Background Information - Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations.
With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
Project Information:
In 2024, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources (MTW) sought UNOPS' support in its organizational transformation, building on recommendations from a report conducted by the CARDNO Limited consultancy firm.
As a key driver of Barbados' development, MTW plays a vital role in advancing progress across multiple sectors. Addressing its operational challenges with a focus on sustainability and innovation, is essential to strengthening its capacity and ensuring its continued contribution to the nationโs growth.
The proposed technical assistance (โTAโ) from UNOPS outlines a strategic approach to overcoming these challenges and reinforcing MTWโs effectiveness as a critical institution for national development. Through targeted interventions, MTW can improve its operations and unlock opportunities for sustainable progress.
Local Context:
Barbados is the United Nations hub for the Eastern-Caribbean, and as such benefits from a strong UN presence. UNOPS presence in the country will be expanded for this project, with the opening of an office in Bridgetown, supported by the UN system and UNOPS Multi-Country office for Panama, Costa Rica and the Caribbean based in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Barbados is a safe country, with a UN Class A hardship level, and level 1 Security level in the US State Department. Normal caution is advised.
About Our Culture:
Our work helps build the foundations for countries and communities to achieve peace and sustainable development, guided by our values - Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity.
UNOPS celebrates diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. UNOPS encourages qualified female candidates, as well as qualified candidates from groups underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce, to apply. These groups include people from racialized or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, as well as people with disabilities.
The purpose of this assignment is to provide expert advisory services to strengthen the capacity of key national and sub-national institutions involved in the planning, implementation, and management of transport infrastructure. The Institutional Strengthening Advisor will work collaboratively with government counterparts to identify institutional weaknesses, develop and implement targeted interventions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The Advisor will focus on building sustainable capacity within existing structures, promoting ownership and accountability.
Key Reponsibilities
Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement: Identify and map all relevant institutions and stakeholders involved in the transport infrastructure sector (e.g., ministries of transport, planning, finance, local governments, regulatory bodies, training institutions). Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure effective communication and collaboration. Institutional Diagnostic and Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the institutional landscape. Strategy and Action Plan Development: Based on the diagnostic assessment, develop a comprehensive institutional strengthening strategy and action plan, with clearly defined objectives, activities, timelines, and performance indicators. Ensure the strategy aligns with national development priorities and incorporates principles of good governance, transparency, and sustainability. Implementation Support and Technical Assistance. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the institutional strengthening interventions. Track progress against key performance indicators and identify areas for improvement. Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination: Document lessons learned and best practices in institutional strengthening. Develop and disseminate knowledge products (e.g., case studies, toolkits, guidelines) to promote knowledge sharing and replication. Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks to the successful implementation of the institutional strengthening strategy. Develop and implement mitigation measures to address these risks. Reporting: Prepare regular progress reports, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
To access the full list of roles and responsibilities, please download the terms of references attached to the announcement.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
a. Education
Advanced University Degree (equivalent to a Master's Degree) in Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, Develpment Studies, Engineering, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree will be accepted preferably in one of the aforementioned areas with a combination of a minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience. ***Please upload your academic diplomas or academic certifications to your application***
b. Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional strengthening, capacity building, or governance reform, preferably in the infrastructure sector, is required. Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments and developing institutional strengthening strategies is required. Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and training to government agencies is required. Experience with public sector management principles and practices is an asset. Experience working in the Caribbean Region or similar developing country contexts is highly desirable. Experience with UNOPS or other UN agencies is an asset Experience in projects with government institutions or international organizations is desirable. c. Languages
Fluency in English language is required Fluency in another UN language would be an asset. d. Job Requirements The position requires virtual and face-to-face contact with various people related to the projects. It is required to make field trips to infrastructure works, including travel to the works and construction site. e. Cover Letter
While your resume shows your skills, experience and training, we are also eager to learn more about your interests and motivations. Therefore, we invite you to upload a cover letter along with your application for the position. Remember to share in the letter your motivation to join the UNOPS team in the advertised position, your interests and skills. Additionally we would like to know your perspective on the UN Values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity. For more information on the UN Values, see the UN Values and Behaviors Framework document.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA 3/LICA 11 - ICS 11 Depending on the needs of the organization, this position may be designated as an International ICA or a Local ICA/or home-based, as applicable.
If defined as a local position, the salary scale will be determined in accordance with UNOPS Human Resources policies.
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
This contract is established in the Regular Monthly Contract modality; continuous service provision is required during the contract period; the payments associated with the contract will be processed at the end of each calendar month.
Work life harmonization: UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered: 11:59 pm CST.
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.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority 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. For more information on a retainer contract 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.
How to apply_EN.pdf (2.5 MB)
How to send a good application_EN.pdf (549 KB)
UN Values and Behaviours.pdf (3.2 MB)