Programme Management Office (PRMO) Specialist

Background Information - Guatemala

At UNOPS we celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities.

We encourage qualified individuals to apply, as well as all individuals who meet the qualifications for the position, especially those from racialized or indigenous groups, people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

1. About our culture

Our work contributes to building the foundations for countries and communities to improve their living conditions and achieve peace and sustainable development, guided by our values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity.

The UNOPS family brings together people of diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities and aims to maintain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities, as well as an inclusive work environment for all people within the organization. UNOPS is committed to promoting Fair and Equitable Public Management (GPJE by its acronym in Spanish) to ensure the effective and efficient use of public resources. This commitment involves driving excellence in public service, enhancing citizen participation, and integrating perspectives of equality and inclusion. The goal is to invest public resources in the most sustainable and beneficial way for the population, fostering integrity, transparency, and accountability. Within its mandate, UNOPS collaborates closely with partners to leverage the unique opportunities provided by public procurement. Recognizing public spending as a catalyst for change and development, UNOPS actively promotes GPJE by creating transparent, sustainable, and resilient procurement models. These models strengthen supply chains, consolidate institutions, and contribute to achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

2. Local context

In 1997, UNOPS began its operations in Guatemala in order to support the efforts prior to the signing of the peace agreement and subsequently, following that initiative, provided support to the ||Commission for Historical Clarification. Likewise, it has participated in boosting the local economy, by carrying out productive projects; Since 2000, it has focused on providing assistance to the Government of Guatemala, offering advisory services, project implementation, and transactional services, contributing in the following areas: culture, sports, recreation, justice, governance, health, education, tax collection, decentralization of services, environment, water and sanitation, institutional strengthening and infrastructure.

Guatemala, as a family duty-station, offers a unique fusion of professional opportunities, access to health and educational facilities, cultural immersion, and a high quality of life, making it an appealing choice for seasoned professionals looking to make relevant contributions in a dynamic and inspiring place.

3. Projects and Programs in Guatemala

Currently, UNOPS Guatemala's office has a diverse and growing portfolio of projects and programs with high levels of complexity, in the areas of health infrastructure, medical equipment, technological modernization, horizontal and vertical infrastructure, acquisition of medicines/health equipment and institutional strengthening.

UNOPS will provide support in the implementation, execution and management of projects for the public sector and of a social nature committed to promoting Fair and Equitable Public Management (GPJE by its acronym in Spanish) to ensure the effective and efficient use of public resources.

***For more information about the UNOPS Office in Guatemala, please review the Factsheet attached to this publication.*** Background Information - Job-specific

1. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Program Management Office (PRMO) is established to provide a decision-enabling, delivery support and assurance support structure for UNOPS Guatemala's office. The key functions and services of the Program Management Office PRMO Specialist include:

Strategic Planning Support: Ensuring UNOPS Guatemala's office is focused on doing the right projects. Key activities include assessment in alignment with the UNOPS Guatemala's office strategic objectives, planning support, preparation of management dashboards and reports, including scrutiny.

Delivery Support: Ensuring UNOPS Guatemala's office. is doing projects the right way. Key activities include providing expertise for start-up of projects, planning, delivery and closing of projects, and supporting the Business Development and Project Management teams with the application of UNOPS project management policies, standards and practices.

Best Practice implementation: Ensuring effective application of UNOPS policies, processes and standards in programme and project management, encouraging consistent working practices and appropriate application of mandatory requirements.

Support to project assurance - supporting the project's executive in fulfilling his/her project assurance role, by monitoring projects progress against the agreed tolerances, monitoring that working standards are being followed, monitoring that scope is not changing without proper controls and that project risks are controlled quality being managed.

The Program Management Office (PRMO) Specialist reports to the Head of Programme and leads the PRMO unit in Guatemala's office, with additional support/advice from the regional Project Management Advisor. This involves support to the Head of Programme in the design, establishing and managing the PRMO in Guatemala's office, supporting senior management decision making and consistently delivering projects in Guatemala´s portfolio, ensuring that project management policies, processes and systems are followed and applied according to the organization standards. The PRMO Specialist provides overall project assurance capacity, and strongly contributes to moving the UNOPS Guatemala's office toward achieving its strategic objectives.

2. Summary of functional responsibilities The main functional responsibilities of the PRMO Specialist are as follows:

I. Delivery and performance

With the support from the regional Project Management Advisor, successfully design, establish and implement the core functions of the PRMO.

Manage the PRMO on a day to day basis. II. Assurance and reporting

Assume PRMO oversight and assurance support function for the Guatemala's office programmes and projects at any one time, establishing a direct relationship with project managers to facilitate efficient assurance activities

Provide expertise and support to project managers in UNOPS tools, systems and support assurance that processes are being followed. III. Stakeholder management

In consultation with the Head of Programme, develop internal and external stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies at the Guatemala's office and project levels, as applicable

Support the formulation of programme and project communications plans. IV. Quality assurance

Coordinate with Head of Support Services and Risk Management Advisor to ensure the programme complies with audit requirements, as applicable

Ensure compliance with UNOPS defined quality standards for programme and project management. V. Knowledge management

Ensure routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of national personnel.

Participate in, and advocate PMs' participation in, relevant Communities of Practice. VI. Personnel Management

Supervises, motivates and develops the Guatemala's office PRMO team

Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established. VII. Set-up and closure

Develop, track and maintain dependencies across programmes and projects.

Acts as (or nominates and supervises) a focal point between Guatemala´s Office and client throughout the project closure process.
**To obtain more accurate information please read the term of reference attached below.
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. Education/Experience/Language requirements

1. Education

A Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration/Management, International Development, Political Science, Economics, Engineering or relevant fields is desirable .

A Bachelor's Degree in the above-mentioned areas or other relevant field plus two (2) additional years of experience will be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree.

2. Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years (or more depending on academic credentials) of relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in the field of Project Management with experience of successful implementation and/or oversight of programmes and projects.

Experience with data analysis, management reporting and project management tools and information management systems is required.

Previous experience of working within a PMO/PRMO environment is an advantage.

Previous experience of working with International Organizations is an advantage.

3. Language

Full domain of Spanish

English is required at a professional level.

4. Certifications Program Management Professional (Pgmp), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) or PRINCE2 Practitioner Certifications are desirable.
Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement -ICA Regular montly contract: This contract is established in the form of regular monthly contract, that is, a continuous presentation of services is required during the duration of the contract, with payments associated with the contract being made at the end of each calendar month.

Contract level: Local Individual Contractor Agreement LICA 10 / International Individual Contractor Agreement IICA 2 (ICSC 10)

Contract duration: ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

Duty Station: Guatemala City, Guatemala (Family Duty Station)

This position is carried out 100% in person, 5 days a week, at the UNOPS Office in Guatemala City.

UNOPS is an inclusive employer and we invite women, men and diverse groups to apply.

Work-life balance: UNOPS values its staff and recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal responsibilities.

We have a work-life balance policy and offer several flexible schedule possibilities. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel under any contractual arrangement.

Upon request UNOPS seeks to accommodate candidates with special needs.

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

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

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.

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. 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.

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.