Project Management Support - Senior Associate

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.

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.

EN

The purpose of this publication is to recruit a Project Management support - senior associate (Junior Infrastructure Planning Specialist),  for the international technical cooperation agreement between UNOPS and the Municipal Secretariat of Urban Policy of Belo Horizonte for the “Sustainable Urbanization of the Izidora Region in Belo Horizonte”.

This recruitment aims to work on the Sustainable Urbanization project of the Izidora Region, which aims to provide expertise in infrastructure, especially in building capacity within the Municipal Secretariat of Urban Policy (SMPU) for the development of the Sustainable Urbanization Plan for the Izidora Region and the preparation of engineering projects that address issues related to housing, urban infrastructure, environment, sanitation, and public spaces.

Candidates who qualify in this process but are not hired for the aforementioned project may be considered for similar positions in future UNOPS projects.

PT

O objetivo desta publicação é contratar um/uma Project Management support - senior associate (Especialista júnior 1 em planejamento de infraestrutura) para o Acordo de cooperação técnica internacional entre o UNOPS e a Secretaria Municipal de Política Urbana de Belo Horizonte para a “Urbanização Sustentável da Região da Izidora em Belo Horizonte”. 

Esta contratação visa a atuação no projeto de Urbanização Sustentável da Região de Izidora, que tem por objetivo fornecer expertise em infraestrutura, especialmente em criar capacidades na Secretaria Municipal de Política Urbana (SMPU) para a construção do Plano de Urbanização Sustentável da Região de Izidora e elaboração de projetos de engenharia que perpassa as questões relacionadas à moradia, infraestrutura de urbanização, meio ambiente, saneamento e espaços públicos. 

Eventualmente, candidatos/as que se qualifiquem neste processo, mas não sejam contratados/as para o projeto acima mencionado, poderão ser considerados para postos similares em futuros projetos do UNOPS.

EN

The Project Management support - senior associate (Junior Infrastructure Planning Specialist) will be responsible for providing technical support to ongoing infrastructure projects as needed. They will be expected to provide technical expertise and work under the direct supervision of the National Construction Management Specialist. Their main responsibilities will be:

1. Management of engineering and architectural design contracts

• Participate in the formulation, preparation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects, specifications of works, contracts, proposals, bills of quantities, and processes;
• Manage contracts for the development of technical engineering and architectural projects based on specific methodologies and architecture/engineering management tools, where each agreement has its own contract, stakeholders, and budget.
• Create and develop process management and monitoring tools for each construction contract;
• Review all documents related to engineering and architectural design contracts;
• Review the budget for construction contracts;
• Technical supervision of the development of technical engineering and architectural projects on-site when requested; under agreement to ensure that standards, regulations and plans are respected;

2. Relationship with the project partner

• Review architectural/engineering designs for the partner, as well as technical specification details and project explanation;
• Provide the partner with technical assistance in preparing tender documentation and proposal analysis, when necessary;
• Liaise with other project partners, including external service providers, for planning, training, community awareness programs, and social mobilization, as needed and/or established by the project document;
• Interact with the partner to improve processes related to quality control, budgeting, health and safety, aiming for cost-effectiveness of contracts;

3. Preparation of Work Plans and Reports

• Manage work plans for all project activities, including work implemented through external service providers, and report directly to the Infrastructure Management, Monitoring and Processes Specialist;
• Prepare progress reports, as well as any reports requested by the Infrastructure Management, Monitoring and Processes Specialist;
• Participate in meetings, site visits, and support activities for the Infrastructure Management, Monitoring and Processes Specialist;
• Any other activity as indicated by the Infrastructure Management, Monitoring and Processes Specialist.

Progress Control

The following deliverables must be provided by the contractor and verified by the Project team regarding their technical adequacy:

• Progress reports on the activities developed;
• Guideline reports on projects, execution, and supervision of services related to architectural and engineering projects;
• Preparation and development of the Terms of Reference for Basic Projects;
• Preparation of an Information Note, aimed at internal administrative attention in the analysis of the Executive Projects, in order to support the Contract Manager in the continuation of the public bidding process;
• Preparation of a technical report to assess the physical and financial development of the works, through "In Loco" technical visits and reports prepared by the inspection;
• Formulation of an Information Note on the technical analysis of the execution of the works, aimed at supporting the contract manager regarding the consistency of the documentation presented, work diary and photographic record, delivered by the inspector with the measured items;
• Preparation of an Information Note on the technical analysis of the addendum processes, aimed at supporting the Contract Manager regarding the consistency of the documentation presented, work diary and photographic record, delivered by the inspector with the requested items;

PT

O/A Project Management support - senior associate (Especialista júnior 1 em planejamento de infraestrutura) será responsável por apoiar tecnicamente os projetos de infraestrutura em andamento, conforme necessário. Deverá fornecer conhecimentos técnicos e trabalhar sob a supervisão direta do Especialista Nacional em Gestão de Obras. Suas principais responsabilidades serão:

1. Gestão de contratos de elaboração de projetos técnicos de engenharia e arquitetura

• Participar na formulação, preparação, monitoramento e avaliação de projetos, especificações de trabalho (Specification of Works), contratos, propostas, planilhas orçamentárias (Bill of Quantities) e processos;

• Gerenciar contratos de elaboração de projetos técnicos de engenharia e arquitetura com base em metodologias específicas e ferramentas de gerenciamento de arquitetura / engenharia, onde cada acordo tem seu próprio contrato, partes interessadas e orçamento:

• Criar e desenvolver ferramentas de gerenciamento e monitoramento de processos para cada contrato de construção;

• Revisar todos os documentos relacionados ao contratos de elaboração de projetos técnicos de engenharia e arquitetura

