Project Management Office – Specialist

Overview
Provide strategic planning and project management support to UNOPS in Nicaragua

You have:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations or related discipline.
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant field with two additional years of experience may substitute for Master’s degree.
Minimum of five years of experience in project management including successful implementation and/or supervision of programs and projects.
Experience in data analysis, management reporting, project management tools, and information management systems required.
Experience working in a PMO environment is an advantage.
Experience working with international organizations is an advantage.
Fluency in Spanish is required.
Intermediate level of English is required.
PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is desirable.
Contract
This is an IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements . It is normally internationally recruited only . It’s an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience , depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts .

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Details
Background Information – Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations that supports the successful implementation of its partners’ humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding projects worldwide. Mandated to be a core UN resource, UNOPS provides infrastructure, procurement, and sustainable project management services to a wide range of governments, donors, and UN organizations. With over 6,000 staff in 80 countries, UNOPS provides its partners with the logistical, technical, and management expertise they need, where they need it. Implementing approximately 1,000 projects for its partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Functional Responsibilities
The Project Management Office (PMO) is established to provide a decision-making support, delivery support, and assurance structure for the UNOPS office in Nicaragua. The key functions and services of the Project Management Office PMO Specialist include:

Strategic planning support: Ensuring that the UNOPS office in Nicaragua focuses on implementing the right projects. Key activities include evaluation aligned with the strategic objectives of the UNOPS office in Nicaragua, planning support, and the preparation of management panels and reports, including scrutiny.
Implementation support: ensuring that the UNOPS office in Nicaragua is carrying out projects correctly. Key activities include providing expertise in project start-up, planning, execution, and closure, and supporting business development and project management teams in applying UNOPS project management policies, standards, and practices.
Implementation of best practices: ensuring the effective application of UNOPS policies, processes and standards in the management of programs and projects, promoting consistent work practices and the proper application of mandatory requirements.
Project assurance support: Support the project executive in fulfilling their project assurance role, monitoring project progress against agreed tolerances, ensuring that work standards are followed, monitoring that the scope does not change without adequate controls, and ensuring that project risks are controlled and quality managed.
The Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist reports to the Program Manager and leads the PMO unit in the Nicaragua Project Office, with additional support and guidance from the Regional Project Management Advisor. This involves supporting the Program Manager in the design, establishment, and management of the PMO in the Nicaragua Office, supporting senior management decision-making, and ensuring the consistent delivery of projects across the Nicaragua Representation’s portfolio. The PMO Specialist also ensures adherence to project management policies, processes, and systems, and their application according to organizational standards. The PMO Specialist provides overall project assurance capabilities and significantly contributes to the UNOPS Country Office in Nicaragua’s progress toward achieving its strategic objectives.

Furthermore, the PMO Specialist’s role is to support the project manager by monitoring project-specific activities, directly impacting project outcomes by mitigating risks and improving success rates. Consequently, this enhances UNOPS’ visibility and image as an effective project management and services provider, strengthening its competitive position as a partner of choice for sustainable development and transparent procurement project services.

*To view the full Terms of Reference, please download the attached PDF.

Education
Education – A higher education degree (equivalent to a Master’s degree or similar) is required, preferably in Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or other related disciplines. – A Master’s degree may be substituted by a university degree (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree) in areas relevant to the duties and two additional years of experience.

Experience – A minimum of five years of experience (or more depending on academic qualifications) in Project Management is required, with experience in the successful implementation and/or supervision of programs and projects. – Experience in data analysis, management reporting, project management tools, and information management systems is required. – Previous experience working in a PMO environment is an advantage. – Previous experience working with international organizations is an advantage.

Languages​​- Full fluency in Spanish is required. – An intermediate level of English is required.

Certifications – PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is desirable.

Competencies ES
Develops and implements sustainable operational strategies, thinks long-term, and considers the external context to shape the organization’s structure. Anticipates and understands the impact and implications of future activities and decisions on other parts of the organization. Demonstrates an understanding of the impact of their role on all stakeholders and always puts the beneficiary first. Develops and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if it falls within their responsibilities). Evaluates data and procedures to arrive at logical and pragmatic decisions. Adopts an impartial and rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to the problem-solving process. Effectively establishes a course of action for themselves and/or others to achieve a goal. Actions lead to the successful completion of the task with a focus on quality in all areas. Identifies opportunities and takes the initiative to act. Understands that the responsible use of resources maximizes the impact we can have on our beneficiaries. Treats all individuals with respect, responds tactfully to differences, and encourages others to do the same. Upholds ethical and organizational standards. Maintains high standards of trust. Is a role model for diversity and inclusion. Is open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Adapts their perspective to changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on past experiences and modifies their own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvement. Expresses ideas or facts clearly, concisely, and openly. Communication demonstrates consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Manages conflict effectively by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Serves as a positive role model who contributes to team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: By using appropriate leadership styles, serves as a positive leadership role model, motivating, guiding, and inspiring others to succeed.

Contract type, level and duration
Contract Type : ICA – Individual Contractor Agreement

Regular Monthly Contract : This contract is established in the modality of a regular monthly contract, that is, a continuous provision of services is required during the contract period, with payments associated with the contract being made at the end of each calendar month.

Contract Level : ICS 10, equivalent to LICA 10 on a local scale and IICA-2 on an international scale.

The UNOPS office is looking for international candidates, and/or Nicaraguan nationals.

Contract Duration : Indefinite – Subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and/or satisfactory performance. UNOPS is an inclusive employer, and we encourage applications from women and men regardless of ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We are committed to promoting equitable representation. Work-Life Balance : UNOPS values ​​its personnel and recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal responsibilities. We have a work-life balance policy and offer various flexible work arrangements. This policy applies to all UNOPS personnel, regardless of their employment status.

Upon request, UNOPS seeks to accommodate candidates with special needs.

For more information about the ICA contract, please visit the following link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional information
Please note that the deadline is midnight, Copenhagen time (CET).
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Only those candidates who are selected for the interview phase will be notified.
We strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply for the position.
For STAFF positions, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the one advertised for the position.
The selected candidate will be responsible for complying with the security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the United Nations Security Management System and that of UNOPS.