Contract Management Specialist
Organizational Context
UNOPS operates in Latin America and the Caribbean across 23 countries, focusing on resilient infrastructure and public management to advance sustainable development goals. The Barbados Country Office serves as a hub for 17 Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), supporting their climate justice and financing agendas. The Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility, a key initiative, aims to bolster climate-resilient infrastructure implementation and institutional capacity.
Job Purpose
This Contract Management Specialist role, operating under the RIISE Facility, provides demand-driven technical assistance to Caribbean governments for climate-resilient infrastructure projects. The role supports governments by offering specialized contract management advice, conducting impact analyses, and managing disputes. The Specialist will work through two modalities: a Rapid Helpdesk for short-term remote advisory support and Surge Deployments for medium-term engagements requiring on-site presence. While remote work is prioritized, the consultant must be available for travel to participating Caribbean countries, as in-country engagement is crucial for complex assignments requiring hands-on collaboration and technical assessments. The position is on a retainer basis, with potential for full-time employment.
Responsibilities
The Contract Management Specialist will provide specialized contract management and advisory services, interpreting and analyzing contractual terms to offer strategic advice and opinions. This includes evaluating and proposing modifications to contracts. The role involves performing cost estimations and financial impact analyses related to contractual clauses, as well as conducting technical assessments of time and cost impacts. The Specialist may conduct technical site visits to verify compliance and will coordinate with project teams on legal issues. A key responsibility is managing disputes and claims, assessing their validity, preparing defense strategies, and participating in resolution processes. The role also requires generating detailed reports on contractual interpretations and assignment deliverables, including knowledge transfer summaries, safeguards, and risk assessments. Administrative tasks like IP handover confirmation are also included. Official travel may be required.
Work Experience
Required experience includes 3 years in managing public works contracts with international funding sources, alongside general experience in contract management and/or administrative procurement. Desired experience encompasses construction law, claims administration, dispute resolution for large infrastructure projects, knowledge of international procurement standards, and practical application of FIDIC Contracts. Prior experience in Caribbean countries is also preferred.
Skills
Contract Management, Contract Law, Contract Negotiation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction Management, Change Orders, Bid Preparation, Cost Control