Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

October 9, 2025October 22, 2025BridgetownBarbados
Job Description
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 peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a mission to provide sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and employs more than 6,000 personnel. The organization plays a crucial role in delivering approximately 1,000 projects at any given time, contributing significantly to results in challenging environments. UNOPS is committed to fostering diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of various projects, ensuring that outputs are delivered within specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. This role involves acting on behalf of the Project Board during the implementation stage and meeting organizational performance and delivery goals. The Senior Project Manager will develop and update implementation plans, embed sustainability dimensions into project lifespans, and ensure compliance with organizational policies. The position requires strong stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, knowledge management, and personnel management skills, as well as the ability to lead and motivate project teams effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Project Delivery and Performance: Develop and implement project plans, ensuring milestones are met within tolerances set by the Project Board. Embed sustainability dimensions into project lifespans.
  • Procedures: Comply with organizational policies and prepare relevant plans for Project Board approval. Manage reporting obligations defined in legal agreements.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Prepare regular project and financial reports, evaluate performance criteria, and maintain progress reports.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Develop stakeholder profiles, establish relationships with the Project Board and key stakeholders, and coordinate internal project communications.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with audit requirements and interface effectively with suppliers' quality systems.
  • Knowledge Management and Innovation: Conduct capacity-building activities and share best practices with other Project Managers.
  • Personnel Management: Lead and motivate project management teams, establish behavioral expectations, and conduct performance reviews.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (equivalent to a Master's Degree) in a relevant technical discipline such as Infrastructure, Civil Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or Economics. A Bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with a minimum of nine years of relevant experience, is also acceptable. Mandatory certifications include PRINCE2 Practitioner, PRINCE2 Foundation, or PMP. Professional certifications from accredited institutions (e.g., PEng., CEng.) are considered assets.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University Degree in a relevant technical discipline is required, with a preference for degrees in Infrastructure, Civil Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or Economics. A Bachelor's degree is acceptable with extensive relevant experience. Candidates must upload their academic diplomas or certifications with their application.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of experience in managing complex infrastructure projects is required. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries or post-conflict environments, as well as experience in implementing projects for international organizations. Experience in managing large-scale transportation infrastructure projects and providing technical assistance to governments in public infrastructure projects is highly valued. Familiarity with sustainability initiatives in infrastructure projects and institutional strengthening activities is a distinctive asset. Experience with UNOPS policies and contract management is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while fluency in Spanish and other UN languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an International Individual Contractor Agreement at the ICS11 level, equivalent to IICA
  • The contract duration is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS promotes work-life harmonization and offers flexible working options. The organization is committed to accommodating candidates with special needs upon request. Applications must be submitted by the deadline, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups.
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