General Information
Job Highlight
TIC equipment (Computers and peripherals) will not be provided
Travel to worksites and construction visit may be necessary, as needed.
Work arrangement: Retainer contract (work only on days requested by the supervisor)
About the Region
In Latin America and the Caribbean, UNOPS operates across 23 countries, delivering high-impact solutions that drive sustainable development. UNOPS focuses on building and improving resilient infrastructure—including roads, bridges, public facilities, sanitation systems, and housing—to enhance quality of life and foster inclusive growth. UNOPS also supports public health by procuring essential medicines and medical equipment, ensuring broader access to healthcare services. By strengthening institutional capacities, UNOPS promotes transparent, efficient, and equitable public management. As a trusted partner to governments and development stakeholders, UNOPS aligns its interventions with national priorities, helping countries advance the Sustainable Development Goals through practical, results-driven support.
About the Country/Multi-Country Office
Based in Brazil, the UNOPS Southern Cone Multi-Country Office (SCMCO) also oversees operations in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, supporting national priorities and development goals across the subregion. In Argentina, UNOPS strengthens public institutions by providing technical assistance in planning, procurement, and oversight of infrastructure projects—particularly in public buildings—and building capacity in public procurement, with a focus on technological innovation. In Brazil, where UNOPS has operated since 2012, the office collaborates with UN agencies, financial institutions, and government bodies at all levels to deliver services in health, education, urbanization, social rehabilitation, PPPs, and institutional strengthening. UNOPS has played a key role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and currently manages 17 active projects across the country. Its work emphasizes transparency, operational efficiency, and results-driven management while aligning with the strategic and operational needs of its partners. Across the Southern Cone, UNOPS promotes sustainable development by enhancing national capabilities and supporting the delivery of high-impact, inclusive infrastructure.
Role Purpose
The Project Management Support Senior Officer supports the effective implementation, coordination and monitoring of project activities to ensure successful delivery of results within scope, time, cost and quality parameters. The role provides analytical and operational support in project planning, execution and reporting; contributes to risk and performance management; and ensures timely communication with partners and stakeholders. Through proactive client focus and problem-solving, the Senior Officer helps drive efficient project delivery and achievement of results in line with organizational and donor/ client expectations.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Project Delivery and Performance
Interpret, analyze, and provide strategic advice to the Project Manager on all matters related to Engineering.
Prepare and review proposals for design adjustments, in coordination with relevant technical resources.
Review and comment on design adjustment proposals submitted by the Contractor.
Conduct technical analyses and calculations of time and cost impacts related to various aspects of Engineering Works, with the support of the team of specialists.
Integrate sustainability, social inclusion, and gender equality considerations into all project stages.
Support full implementation of Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards across all activities.
Conduct or participate in field missions to monitor implementation and support local partners.
Advise the Lead Engineer on corrective actions for delays, cost overruns, or quality issues.
Verify quantities of works (BoQ) against contract provisions and report irregularities.
Review Contractor’s progress and quality reports informing the Lead Engineer.
Support the Lead engineer in managing claims, applying sanctions, and ensuring contractual compliance.
Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance
Track project progress against scope, schedule, cost and quality indicators, providing early warning on deviations and proposing corrective actions.
Conduct regular reviews of project data, milestones, and performance indicators to assess delivery status.
Provide quality assurance for project deliverables, reports and documentation submitted by donors/partners.
Contribute to the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs) and technical documentation for the procurement of engineering services, works, and equipment.
provide technical support for internal and external audits, ensuring documentation and processes meet compliance standards.
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
Facilitate communication and coordination among programme teams and partners.
Support the organization of steering committee meetings, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
Knowledge Building and Sharing
Conduct research on Engineering-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes
Skills
Competencies
Education Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Architecture with 4 years of relevant experience OR
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Architecture with 2 years of relevant experience is required.
Desired
A globally recognized professional certificate or membership in Project Management is desired.
Experience Requirements
Required
Relevant experience is work in project management or related areas.
Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required
Desired
Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired
Language Requirements
| Language | Proficiency Level | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| English | Basic | Required |
| Portuguese | Native | Required |
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
- Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- For more details about the contract types, please click here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.