Job Description

Contract Management Specialist

UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services Remote | Home Based - May require travel Both national and international ICSC-10 level Speaks English, Spanish

The Contract Management Specialist will lead technical assistance assignments to facilitate climate-resilient infrastructure implementation in Eastern Caribbean SIDS. This role involves providing strategic advice on contract management, conducting impact analyses, and managing disputes. The Specialist will work closely with project teams and government counterparts to ensure compliance and effective delivery of projects. The position requires a combination of remote and on-site work across participating Caribbean countries.

Candidate Requirements:

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Law, Business Administration, or related fields
• 5 years of relevant experience or 7 years with a Bachelor's degree
• Experience in contract management and administrative procurement
• 3 years managing public works contracts with international funding sources
• Fluency in English

The functions/responsibilities/key results of this job description are generic and may not always be applicable, nor be comprehensive, for all assignments and/or missions under this job title. The specific tasks and deliverables for each retainer assignment may vary and will be detailed in the terms of reference developed for each assignment by the RIISE Secretariat.

The RIISE Facility delivers demand-driven technical assistance primarily through two service modalities: the Rapid Helpdesk, which provides short-term remote advisory support for urgent queries, and Surge Deployments, which involve medium-term engagements designed to support the effective resolution of complex project implementation needs. While RIISE operates on a "remote-first" delivery approach—utilizing digital collaboration tools by default to optimize responsiveness and cost-efficiency—the Consultant must possess the availability and willingness to travel for on-site deployments across participating Caribbean countries. In-country field presence remains a fundamental requirement for complex assignments where direct hands-on engagement, collaborative work with government counterparts, and on-site technical assessments are critical for effective delivery.

While the contract modality for this Vacancy Announcement is an ICA retainer contract on a project or assignment basis, UNOPS may offer, on a need basis, full-time employment for a specified consecutive period of time (up to one year maximum, with possible extensions), with the possibility to move between the two contract modalities subject to operational needs and the incumbent's acceptance of the proposed assignments

The specific tasks for each assignment may vary from one assignment to another assignment. Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the RIISE Secretariat and designated Supervisor, the Specialist will be called upon for specific projects to fulfill one or more of the following key tasks:

• Specialized Contract Management and Advisory
• Interpret, analyze, and provide strategic advice on all matters related to contract management.
• Oversee and supervise specific contractual interpretations, ensuring an in-depth understanding of mechanisms and deadlines to provide timely responses.
• Analyze and issue opinions on the applicability of contractual clauses based on the specific case.
• Evaluate and propose modifications to contractual terms, coordinating with the project team when necessary.
• Impact, Cost, and Time Analysis
• Perform cost estimations and evaluate financial impacts resulting from the application of specific contractual clauses.
• Conduct technical analyses and calculate time and cost impacts related to contractual aspects.
• Technical Supervision and Coordination
• If applicable, conduct technical site visits to inspect specific aspects of contract management and verify compliance with technical specifications based on applicable regulations.
• Attend follow-up and discussion meetings regarding contract management.
• Coordinate directly with the project teams upon identifying any relevant legal issues.
• Dispute and Claims Management
• Manage, evaluate, and respond to claims submitted by contractors, assessing their validity based on contractual terms, technical specifications, and project records.
• Prepare supporting documentation and defense strategies for dispute resolution processes.
• Participate in negotiations, mediation, or arbitration to resolve disputes effectively, minimizing negative impacts on the project's budget and schedule.
• Reports and Reporting
• Generate and submit detailed reports or technical criteria on the managed contractual interpretations.
• RIISE Assignment Deliverables
• Primary Assignment Reports (Modality-Specific)
• RIISE Helpdesk Report: For short-term Rapid Helpdesk assignments, the incumbent must deliver the response and advisory inputs using the standardized RIISE Helpdesk Report Template.
• Assignment Closure Report / Final Technical Report: For Surge Deployments and other medium-term assignments, a comprehensive report must be submitted by the incumbent within 10 working days of the assignment's end.
• Mandatory Components of the Final Technical Report
• Knowledge Transfer Summary: A mandatory section documenting the specific skills, methodologies, tools or capabilities shared with and transferred to government counterpart staff during the assignment.
• Safeguards and Risk Summary: A concise summary of relevant safeguards and risk issues identified, measures recommended or implemented, residual risks and any required follow-up actions.
• Actionable Recommendations & Limitations: Clear recommendations accompanied by prioritized action items, responsible parties where applicable, and an explicit section noting the limitations and assumptions taken into account during the assignment.
• Administrative Closure Deliverables
• Intellectual Property (IP) Handover Confirmation: A mandatory administrative document that the expert must secure before the assignment can be financially closed. It must be signed by the government counterpart, confirming that all relevant technical outputs (reports, drawings, specifications, data) have been successfully transferred to the requesting government.
• Travel
• Official travels may be required during the assignment;
• The BSAFE course must be successfully completed prior to commencement of travel;
• The Contract Management Specialist is responsible for ensuring they have all required vaccinations/inoculations when traveling to certain countries, as designated by local authorities.
• The Contract Management Specialist is required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under:

This recruitment aims to fill a retainer position. Depending on actual needs, the hiring unit may decide to recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts with different working conditions (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions).

Skills: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bid Preparation, Change Orders, Construction Management, Contract Law, Contract Management, Contract Negotiation, Cost Control

Competencies: Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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 Requirements: Required: Master's degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Law, Business Administration, Contract Management or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required; OR Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in

Job Tags

Ongoing contract, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, For contractors, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Work from home, Flexible hours

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