Deputy Director

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a United Nations body established to provide infrastructure, procurement, and project management services. Its mission is to deliver practical solutions that facilitate project execution and respond to urgent needs. For over three decades, UNOPS has been instrumental in improving living conditions and fostering peace and sustainable development across various regions. In Guatemala, UNOPS has been operational since 1997, collaborating primarily with public institutions to strengthen local capacities and address diverse challenges, including poverty alleviation, infrastructure modernization, and enhancing public sector efficiency. As of 2024, UNOPS has been recognized as a key partner by the newly elected government to support the implementation of its Government Plan, focusing on health procurement and infrastructure systems. This partnership is significant, as it involves substantial financial commitments and strategic initiatives aimed at improving public health and infrastructure in Guatemala, making it one of UNOPS's largest operations globally.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of UNOPS in Guatemala is a pivotal role that supports the Director in executing strategic initiatives and ensuring operational continuity. This position is essential for advancing strategic planning, coordinating with senior stakeholders, developing portfolios, and overseeing programs to ensure impactful delivery. The Deputy Director will engage in high-level interactions with national authorities, including the President and various ministers, to facilitate coordination with national institutions and international partners. This role also involves acting as the principal backup to the Director, providing leadership during absences, and ensuring that UNOPS's commitments to government priorities are met. The Deputy Director will lead the Project Management Office (PMO) and the infrastructure unit, ensuring that all projects adhere to UNOPS standards and contribute to national development goals. This position requires a strong focus on strategic leadership, program management, and partnership development to enhance UNOPS's role as a trusted partner in Guatemala.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director's responsibilities encompass a wide range of strategic and operational tasks. Key duties include supporting the Director in high-level engagements with national authorities, facilitating coordination with multilateral organizations, and acting as the principal backup to the Director. The Deputy Director will oversee the PMO, ensuring standardized project management processes and resource coordination. They will lead the infrastructure unit, ensuring technical excellence across all project stages. Responsibilities also include supervising mid-complexity projects, developing program plans with clear objectives, monitoring implementation, and ensuring alignment with UNOPS goals. The Deputy Director will be responsible for financial sustainability, resource planning, and compliance with accountability standards. Additionally, they will build strategic partnerships, support business development, and contribute to knowledge management and innovation within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with at least ten years of relevant experience, or a First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience. A strong background in strategic and managerial leadership in international development, business development, operations, or program management is essential. At least two years of senior leadership experience, including supervising senior staff and managing financial sustainability, is required. Experience managing a country office and working in developing countries, particularly in hardship or post-conflict environments, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNOPS operations and partnerships with the public sector on national projects is a distinct advantage. Certifications in Project Management are desirable but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) or a First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent). The advanced degree should be complemented by significant professional experience in relevant fields, emphasizing the importance of both education and practical experience in fulfilling the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in international development, business development, operations, and/or program management within a large international or corporate organization. Candidates should have at least two years of senior leadership experience, including the supervision of senior professional staff and management of financial sustainability. Experience managing a country office is also required, along with a preference for candidates who have worked in developing countries or in challenging environments. Relevant experience at UNOPS is considered a distinctive advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and ensuring successful project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) at the P5/ICS 12 level, with an initial duration of one year, subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and provides reasonable accommodations for candidates during the assessment process. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised and requires all personnel to adhere to UN policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent upon the results of these checks.