Senior Project Manager - Health Infrastructure and Procurement

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. Founded to deliver practical solutions, UNOPS has been operational for over three decades, focusing on improving living conditions and promoting peace and sustainable development across various countries. The organization is driven by values such as Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, and Humanity, and emphasizes diversity by fostering an inclusive work environment. UNOPS has been active in Guatemala since 1997, collaborating with public institutions to strengthen local capacities and address various sectors, including health and infrastructure. As of 2024, UNOPS has been identified as a key partner by the newly elected government to support the implementation of its Government Plan, focusing on modernizing health procurement and infrastructure systems.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of significant projects, ensuring that outputs are delivered within the specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. This role requires optimizing resources while maintaining high standards of quality and performance. The Senior Project Manager will report to the Deputy Country Director and work closely with the Senior Management team, managing high-level stakeholder engagement and navigating the complexities of project operations. Key functions include developing and executing implementation plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and leading projects through their entire lifecycle. The role demands expertise in managing complex projects, balancing multiple priorities, and delivering results in a dynamic environment. Success is measured by meeting defined success criteria and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: developing and updating implementation plans, managing project outputs, ensuring compliance with quality requirements, liaising with external suppliers and stakeholders, overseeing project progress, and initiating corrective actions as necessary. The role also involves managing budgets, cash flow, and obligations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and leading project implementation teams. The Senior Project Manager will prepare regular project and financial reports, develop stakeholder engagement strategies, and establish solid working relationships with key stakeholders. Additionally, the role includes quality assurance responsibilities, knowledge management, and personnel management, ensuring that team members are motivated and performance reviews are conducted fairly.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in relevant fields such as Engineering, Architecture, Public Health, or Project Management. A bachelor's degree combined with 12 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Certification in Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI-PMP, or equivalent) is mandatory. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in managing vertical infrastructure projects, with experience in leadership roles in large organizations and project strategic planning. Experience in public health sector projects and managing multidisciplinary teams is an asset, as is familiarity with public procurement processes and working with UN or international cooperation organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree, preferably in fields related to project management, engineering, architecture, public health, or economics. A bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered equivalent. Certification in project management methodologies is also required, ensuring that candidates have the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to manage complex projects effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in managing infrastructure projects, with a focus on vertical infrastructure. Experience in leadership roles within large organizations is essential, as is a background in project strategic planning and risk management. Additional experience in public health sector projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and public procurement processes is highly desirable, particularly within the context of Latin America and the UN system.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required for this position. A working knowledge of additional languages such as French or Portuguese is considered an advantage, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse UNOPS environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is International ICA 4, with a contract level of ICS 1

• The contract duration is ongoing and subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization also conducts background checks on potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent upon the results of these checks. Candidates are advised that applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.