Project Management Support Officer

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Position Title: Project Management Support Officer
Location: Bridgetown
Country: Barbados
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 workforce of over 6,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. The organization is dedicated to delivering significant contributions to results on the ground, particularly in challenging environments, by managing around 1,000 projects at any given time. UNOPS Dutch and English Caribbean operates as part of the Costa Rica Project Center, focusing on infrastructure, technical advisory, and procurement projects in the region. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados, which serves as the primary acute care medical facility and teaching hospital, is a key partner in this initiative, emphasizing the importance of health care delivery in the region.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Support Officer will provide essential technical and administrative support for ongoing projects, particularly focusing on the successful implementation of a hospital project and the establishment of an office in Barbados. This role is critical in ensuring that project operations align with the strategic goals of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and UNOPS. The officer will work under the supervision of the QEH Project Manager, contributing to various aspects of project management, including project implementation, financial and procurement management, project monitoring, and stakeholder coordination. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and issues, ensuring adherence to UNOPS procedures, and fostering effective communication among stakeholders. The officer will also play a role in knowledge management and innovation, supporting the development of local capacities and ensuring that lessons learned are documented and utilized for future projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Management Support Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting Project Managers in preparing terms of reference documents, MOA/MOU, and work plans.
• Acting as a liaison with Support Services to manage purchase orders, contracts, and payment requests.
• Providing project status updates to Project Managers to help identify and manage risks and issues.
• Assisting in the preparation of budgets and financial information, ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards.
• Monitoring project budgets and financial expenditures, aligning administrative procedures with work plans and contracts.
• Offering advice during the formulation phase of new initiatives, focusing on quality assurance and adherence to UNOPS project approval processes.
• Supporting the execution of approved project plans and contributing to the development of project strategies and schedules.
• Coordinating communication with internal stakeholders and maintaining relationships with UNOPS HQ and the Regional Office.
• Participating in meetings with UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders as necessary. 1
• Collecting lessons learned and ensuring the creation of local capacities for project management support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Administration, Procurement, Economics, Engineering, Project Management, or Public Health. A Master's Degree in a related area is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 4 years of professional experience in project management or program operations, with a focus on developing partnerships and project planning. Experience in the public or private health sector, particularly in projects involving multiple stakeholders, is highly desirable. Familiarity with procurement processes for medical equipment and infrastructure, as well as experience working with United Nations agencies or international organizations, is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree is required, preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Administration, Procurement, Economics, Engineering, Project Management, Public Health, or related areas. A Master's Degree in a similar field is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in project management or program operations. This experience should include developing partnerships, institutional articulation, and project planning and implementation. Desirable experience includes working in the public or private health sector, particularly in projects with numerous stakeholders, as well as experience in procurement related to medical equipment and infrastructure. Familiarity with the operations of United Nations agencies or international organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Fluency in Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications, particularly in a diverse working environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) with a regular monthly contract structure. The contract is ongoing and subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The contract level is ICS8 equivalent to LICA 8 on a local/national scale or IICA 1 on an international scale. UNOPS values work-life balance and offers flexible scheduling options. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified female candidates and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Candidates are required to submit a motivation letter along with their application, detailing their interests, skills, and perspectives on UN values.