• Revisar o orçamento dos contratos de construção;

• Supervisionar ecnicamente os locais de elaboração de projetos técnicos de engenharia e arquitetura quando solicitado; sob o acordo para assegurar que as normas, regulamentos e planos sejam respeitados;

2. Relação com o parceiro de projeto

• Revisar projetos de arquitetura/engenharia para o parceiro, bem como detalhes de especificação técnica e explicação do projeto;

• Fornecer ao parceiro assistência técnica na preparação da documentação do concurso e análise de propostas, quando necessário;

• Estabelecer ligação com outros parceiros do projeto, incluindo prestadores de serviços externos, para planejamento, formação, programas de consciencialização da comunidade e mobilização social, conforme necessário e / ou estabelecido pelo documento do projeto;

• Interagir com o parceiro para melhorar os processos relacionados ao controle de qualidade, orçamento, saúde e segurança, visando a efetividade do custo dos contratos;

3. Elaboração de planos de trabalho e relatórios

• Gerenciar planos de trabalho para todas as atividades do projeto, incluindo trabalhos implementados por meio de prestadores de serviços externos, e reportar diretamente ao Especialista em Gestão de Infraestrutura, Monitoramento e processos;

• Realizar relatórios de progresso, bem como qualquer um dos relatórios solicitados pelo Especialista em Gestão de Infraestrutura, Monitoramento e processos;

• Participar de reuniões, visitas técnicas obras e atividades de apoio ao Especialista em Gestão de Infraestrutura, Monitoramento e Processos;

• Qualquer outra atividade, conforme indicado pelo Especialista em Gestão de Infraestrutura, Monitoramento e Processos.

Controle de Progresso

Os seguintes produtos devem ser entregues pelo contratado e verificados pela equipe do Projeto a respeito de sua adequação técnica:

• Relatórios de progresso das atividades desenvolvidas;

• Relatórios de diretrizes sobre projetos, execução e supervisão de serviços relacionados a projetos de arquitetura e engenharia;

• Elaboração e desenvolvimento dos Termos de Referência dos Projetos Básicos;

• Elaboração de uma Nota Informativa, visando a atenção administrativa interna na análise dos Projetos Executivos, de forma a subsidiar o Gerente do Contrato na continuidade do processo de licitação pública;

• Elaboração de relatório técnico para aferição do desenvolvimento físico e financeiro das obras, através de visitas técnicas "In Loco" e relatórios preparados pela inspeção;

• Formulação de Nota Informativa da análise técnica da execução das obras, visando subsidiar o gerente do contrato, quanto à consistência da documentação apresentada, diário de obra e registro fotográfico, entregue pelo inspetor com os itens medidos;

• Elaboração de Nota Informativa da análise técnica dos processos aditivos, visando subsidiar o Gerente do Contrato, quanto à consistência da documentação apresentada, diário de trabalho e registro fotográfico, entregue pelo inspetor com os itens solicitados;

EN

Required Education

• Completed High School Diploma
• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related management fields is highly recommended.
• It is valued by the professional association.

Desirable

• A Master's degree (academic, professional, or specialization) in Architecture, Urban Planning, or another relevant field will be considered an advantage.

PT

Formação obrigatória

• Ensino Médio completo

• Bacharelado em Engenharia, Arquitetura ou áreas de gestão afins é altamente recomendável.

• Valoriza-se no conselho de classe da profissão.

Desejável

• Mestrado (acadêmico, profissional ou especialização) em Arquitetura, Urbanismo ou outra área relevante será considerado um diferencial.

EN

Required Experience

• At least 7 years of experience supporting the development and management of Urbanization projects, focusing on monitoring, reporting, development, and coordination.
• Development of large-scale Urban Projects and/or land subdivision projects (portfolio required).
• Planning, design, and/or construction in informal settlements (required).
• Development of projects for collective use buildings and/or housing complexes;

Desirable

• Work experience in multicultural environments or in United Nations system organizations in developing countries is desirable.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desirable.
• At least 2 years of experience supporting the development and management of projects in areas of social interest, focusing on monitoring, reporting, development, and coordination is desirable.
• Knowledge of Environmental Licensing for Land Subdivisions is desirable.
• Experience with sustainable projects or with green technologies and nature-based solutions is desirable.
• Experience in public administration, in agencies related to housing policy, is desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of project management tools is valued.
• Certification in Prince2 Foundations is valued.

PT

Experiência obrigatória

• Ao menos 7 anos de experiência no apoio ao desenvolvimento e gestão de projetos de Urbanização com foco em monitoramento, relatórios, desenvolvimento e coordenação.

• Desenvolvimento de Projeto Urbano em escala e/ou projetos de parcelamento do solo (exigido portfólio).

• Planejamento, projeto e/ou obra em assentamento precário (exigido).

• Desenvolvimento de Projeto de edificações de uso coletivo e/ou de conjunto habitacional;

Desejável

• Experiência de trabalho em ambientes multiculturais ou em organizações do sistema das Nações Unidas em países em desenvolvimento é desejável.

• Experiência em contextos de desenvolvimento ou humanitários é desejável.

• Ao menos 2 anos de experiência no apoio ao desenvolvimento e gestão de projetos de área de Interesse social, com foco em monitoramento, relatórios, desenvolvimento e coordenação é desejável.

• Conhecimento em Licenciamento Ambiental de Parcelamentos é desejável

• Experiência com projetos sustentáveis ou com tecnologias verdes e soluções baseadas na natureza é desejável.

• Experiência na administração pública, em órgãos afins a política habitacional é desejável.

• Valoriza-se o conhecimento avançado de ferramentas de gerenciamento de projetos.

• Valoriza-se a certificação em Prince2 Foundations.

• 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.

• 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.