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. UNOPS has been operational for over three decades, focusing on delivering practical solutions that address critical needs in various regions. The organization has a mission to improve living conditions and support countries in achieving peace and sustainable development. In Guatemala, UNOPS has been active since 1997, collaborating with public institutions to strengthen local capacities and contribute to various sectors, including health, infrastructure, and governance. As of 2024, UNOPS has been recognized as a key partner by the newly elected government to implement its Government Plan, emphasizing the modernization of health procurement and infrastructure systems.

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 and international partners, reinforcing UNOPS' commitment to government priorities. The role encompasses strategic leadership, program management, and portfolio development, ensuring that UNOPS remains a vital partner in Guatemala's development efforts. The Deputy Director will also oversee the Project Management Office (PMO) and the infrastructure unit, ensuring adherence to UNOPS standards and fostering partnerships that align with national development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Leadership and Representation: Supporting the Director in engagements with national authorities, facilitating coordination with institutions and partners, acting as the principal backup to the Director, and providing strategic support for initiatives focused on institutional capacity and sustainable development.
• Programme & Portfolio Management: Supervising the PMO to uphold governance standards, ensuring smooth operations in the country office, providing reports on portfolio implementation, and overseeing the Infrastructure Unit to maintain technical excellence.
• Portfolio Development: Building strategic partnerships, supporting business development, collaborating with the Partnership & Communications unit, and representing UNOPS in inter-agency discussions.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Incorporating best practices, operationalizing lessons learned, drafting policy recommendations, and leading capacity-building initiatives for personnel and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with ten years of relevant experience, or a First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with twelve years of relevant experience. A minimum of ten years in strategic and managerial leadership roles in international development or program management is required, along with at least two years of senior leadership experience and experience managing a country office. Relevant experience at UNOPS is advantageous, as is experience in developing countries and hardship environments. Certifications in Project Management are desirable but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) is required, or a First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) combined with extensive relevant experience. The educational background should be complemented by significant experience in strategic and managerial roles within international development contexts.

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. Candidates should have at least two years of senior leadership experience, including supervising senior professional staff and managing financial sustainability of operations. Experience managing a country office is also required, along with a preference for candidates with experience in hardship or post-conflict environments and partnerships with the public sector.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in both official languages of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) at the P5/ICS 12 level, initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks. Candidates should be prepared for assessments and may require accommodations during the selection process.