Senior Project Manager Vacancy Type Internal candidates only

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) operates in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on high-impact solutions for sustainable development. In Brazil, UNOPS collaborates with various partners on projects in health, education, urbanization, and institutional strengthening, playing a key role in national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. This role is within the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for the Southern Cone (SCMCO), based in Brazil.

Job Purpose

The Senior Project Manager (Infrastructure) is responsible for the effective delivery and daily management of infrastructure projects, which may involve the construction of physical assets, technical deliverables, or both. These projects span diverse sectors including education, health, transport, irrigation, and port infrastructure. The role serves as the focal point for coordination with donors, partners, and beneficiaries, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments and UNOPS performance standards. Acting on behalf of the Project Board, the Senior Project Manager ensures project deliverables are met within agreed tolerances for time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and benefits, driving successful project outcomes.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include developing and updating project implementation plans, managing project execution within defined tolerances, and integrating sustainability dimensions throughout the project lifecycle. The role involves managing the production of required deliverables, taking responsibility for overall progress and resource utilization, and initiating corrective actions as needed. Ensuring the quality of work packages and deliverables, maintaining contact with external vendors, and monitoring project progress while managing changes are crucial. The Senior Project Manager must identify, anticipate, and advise on risk mitigation measures to maximize benefits. Adherence to organizational policies, financial regulations, and local laws is essential. The role also encompasses developing stakeholder engagement strategies, fostering strong working relationships with key stakeholders, and coordinating project communications. Furthermore, it involves managing knowledge sharing, innovation, and leading and motivating the project team, ensuring fair performance management and recruitment processes.

Work Experience

Required experience includes working in the implementation and management of infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, dams, bridges, irrigation, health, ports) in developing, post-conflict, or emergency contexts. Experience in defining technical and design requirements, managing infrastructure project risks in a multi-stakeholder environment, and knowledge of infrastructure quality assurance methodologies are mandatory. Experience in contract management, working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations, and familiarity with FIDIC contracts are desirable.

Skills

Contractors, Engineering Design, Project Control, Project Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Project Resource Management, Contract Management, Quality Assurance, Team Leadership.

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