Senior Project Manager Health and Medicines

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, mandated as a central resource to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects worldwide. UNOPS has articulated three contribution goals that govern and guide its contribution to partners' operational results and their achievement of development results, integrating and balancing social, environmental and economic dimensions: (i) sustainable project management; (ii) sustainable infrastructure; and (iii) sustainable procurement.

With a global presence of over 6,000 personnel in 80 countries, UNOPS offers partners logistical, technical, and management expertise tailored to their needs. Currently implementing around 1,000 projects concurrently, UNOPS significantly contributes to on-the-ground results, even in challenging environments.

UNOPS is committed to promoting Fair and Equitable Public Management (GPJE) 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.

Furthermore, UNOPS emphasizes the diversification of supply chains to enhance resilience and create new opportunities for businesses owned by women, youth, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. This approach not only strengthens supply chains but also fosters inclusive economic growth. Diversifying supply chains not only makes them more resilient to challenges, but also opens up new opportunities for businesses owned by women, youth, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities to flourish.

Local Context

Since 1997, UNOPS began its operations in Guatemala in order to support the efforts prior to the signing of the peace agreement and later, following that initiative, it provided support to the Commission for Historical Clarification. Likewise, it has participated in boosting the local economy, through the implementation of productive projects; and since 2000, it has focused on providing assistance to the Government of Guatemala, offering advisory services, project implementation and transactional services.

In 2024, Guatemala is facing a government transition, with the new government plan focusing on social development and improvements in living conditions through public services with a rights-based approach. 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.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The overarching goal of the project is to contribute to the Guatemalan government in the actions aimed at achieving Goal 3.8 of Sustainable Development Goal 3 “Health and well-being”, which establishes that, by 2030, universal health coverage must be “achieved, including protection against financial risks, access to quality essential health services and access to safe, effective, affordable and quality medicines and vaccines for all.” This will be possible through timely, efficient and quality mechanisms as an alternative to guarantee the supply of medicines and other medical devices within the framework of fair and equitable public management. This initiative addresses systemic challenges in Guatemala's healthcare system, such as elevated medication prices, insufficient financing, inadequate demand estimation, and a fragmented procurement system resulting in high administrative transaction costs. Through close collaboration with MSPAS and other stakeholders, the project seeks to systematically address these challenges and improve healthcare accessibility for the Guatemalan population.

With a specific focus on the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance of Guatemala (MSPAS), the project aims to collaborate with the enhancement of the various mechanisms of access to medicines, medical equipment, and supplies by implementing alternative procurement channels following the best practices in public acquisitions and strengthening institutional capabilities. Actions will be implemented to enhance access to medications and public pharmacies through a direct procurement mechanism and a state medicine acquisition system, aiming for affordable prices.

In parallel, to support the strategy of the Government Plan 2024-2028 with the implementation of institutional strengthening efforts leading to the adoption of a management model for the acquisition of medicines and other health supplies, that allows the transition towards the modernization of the country's medicine acquisition system.

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme and in close collaboration with the office’s Senior Management team, Senior Project manager, located in Guatemala City, is responsible for the high-level stakeholders’ engagement and the day-to-day operations of the project(s). He/she provides services to the different donors, partners, and beneficiaries and will be supervising a diverse team of professionals, including technical coordinators, senior experts covering procurement, contract management, supply chain, health sector advisors, communication, diversity and inclusion, and other technical experts. Senior Project Manager acts on behalf of the Project Board to manage the project on an ongoing basis during the Implementation Stage to ensure that the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits. Therefore, is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), Legal Agreement and having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). He/she is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery goals as well as stakeholder satisfaction. Success of the project(s) and hence of the Senior Project Manager will be based on the defined Success Criteria.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions: 1. Project Delivery and Performance 2. Procedures 3. Monitoring and reporting 4. Stakeholder engagement 5. Quality assurance 6. Knowledge management and innovation 7. Personnel management

1. Project Delivery and Performance - Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s) Implement the approved plan (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Board.

• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span.
• Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.

• Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.

  2. Procedures

• Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual and local PMO Guidelines.
• Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.
• Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan
• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team.Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded

• Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.

  3. Monitoring and reporting

• Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.

• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.

4. Stakeholder engagement - Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies - Establish solid working relationships with the Project Board (Executive, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers), client and key stakeholders - Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications.

5. Quality assurance - Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements - Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems

6. Knowledge management and innovation - Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff. - Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices - Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.

7. Personnel Management - Lead and motivate the project management team - Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established - Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely - Select, recruit and train a team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.

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

Education - Advanced University Degree (equivalent to a Master or PhD Degree) preferably in Public Health, Public Procurement, Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Project Management, or other relevant discipline related to the nature of the project. - The master's degree may be replaced by professional studies in the mentioned areas preferably (equivalent to a "Bachelor's degree") and two additional years of relevant experience.

Certification - Certification in Project Management PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 to 9 years experience (depending on the academic degrees) in implementing complex projects/programmes with governments and /or international organizations in Latin American or Caribbean countries.
• Solid procurement experience with exposure to public procurement processes managing multiple stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successfully creating and implementing plans and projects and quality assurance methodologies.

Is an asset

• Have relevant experience in supervision, coordination or direction of projects in the public health sector (procurement, supply chain, advisory)
• Proven experience in risk management.
• Experience working and managing multicultural teams.
• Previous experience working with UN System and / or International cooperation organizations.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Spanish and English is required

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: ****International Individual Contractor Agreement IICA 3, Local Individual Agreement LICA 11**** Contract duration: ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

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

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. This position is open inicially seven (7) days for UNOPS internal candidates, however in case of not receiving enough applications from internal candidates, external candidates applications candidates will be accepted.******

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

Additional Information

• 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.

Additional information