Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Guatemala Country Office is recruiting for this position: Head of Support Services (HOSS)- Internal Candidates Only based in Guatemala City. The Head of Support Services (HOSS) is a critical leadership role in the Guatemala Country Office, reporting to the Director, who provides general guidance and vision.

At UNOPS we celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. We encourage qualified individuals to apply, as well as all individuals who meet the qualifications for the position, especially those from racialized or indigenous groups, people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

Latin America & the Caribbean

Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, UNOPS brings innovative solutions to humanitarian crises and long-standing peace, security and development issues. Coordinated from Panama, we work with partners to provide sustainable housing solutions and income-generating opportunities. We work with governments to ensure the transparent and efficient procurement of medicine and medical supplies, providing real dividends for people in the region. And we help communities combat the effects of climate change.

In all of our work, we aim to ensure national ownership and enhance local capacity while delivering services to the satisfaction of our partners and with the greatest impact for our beneficiaries.

Guatemala Country Office

UNOPS activities in Guatemala have lasted 26 years. We started operations in the country in 1997, and from the beginning, we have always been characterised by intervening in a variety of sectors and projects of varying complexities. From accompanying the peace process following the armed conflict, promoting productive activity in regions of extreme poverty, to modernising the state in terms of reducing infrastructure gaps, procurement, and more recently, supporting efforts in transparency and efficiency of public institutions, in line with the priorities of the government and the well-being of Guatemalans.

As of 2024 the political context is favourable to UN presence in Guatemala, and UNOPS signed the first major project with the new elected government, 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 for up to USD 943M, following the best practices in public procurement and strengthening institutional capabilities.

UNOPS will support the strategy of the 2024-2028 Government Plan, by implementing institutional strengthening efforts leading to the adoption of a management model for the procurement of medicines and other health supplies, that allows the transition towards the modernization of the country’s medicine procurement system as well as the strengthening of a Fair Public Management approach in the MSPAS.

***For more information about the UNOPS Office in Guatemala, please review the Factsheet attached to this publication.***

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

The Role

The HoSS is responsible for providing an efficient and integrated support service for the Country Office, dealing on a daily basis with a diverse team of national and international professionals.

 

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.

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:

• A Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Human Resources Management, Procurement or other relevant field is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Human Resources Management, Procurement or other relevant field in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above

Experience/Requirements:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience covering at least two of the following operations functions: Procurement, Finance, Logistics/ Asset Management and Human Resources. Knowledge of the other functions is desirable.
• A minimum of 3 years of leadership experience, including a proven track record managing staff and operational systems is required.
• Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
• Experience dealing with UN regulations, rules and policies in the areas of contracting, procurement and human resources is desirable.
• Willingness to work in hardship duty stations and/or travel to post crisis locations.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English and Spanish is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA-Staff)

Contract level: P4 / ICSC 11

Contract duration: One year renewable subject to satisfactory performance and budget availability

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

This position is carried out 100% in person, 5 days a week, at the UNOPS Office in Guatemala City.

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 only 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 staff contracts 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.