Senior Project Management Support Officer (Quality Assurance) – Internal candidates only

Overview
Support in quality management and projects at UNOPS Nicaragua.

You have:

Master’s level degree in exact, social and human sciences.
2 years of experience in project and/or program management.
Experience in quality assurance, monitoring and follow-up.
Knowledge of UNOPS regulatory standards.
Proficiency in the Spanish language.
English language proficiency is desirable.
Proficiency in computer tools such as MS Office or Google Suite.
PMP or PRINCE2 certification valued.
Contract
This is an IICA-1 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 2 years of experience , depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts .

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Details
Background Information – Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a United Nations agency responsible for infrastructure, procurement, and project management (General Assembly Resolution 65/176 of 2010). Our mission is to help people improve their lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS’ three priority areas are:

Sustainable Infrastructure: UNOPS designs, builds, repairs, and maintains infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Its activities focus on developing infrastructure for transport, education, and health, among other areas.
Public procurement: UNOPS is a central procurement resource for the United Nations system and governments. It emphasizes the efficient, transparent, and sustainable delivery of goods and services.
Project management: UNOPS manages more than a thousand humanitarian, development and peacebuilding projects annually for various partners, ensuring quality, efficiency and results that meet the highest standards.
UNOPS’ work seeks environmental, social, and economic sustainability, contributing to progress toward equity and the common good in the countries where it operates, thereby promoting improved living conditions for the most vulnerable people. UNOPS has a presence in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its services, products, and technical assistance adhere to the principles of public administration: transparency, equity, integrity, free competition, impartiality, morality, effectiveness, efficiency, and respect for national institutions.

In Nicaragua, UNOPS is supporting the Government in implementing a World Bank-funded project to address the aftermath of Hurricanes Eta and Iota. This project includes the recovery of critical public infrastructure (such as highways, housing, and other infrastructure), as well as assisting in the recovery of livelihoods for the affected population, primarily those involved in artisanal fishing. The assistance will include, among other things, capacity building, the development and/or review of investment studies, final designs and studies, procurement strategies, bidding and contracting processes, and the management and supervision of infrastructure projects.

To efficiently and appropriately fulfill the commitments acquired within the framework of this technical assistance, UNOPS in Nicaragua has structured a Technical Unit (Project Management Office, PMO) to manage uniformity, quality, risk mapping and lessons learned, dissemination of good management practices, and monitoring of the progress of the Program’s projects.

Functional Responsibilities
The Project Support Officer (PSO) will report to the Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist and contribute to the PMO’s development in Nicaragua. The PSO will support the assurance of policies, processes, and systems in accordance with organizational standards. Additionally, the PSO will provide capacity for project assurance within the portfolio, and is expected to contribute to their direct implementation as required by the PMO. The Project Support Officer (PSO) will have the following responsibilities:

Quality assurance
Project Implementation
Financial and Procurement Management
Stakeholder management, coordination and liaison.
Knowledge management and innovation.
Quality assurance
– Support ensuring compliance with UNOPS-defined standards for program/project management. – Support quality reviews of program/project documents and deliverables. – Support quality control for management products (plans, tools, reports, etc.). – Support the review and generation of inputs for project proposals, ensuring quality criteria and tolerances, scope of agreed-upon results, including quality methods and responsibilities. – Coordinate quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with internal and external standards, norms, and guidelines (as per agreements). – Identify process gaps and take appropriate action to improve business efficiency. – Advise on complex quality-related issues, providing appropriate resolution or escalation as needed. – Develop and deliver training to other team members on quality procedures and policies. – Lead the standardization and harmonization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to quality assurance. – Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure an effective interface between activities and project teams. – Work with internal UNOPS units to ensure the program meets audit requirements.

