Background Information – Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services ( UNOPS ) is a United Nations body responsible for infrastructure, procurement and project management ( Resolution 65/176 of 2010 of the General Assembly ). Our mission is to help people improve their living conditions and countries to achieve peace and sustainable development. The three priority areas of UNOPS correspond to: i ) Sustainable Infrastructure: UNOPS designs, builds, repairs and maintains infrastructure in some of the most challenging environments in the world. Its activities focus on the development of transportation, education and health infrastructure, among other areas.

ii ) Public acquisitions: UNOPS is a central procurement resource of the United Nations system and Governments. Emphasizes efficient, transparent and sustainable delivery of goods and services.

iii ) Project management: UNOPS manages more than a thousand humanitarian, development and peace-building projects per year for different partners, guaranteeing quality, effectiveness and results that meet the highest standards.

UNOPS work seeks environmental, social and economic sustainability, which contributes to the progress of equity and the common good of the countries in which it operates, thus promoting the improvement of the living conditions of the most needy people. UNOPS has a presence in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Services, products and technical assistance comply with the principles of public administration of transparency, fairness, integrity, free competition, impartiality, morality, effectiveness, efficiency and respect for national institutions.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Regional Management & Oversight Advisor, the/the Senior Assistant in Administration ( and Finance ) provides support to the services of the UNOPS Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, which guarantees a high quality of work, precise, timely and duly documented provision of services. The Administration Assistant ( and Finance ) promotes a customer-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations in the office.

The Assistant for Administration ( and Finance ) works closely with colleagues in the Regional Office and with colleagues at UNOPS headquarters, to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Summary of functions: I. Administration and control of the budget of Regional Office II. Travel management III. Administrative and logistical support in holding IV events. Validation of Assets V. Other tasks linked to the M&O unit For more detailed information about the functions of the position please verify the attached terms of reference.

Education / Experience / Language requirements

TO. Education

•  Completion of secondary studies is required.
•  A college degree ( bachelor’s or master’s degree ) is desirable and can replace some of the years of experience required. Administration, Finance, Economic Sciences, or related careers are desirable.
•  Similarly, a technical level diploma in a relevant area may replace some of the years of experience required.

***Please upload your academic diplomas or academic records to your application*** B. Experience

•  A minimum of 5 years of experience ( or less, depending on academic credentials ) in the area of Administration and / or Finance.
•  Minimum one year of experience in administrative UNOPS in Support Areas at the country office or project level is required.

C. Language

•  Fluency is required in the Spanish language ( oral and written level ).
•  It is desirable to be fluent in English. Intermediate level of writing and reading is required.

ES Competencies

It shows understanding the impact its role has on all partners and always puts the beneficiary first. Develops and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others ( if it enters its functions ).

Evaluates the data and procedures to be followed to achieve logical and pragmatic decisions. Take an impartial and rational approach with calculated risks. Apply innovation and creativity to the problem-solving process.

Effectively establishes a line of action of your own and / or for others with the aim of achieving a goal. The actions lead to the correct achievement of the task with special attention to quality in all areas. Identify opportunities and take the initiative to act. Understand that the responsible use of resources maximizes the impact that we can have on our beneficiaries.

Treat all individuals with respect, respond tactfully to differences, and encourage others to do the same. Defend ethical and organizational standards. Maintains high standards of trust. It is a model for diversity and inclusion.

It is open to change and flexible in an environment with a high work rate. Adapt your perspective to changing circumstances or requirements. Reflect on past experiences and modify your own behavior. Performance is constant, even under pressure. Always pursue continuous improvement.

Express ideas or facts clearly, concisely and openly. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listen and proactively share knowledge. Manage conflicts effectively by overcoming differences of opinion and finding a common denominator.

It acts as a positive model that contributes to team spirit. Collaborate and support the development of others. For Personnel Administrators Only: By using appropriate leadership styles, it acts as a model of positive leadership, motivates, directs, and inspires others to succeed.

Contract type, level and duration

Type of Contract: ICA – Individual Contractor Agreement

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

Contract Level: LICA 5 ( ICS 05 ). The salary scale is defined based on the profile of the selected person and availability of local scale in the country of residence.

Contract Duration: 5 months ( temporary to cover parental leave ).

For more information on the ICA contract you can enter the following link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional information

•  Unsolicited applications will not be accepted.
•  Nominations received after the deadline will not be considered.
•  Only selected candidates will be contacted, who will be invited to the next phase of the selection process, which consists of several evaluations.
•  UNOPS celebrates diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. UNOPS workforce is made up of people of diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS aims to maintain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities, as well as an inclusive work environment for its entire workforce.
•  UNOPS encourages qualified candidates, as well as qualified candidates from underrepresented groups in the UNOPS staff, to apply. These groups include people from racialized or indigenous groups, members of gender identities and minority sexual orientations, as well as people with disabilities.
•  UNOPS would like to ensure that all candidates can perform to the best of their ability during the evaluation process. If you are selected and need additional assistance to complete an evaluation test, such as reasonable adjustments, please inform the person responsible for human resources when you receive the invitation.

Terms and conditions

•  For civil service positions, UNOPS reserves the right to designate a candidate for a lower level than that published in the vacancy announcement.
•  Holders of container modality contracts must complete a series of compulsory courses before starting to provide services to UNOPS. These courses must be completed outside the hours worked for UNOPS and the total approximate duration is about four hours. For more information on container modality contracts, see this page.
•  All UNOPS staff have a responsibility to carry out their tasks in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the policies and instructions of UNOPS, as well as with the corresponding accountability frameworks. Furthermore, all staff must demonstrate that they understand the Sustainable Development Goals in line with the core values of the United Nations and Our Common Agenda.
•  Within its policies, UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential candidates. Recruitment at UNOPS is contingent on the results of such verifications.

Additional information TDR_Senior Assistant for Administration and Finance_LICA 5 ORD.pdf ( 555 KB )