Knowledge Management Specialist (maternity cover)

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Background information - Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) 

UNOPS strategic focus places increased emphasis on national capacity development and sustainable approaches to project management, procurement and infrastructure services. A key objective is to be recognized as an organization that delivers world-class infrastructure and project management, which is both economically and socially sustainable, even in the most challenging environments. To achieve this goal, UNOPS has established the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG). 

Within UNOPS, it is IPMG’s objective to serve the organization’s personnel and partners by broadening their infrastructure and project management capabilities, while disseminating best practices in both of these areas. Through this work, the group helps facilitate the successful delivery of programs and projects around the world.

To achieve its objectives, IPMG has established three interrelated and interdependent technical streams, namely, Strategic Initiatives, Standards, and Engagement Assurance, that are supported by the Portfolio Support team.

Background Information – Job specific

Since its 2018-2021 Strategic Plan, UNOPS has made knowledge management one of its key priorities and has displayed an ambition to focus knowledge management on efforts to harness expertise for integrated service offerings and specialized solutions.

The current focus of knowledge management at UNOPS is to support strategic direction setting in alignment with UN system priorities as well as internal operations.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Strategic Initiatives, IPMG, the Knowledge Management Specialist will coordinate organizational knowledge management initiatives and will be responsible for the timely implementation of relevant action plans.  

A key work package will be the coordination of the UNOPS Mission Hubs Secretariat. The Mission Hubs cover a number of thematic areas ranging from quality healthcare to a just digital transformation. The Mission Hubs support UNOPS efforts to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the implementation of UNOPS Strategic Plan 2022-2025. Through the Mission Hubs Secretariat, the Knowledge Management Specialist will deliver knowledge management approaches and implementation to support the achievement of Mission Hub work plans. Work in the Mission Hubs will involve close collaboration with global senior leadership as well as colleagues across Headquarters (HQ) and the field.

Additional work packages may include collaboration with internal transformation initiatives including the Process Innovation and Digitalization Programme (PID Programme), the rethinking of Portfolio, Programme and Project Management (P3M) and Evaluation, Insights and Learning (EIL). The Knowledge Management Specialist will provide advice and implementation support for knowledge management projects within these initiatives. 

The Knowledge Management Specialist will also supervise the Knowledge Management Analyst, working closely together to implement the Knowledge Management team’s action plan.

• Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in relevant discipline.
• A first-level University degree or Bachelor's or equivalent in a related field of study with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s Degree requirement.

• A minimum 5 years of progressive professional experience in knowledge management and/or communication, and coordination of large initiatives involving multiple stakeholders is required;
• Experience in the development and implementation of knowledge management approaches and/or products is required;
• Experience in people management will be considered an asset;
• Experience in managing senior stakeholders will be considered an asset;
• Technical proficiency in project management will be considered an asset;
• Previous working experience in developing countries in an international environment will be considered an asset;
• Considering the short duration of the position, UNOPS experience will be considered when reviewing the applications.

• Fluency in English required;
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish is considered a valuable asset.

• 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.