Project implementation
– Coordinate with the Project Management Office Specialist and the Project Manager regarding project implementation progress. – Prepare and maintain project files, including internal and external project reports. – Coordinate and liaise with the Project Manager in drafting and/or reviewing project implementation plans. – Manage information flows and monitor changes, risk logs, and issue management by establishing document control procedures. – Track compliance with corporate reporting and quality control requirements (Engagement Assurance, RBR, fee posting, etc.). – Manage the delivery of assigned project work packages and take responsibility for their progress. – Advise the Project Manager of any deviations from the plan and update plans accordingly. – Work with project managers to identify and manage risks. – Support project closure.

Financial and procurement management
– Maintain all project financial documents for audit and review processes. – Ensure accurate data entry into UNOPS systems: ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), OUP (OneUnops Projects), and PMO monitoring and tracking tools. – Monitor project budgets and financial expenditures, as well as associated administrative procedures, in accordance with work plans. – Coordinate the processing of direct payments, advance requests, and prepare project budget reviews. – Support the Project Manager by monitoring budgets, cash flow, and preparing financial reports to ensure deliverables are met. – Alert Project Managers to any financial shortfalls and overspending. – Propose budget revisions and recommend corrective actions when necessary. – Coordinate supplier communications, meetings, and reports as required.

Project monitoring and reporting
– Provide substantive input to assist Project Managers in the preparation of project reports and documents. – Maintain the following records: risk register, lessons learned, sustainability criteria, and other records delegated by the Project Manager. – Support the Project Manager in keeping the following documents up-to-date in accordance with established document SOPs:

Blue File
Procurement, human resources and finance files and any others that may be required by official proceduresManage the compilation, consolidation, and analysis of relevant project data.
Support the Project Manager in preparing project closure reports and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
Provide support for processing and analyzing information about corporate goals (targets).
Support the Project Manager in preparing project completion reports and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
Coordination, Liaison and Stakeholder Management
– Support the coordination and management of communications. – Support the management of strong relationships with partners and other international and United Nations (UN) organizations to facilitate activities and improve the quality and relevance of information analysis. – Support coordination with the Office’s support service areas. – Participate in meetings with partners and other stakeholders, as needed. – Support the articulation of the PMO’s functions with users and stakeholders.

Knowledge management and innovation
– Participate in relevant Communities of Practice and interagency working groups. – Support and monitor the Project Manager in gathering lessons learned and best practices for the project. – Contribute to the dissemination and exchange of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge creation in the area of ​​project and program quality management and assurance. – Contribute to the use of innovative tools and techniques. – Support the implementation of the PMO’s knowledge management actions.

*To view the full terms of reference, please download the attached PDF file.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
a. Education

A Master’s degree in any of the disciplines of the exact, social, and human sciences is required.
The master’s degree requirement can be offset by a first-level university degree (equivalent to a “bachelor’s degree”) and 2 additional years of relevant experience.
b. Work experience

A minimum of 2 years of experience (depending on academic credentials) in the field of project and/or program management is required.
Experience is required in planning and scheduling, quality assurance, monitoring and tracking, and coordination of operations.
Experience in the financial and administrative management of projects is required.
Experience and knowledge of UNOPS administrative regulations and procedures in project management, procurement, finance, or human resource management are required.
Knowledge and handling of computer tools at the user level of MS Office and/or Google Suite is required.
Desirable experience working in United Nations agencies or Development Cooperation Agencies and local public sector counterparts (e.g., Governments, Ministries, national and local public entities, etc.).
c. Certifications

Having PMP or PRINCE2 certification will be considered an asset.
d. Language:

Proficiency in Spanish is required.
Having a good command of the English language will be valued.
Competencies ES
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. Takes 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 conflicts 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
******Please note that this position is exclusively for internal UNOPS candidates.***** ******Internal UNOPS candidates residing in any country are encouraged to apply for this vacancy.***** Contract Type : ICA – Individual Contractor Agreement Regular Monthly Contract : This contract is established as a regular monthly contract, meaning that continuous service provision is required throughout the contract period, with payments associated with the contract made at the end of each calendar month.

Contract Level : IICS 9, equivalent to IICA-1 on an international scale.

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.