Head of Programme

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 organizations.  

UNOPS has worked in Honduras since 2014. The main operating sectors in the country are specialized in the procurement of medicines; medical equipment; ambulances and information technology equipment; institutional strengthening and sustainable infrastructure. Also, UNOPS has provided technical assistance in financing for development  initiatives for infrastructure investment projects in the country.The Honduras Office is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with the portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

UNOPS in Honduras is a Multi-Country Office  made up of the countries of: Honduras and El Salvador.  UNOPS in Honduras with its partners has 8 ongoing projects in the areas of: 

• Public procurement and technical assistance in the information technology and communications sector 

• Public procurement and technical assistance in the medicine, medical equipment, medical supplies and services for the sector Health

• Technical assistance in financing for development  partnerships.

The MCO has a portfolio of 37 million dollars in 2023, with a permanent staff of 48 people throughout the MCO. The main Associates in Honduras and El Salvador are national public partners (eg. government entities).

The MCO has a portfolio projection of 102 million dollars, which will  expand the portfolio with projects in the areas of sustainable infrastructure (mainly health-related infrastructure), public procurement in the health sector and technical assistance in the water and sanitation sector. 

For more information in regard to UNOPS work in Honduras please check the fact sheet "UNOPS en Honduras".

Summary of key results:

1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring
2. Programme development and planning
3. Manage programme resources
4. Partnership networking and advocacy 
5. Knowledge management and innovation

Education:

• An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master's degree) is required, preferably in engineering, project management, public administration, social sciences or other.

• The education requirements specified in the previous section may be replaced by a bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) and an additional two years of relevant experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience combining strategic direction, business development, executive management or management and/or program operations management in a large international organization and/or company is required.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience managing large teams and operating systems is required, including managing senior professional personnel.

• Experience in managing several projects simultaneously or programs is required.

In addition, experience in the following areas will be valued:

• Experience collaborating with different stakeholders, whether in the public or private sector, will be valued.

• Experience developing project proposals for the public sector will be valued.

• Experience executing projects for the public sector will be valued.

• Experience in United Nations agencies, preferably in a developing country, will be an asset.

Languages:

• Proficiency in the Spanish language is required (fluent level).

• A good working level of English is required to work effectively in that language (minimum intermediate level).

Certifications:

• 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. 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.