, development, and peace consolidation projects worldwide. UNOPS aims to build the foundations for countries and communities to improve their living conditions and achieve sustainable development, guided by values such as Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, and Humanity. The organization is committed to promoting Fair and Equitable Public Management (GPJE) to ensure the effective and efficient use of public resources, emphasizing excellence in public service, citizen participation, and integrating perspectives of equality and inclusion. UNOPS has been active in Guatemala for 27 years, focusing on strengthening local institutions and addressing various sectors and complex projects, including post-conflict peace processes and modernizing state infrastructure. In 2024, UNOPS was identified as a preferred partner by the newly elected government to support the implementation of the Government Plan 2024-2028, aiming to modernize health infrastructure and procurement systems in the country. UNOPS's portfolio in Guatemala is expanding strategically, with a focus on high-impact projects in transportation and public services, reflecting its commitment to sustainable, transparent, and quality solutions that contribute to institutional strengthening and economic and social development in Guatemala.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Management Support Officer will report directly to the Senior Project Manager and is responsible for supporting daily project operations, coordinating progress and implementation, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures. The role requires maintaining data quality in the ERP system and other digital tools, closely monitoring operational and financial performance, identifying potential issues, and facilitating problem analysis and solution identification. The selected candidate will need to establish strong collaborative relationships with support services and the Project Management Office (PMO) and may guide other team members on policy and process-related matters. The position often requires working in complex and challenging environments with limited resources, necessitating a high degree of autonomy and proactive engagement with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Implementation: Alert the Project Manager about UNOPS policies and procedures, financial regulations, and other requirements for efficient project implementation. Monitor financial aspects of the project and advise the Senior Project Manager accordingly; track expenses and take necessary actions to review budgets.
• Financial and Procurement Management: Maintain all financial documentation for audit and review processes; ensure accurate data entry in UNOPS ERP system; oversee project budget, cash flow, and financial expenditures according to the work plan.
• Project Monitoring and Reporting: Provide substantial inputs to assist the Senior Project Manager in preparing project reports and documents; maintain project files and supporting documents following the SOP for document management.
• Coordination and Stakeholder Management: Manage all project contracts (procurement, HR, service contracts, etc.); proactively coordinate with support units on administrative matters related to contract management; liaise with PMO team members to complete compliance and assurance tasks.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Participate in relevant communities of practice; stay informed about new developments and innovations related to Portfolio, Program, and Project Management (P3M) practices; support the project manager in implementing knowledge management policies and guidance.
• Operational and Logistical Support: Prepare amendments to agreements and budget revisions as needed; assist the Project Manager in advancing commitments and amendments through oneUNOPS; review financial data entry in oneUNOPS ERP.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., business administration, finance, project management, or related fields) is required. A combination of a Bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the educational requirements. Minimum of two years of progressive relevant professional experience in Project Management and Operations Management with a focus on monitoring, reporting, development, and coordination or related field is required. At least one year of experience working with ERP systems, management information systems (MIS), data analysis, and/or reporting is required. Desirable experience includes implementing procedures in Procurement, Finance, HR Management, or administrative regulations (at least one year); experience in humanitarian emergency operational contexts, including humanitarian coordination mechanisms, donors, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and operations management; previous experience with the United Nations; demonstrated experience working with advanced operational risk management knowledge; familiarity with web-based applications and Google Suite products, especially documents, spreadsheets, slides, and forms.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, finance, project management, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in Project Management and Operations Management, with a focus on monitoring, reporting, development, and coordination. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with ERP systems and other management information systems, as well as data analysis and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in written, spoken, and read Spanish is required. An intermediate level of written, spoken, and read English is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is a Local/International Contractor Agreement - ICS 9 (IICA 1/LICA 9) with a regular monthly contract. The duration of the contract is indefinite, subject to budget availability, organizational requirements, project duration, and good performance. The position requires presence in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and does not offer parking, which is the responsibility of the individual contractor. UNOPS provides materials, computing equipment, and appropriate ergonomic conditions for staff. UNOPS values its staff and recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between family and personal responsibilities, offering flexible scheduling options. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, evaluating all applications based on competencies, qualifications, and experience required in the vacancy announcement.