Contract Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which operates across 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. UNOPS is dedicated to delivering high-impact solutions that drive sustainable development, focusing on building and improving resilient infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public facilities, sanitation systems, and housing. The organization also plays a crucial role in public health by procuring essential medicines and medical equipment, ensuring broader access to healthcare services. UNOPS promotes transparent, efficient, and equitable public management by strengthening institutional capacities and aligning its interventions with national priorities to help countries advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Contract Management Specialist will lead demand-driven technical assistance assignments aimed at facilitating climate-resilient infrastructure implementation across Eastern Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This role requires ensuring high-quality delivery within established program tolerances while fostering sustainable skills exchange and partnerships with regional stakeholders. The specialist will operate primarily through two service modalities: the Rapid Helpdesk, which provides short-term remote advisory support, and Surge Deployments, which involve medium-term engagements to address complex project implementation needs. The position emphasizes a remote-first delivery approach, utilizing digital collaboration tools, but also requires the willingness to travel for on-site deployments when necessary. The role is critical in supporting the Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility, which aims to strengthen the capacity of ministries and project implementation units responsible for delivering climate-resilient infrastructure in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Contract Management Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Specialized Contract Management and Advisory: Interpreting and analyzing contract management issues, providing strategic advice, overseeing contractual interpretations, and proposing modifications to contractual terms.
• Impact, Cost, and Time Analysis: Performing cost estimations and evaluating financial impacts related to contractual clauses, conducting technical analyses, and calculating time and cost impacts.
• Technical Supervision and Coordination: Conducting technical site visits, attending meetings, and coordinating with project teams on legal issues.
• Dispute and Claims Management: Managing claims from contractors, preparing documentation for dispute resolution, and participating in negotiations.
• Reports and Reporting: Generating detailed reports on managed contractual interpretations and assignment deliverables.
• RIISE Assignment Deliverables: Submitting reports for Rapid Helpdesk assignments and comprehensive reports for Surge Deployments, adhering to RIISE’s Deliverable Standards.
• Travel: Ensuring compliance with travel requirements and UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security directives, including completing necessary courses before travel.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Law, Business Administration, Contract Management, or related fields with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Desired qualifications include training or certification in FIDIC conditions of contract and in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Civil Engineering, Law, Business Administration, or Contract Management. A Bachelor’s degree in these fields is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant experience. Additional training or certification in FIDIC conditions of contract and dispute resolution mechanisms is preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in contract management and/or administrative procurement, specifically in managing public works contracts with international funding sources. Desired experience includes professional knowledge of construction law, claims administration, and dispute resolution for large-scale infrastructure projects, as well as familiarity with international procurement standards and multilateral development bank regulations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in Spanish is considered desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, with English being the primary language for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is a retainer contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extensions based on budget availability and project needs. The role is classified at a mid-level seniority (ICS 10) and is home-based, allowing for remote work. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS and are responsible for ensuring compliance with travel requirements and UN security directives.